Participants earn college credits and receive ongoing individualized support throughout their entire undergraduate career as part of the IDEA Scholars program.
The UC San Diego Summer Engineering Institute (SEI) is a five-week residential program designed for incoming first-year engineering students. It aims to provide a head start on their academic careers by offering eight college credits towards an engineering degree. Participants receive support in transitioning from high school to a rigorous university-level engineering curriculum and gain familiarity with campus programs and resources. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with projects, developing practical skills for problem-solving, and creating innovative solutions. Students enroll in two courses, including an engineering major-specific class (such as MAE 8: MATLAB Programming for Engineering Analysis for Aerospace Engineering majors) and either ENG 15: Engineering Your Success or ENG 30: Problem Solving for the 21st Century Changemaker. ENG 15 focuses on academic and personal skills like time management and study habits, while ENG 30 builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Beyond academics, SEI fosters a strong sense of community through organized social activities, workshops, and networking events with current students, alumni, and industry partners. Upon completion, students become part of the IDEA Scholars program, receiving ongoing individualized support throughout their undergraduate career.
A typical day includes academic courses, workshops focusing on academic and professional development, and organized social activities in the evenings and on weekends.
This program is ideal for incoming first-year UC San Diego engineering students who want to gain a head start on their degree, adjust to university life, and build a supportive community.
UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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