Your path is just beginning, and here is where it all comes together 

Pathway to Engineering is an advising program offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for new students interested in pursuing engineering, who do not meet the minimum requirements for direct admission to the College of Engineering. 

As a student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences you’ll receive dedicated advising and support to help you reach your academic goals. Throughout your senior year, you’ll hear from LAS about opportunities that might interest you in your first year at Iowa State.

Frequently asked questions

You have been admitted to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) as a Pathway to Engineering student. Because your admissions index score is below the minimum requirement, we are not able to admit you directly into the College of Engineering as requested on your application for admission. 

To move into the College of Engineering, you will need to achieve two things once you start classes at Iowa State:

1. Complete these required courses with at least a 2.0 (C) average:

  • English 1500 (3 credits)
  • Mathematics 1650 and 1660 (4 credits each)
  • Physics 2310 (4 credits)
  • Physics 2310L (1 credit)
  • Chemistry 1670 (4 credits) or Chemistry 1770 (4 credits)
  • Library 1600 (1 credit)
  • Engineering Orientation 1010 (0 credits)

2. Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all Iowa State courses attempted.

As part of the Pathway to Engineering Program, you will take a special LAS1010 course for Pathway students. You will be assigned an advisor to help you plan your courses, track your progress, and connect you to resources for academic success. Your advisor will help you register for these classes during summer orientation.

Yes, you may change your major by navigating to the Admissions MyAccount. Note, you may not select a major within the College of Engineering. 

Admissions MyAccount

If you have any questions, please ask. We are here to help, and we love hearing from you.

Erin Valerio-Garsow
Assistant Director of Academic Advising
discover-las@iastate.edu