Undergraduate
Prospective Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering (BSIDE) Students
Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDE) offers a broader perspective on engineering compared to traditional disciplines. While it builds on the foundational skills and knowledge common to all engineering fields, IDE emphasizes a systems-oriented approach and collaboration with non-engineering groups. Traditional engineering remains essential for developing and maintaining existing and emerging technologies, but IDE is an expanding field with applications in diverse areas such as consulting, research, law, medicine, project management, business, space exploration, and more.
The BSIDE program provides students with the flexibility to pursue a minor degree or specialize in a particular track, such as the pre-law track, which is designed for those interested in careers in intellectual property law.
An important aspect of the curriculum for a BS in IDE is that it can be customized based on a student’s career goal. It is designed to ensure that not only the basic math and science skills are acquired but also courses necessary for communication and working in teams which are necessary skills for successfully accomplishing engineering projects. The greater challenges of new and emerging technologies will require working with non-engineering groups as well. For more information on BSIDE visit Program Overview page.
The following web pages provide information on admission application, cost, and scholarship opportunity.
Admission Application and Requirement
An example of flexible IDE curriculum--- Pre-Law track
Innovation drives our lives, and an IDE degree teaches you how to innovate. The IDE pre-law track supplements this training by introducing you to another important aspect of innovation: protecting innovation through intellectual property law. This track features two cutting-edge courses taught by experts in the field of intellectual property: ENGR 130 Introduction to Intellectual Property for Engineers and ENGR 131 Introduction to Patents for Engineers. Explore expanding the scope of your IDE degree into the legal arena, see and read more about the pre-law track below!
Video testimony from Christopher Reed, JD., SJSU Engineering Alumni.
Video testimony from Vignesh Ramachandran, JD., SJSU Engineering Alumni.
Video testimony from Andy Han, JD., SJSU Engineering Alumni.
What can I do with the IDE prelaw track?
The IDE prelaw track prepares you to for many exciting careers in high demand. Here’s a sampling of some of the careers you’ll be prepared to pursue:
Intellectual Property Attorney
IP attorneys are practicing lawyers who specialize in intellectual property law. Often times, they help clients establish and protect their intellectual property rights.
Educational Requirements: In order to be an IP attorney, you'll have to go to law school. A degree in engineering, especially with a track in IDE, can prepare you for law school by training your critical thinking skills and giving you the background necessary to understand some of the intellectual property you may end up protecting.
Learn more aout Intellectual Property Law at the United States Patent and Trademark Office USPTO.
Patent/TM Agent
Patent and TM agents work with inventors on filing for patent and trademark protection. They are professionally licensed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Educational Requirements: You don't need a law degree to become a patent agent, though you do need an undergraduate degree in an approved major--such as interdisciplinary engineering! In addition, you'll have to pass the USPTO's patent bar exam.
Find out more about becoming a patent practitioner.
Legal Engineering
Legal engineers work in the intersection of law and technology. For instance, they might help determine whether a legal service can be standardized into a product, or help create those products.
Educational Requirements: You don't need a law degree to be a legal engineer, though some legal engineers have them and it helps to be familiar with legal processes. The ability to think creatively, communicate with both lawyers and technologists, and understand the intersection of law and technology are essential skills. You can build these skills with the IDE track!
Read more at American Society of Legal Engineers.
Other Careers
The beauty of the intersection between law, technology, and engineering is that you can create your own career path. You'll have a unique mix of skills that are in high demand in many industries.
Meet Our Pre-Law Advising Team
Want to learn more? We have a full advising team who can answer your questions about the IDE pre-law track.
Rebecca Chan PhD, JD
SJSU Pre-law Advisor
rebecca.s.chan@sjsu.edu
Christopher Reed JD
SJSU Alumnus BSEE 1997, Advisor
christopher.reed@sjsu.edu
I’m in! What’s my course of study?
A 4-year program of study road map can be found BSIDE Pre-law Track.
