Summer Bridge FAQ

This five-week summer residential experience focuses on enabling incoming engineering students to achieve a smooth transition to college life. This holistic approach consists of two main components: academic activities and life skills activities. The entire Summer Bridge experience is designed to produce life-long friendships that serve as the foundation for a strong support network to help you achieve success in engineering!

The academic activities include non-credit courses in topics essential to the engineering curriculum and a 5-week engineering research project. Course topics include mathematics (trig/pre-calculus or college algebra), science, and computer programming. The course activities are designed to prepare students for college classes, and refresh topics that are critical for success during the freshmen year of engineering at Mississippi State University. The engineering project is planned in conjunction with the Summer Bridge industry sponsor, and it provides an opportunity to learn engineering design while working to solve a real-world engineering problem.

Students participating in the Summer Bridge Program are provided on-campus housing, class instructors, peer counselors, textbook/materials and meal stipends.

Incoming freshmen interested in the Summer Bridge Program in the Bagley College of Engineering (BCoE) at Mississippi State University, should be majoring in one of the following:

2023 Program Dates: May 31 - June 30

Priority Application Deadline: March 31

Students who apply by the priority deadline will be contacted about acceptance into the Summer Bridge Program by April 30.

Final Application Deadline: May 1

Applications received after the priority deadline will be accepted until May 1 only if there are spots remaining.

PART I, II, III, IV: Online Application

PART V: Submit PDFs of two reference letters to Dr. Jean Mohammadi-Aragh at:
https://tinyurl.com/2023BridgeApp.

Academic Preparation
Students who will attend the Bridge Program will earn 3-credits in math (college algebra, pre-calculus, or calculus I), and receive an overview of chemistry, computer programming, and technical communication. Students will also participate on an engineering team and work in engineering laboratories.

Learning Strategies and Life Skills
Participants will receive instruction in strategies which may be used in their college courses. Mandatory study hall will be held Sunday through Thursday evenings.

Parent Seminar
Parents may also have to adjust to the demands of having a child in college; therefore, parents will participate in the Bridge orientation. This orientation session does not replace the MSU Orientation.

Academic Overview
Participants will attend classes throughout the entire program. Class schedules will simulate a typical semester schedule of classes.

Upper-class Peer Mentors
Each participant will be assigned a BCoE upperclassman mentor. These mentors will provide academic and personal support for participants throughout the Summer Bridge Program.

Program Cost
Program participants receive housing, some meals, tuition, and books during Summer Bridge. The generous sponsorship of corporate partners has made it possible for all participants to attend the program at no cost. Participants will supply their own pocket money and some meals.

Final Thoughts
Although you might think that working or relaxing during the summer is more important than participating in the BCoE Summer Bridge Program, think again! During the intensive session, you will cultivate friendships with peers in your freshman class that will last throughout your college career. In addition, you will have the opportunity to "jump start" your academic career and gain the skills necessary to excel in your chosen major.

Summer Bridge FAQ

What is the Summer Bridge Program?

Special thanks to our sponsor!