Olin College of Engineering
Needham, MA
University Info | Student Affairs and Resources
Fast Facts
- In just 20 short years, Olin has vaulted to the top of the list of leading engineering educators globally.
- Olin is a living laboratory where students, faculty and staff learn alongside one another, reinventing curricula and pedagogy along the way.
- Olin has established itself as an institution renowned for reimagining STEM education and for redefining the positive impact engineers can have in the world.
- Olin's original approach to integrating traditional engineering skills with design and entrepreneurial thinking, reinforced through repeated, large-scale practice in project-based and stakeholder-focused work, has become a widespread standard for engineering education.
- Olin's mission extends beyond campus, across the globe as it works in partnership with others to build institutions, inspire lasting impact, and effect transformation in the design and delivery of engineering education.
Introduction
Olin College prepares students to become exemplary engineering innovators who recognize needs, design solutions, and engage in creative enterprises for the good of the world.
Olin College seeks to redefine engineering as a profession of innovation encompassing 1) the consideration of human and societal needs; 2) the creative design of engineering systems; and 3) the creation of value through entrepreneurial effort and philanthropy. The College is dedicated to the discovery and development of the most effective educational approaches and aspires to serve as a model for others.
The Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering received its educational charter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1997, the same year the Foundation announced its ambitious plans for the college. Planning and architectural design work for a state-of-the-art campus began almost immediately. By the end of 1999, the new institution's leadership team had been hired, and site development work commenced on 70 acres adjacent to Babson College. Olin's first faculty members joined the college by September 2000.
Terms of Exchange
Study Level
- Undergraduate students: Accepted
- Graduate students: NOT Accepted
- Computer Science majors: NOT Accepted
Eligibility Requirements
- Students must be majoring in Engineering or significant engineering coursework on their transcript.
- Student must be in their third year (out of four years) of study during the exchange period.
- Students should have the equivalent of a 3.2 on a 4.0 GPA grading scale. Borderline students may be considered on a case by case basis.
English Proficiency Requirements
Students should have a recommended minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85.
Study Period
Fall, Spring, or Academic Year
Students can study at Olin for one semester, with the possibility of extending for another semester. Students may indicate two semesters of study on their Global E3 application if that is their intention but should be aware that the second semester is pending approval based on sufficient academic performance.
Academic Calendar | Semester Dates (including exam period)
- Fall: late August to early December
- Spring : late January to early May
Academic Information
Disciplines Available
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering (Concentrations: Bioengineering, Computing, Materials Science, Systems)
Course Contents
Course Descriptions | Schedule of Classes
Enrollment Requirements
- Students are only eligible to cross-register for one course.
Workload per Semester
The definition of full-time study is a minimum of 12 attempted degree credits each semester and a maximum of 20 attempted degree credits each semester.
Additional Application Materials
Recommendation letter from a professor or academic staff:
Students will receive their acceptance packets within two weeks after application submission.
Housing
99% of Olin students live on campus, in West Hall and the newer East Hall, which means your friends and classmates are always close by and you won't need a car. West Hall consists mostly of doubles, while East Hall has a mix of housing, including 19 six-person suites.
West Hall - Your high-tech home away from home. Each room is double-occupancy with private bath and central air. At each desk, there are connections for power and cable TV, as well as voice, data and fiber-optic outlets. Each floor has a common living room with a working fireplace.
East Hall - With the same technological features as West Hall, this new four-story residence hall includes suites with single occupancy bedrooms, a living room, two bathroom areas and a suite-sized microfridge. This new hall also includes double occupancy bedrooms similar to those in West Hall. East Hall residents enjoy two music practice rooms, an exercise room, a kitchenette, study rooms, lounge areas and space for bicycle storage.
Estimated Cost of Living
Estimated Budget
Food/meals
Housing
Contact
Office Responsible for International Exchange Students
Student Affairs and Resources | Email
City Info
Olin is located in Needham, Massachusetts, a classic New England town complete with a picturesque town common, plus restaurants, banks, a bookstore and other necessities. A large mall is about 15 minutes away by car. Boston, New England's largest city and a vibrant center of arts, entertainment and business, is about half an hour away by car or 45 minutes by train. You'll never run out of things to do in the world's number one college town, home to some 60 colleges and more than 250,000 college students, as well as world-class museums, restaurants and arts institutions. In Boston proper, you can walk the Freedom Trail, attend a concert at Symphony Hall, shop on trendy Newbury Street, eat in fine restaurants or check out the vibrant club scene--among many other activities. Travel one hour from Boston, and you can be on the beaches of Cape Cod; travel two hours and you can be skiing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Travel four hours, and you can be attending a play in New York City.
