The first two years

foundation and advanced courses in five broad fields of study, mandatory for all students :

 mathematics -computer science
 mechanics - energetics
 electrical engineering
 matter - materials
 human sciences - management

spring-boards into industry with :

 a study project : 15 months' small-group project work on a topic put forward by a firm or a lab : introduction to project work and to a real work environment.
 an industrial project : 5 months' team-work, closely simulating industrial contract performance for a client firm
 an execution internship : 1 month's (minimum) full-time internship to learn how a company works
 an application internship : 2 months (minimum) in a firm, working as an engineer.

 In 3rd year, students make their specialization via a two-fold choice : 1 of 7 science electives, and 1 of 6 professional electives. Each elective can usually lead on to a Master of Science degree.

The 3rd year can take place in another school within the Centrale Graduate School (also with an other options' offer), or in a partner institution in France or abroad. This may give lead to a double degree. 

Spring-boards into works :

 the end-of-studies work : 5 months' work in a firm or lab, culminating in a study of the highest scientific, technical and methodological level, defended in front of a jury.

 1-year out between 2nd and 3rd years : more than 20 % of students opt to take a full year out in a company just before their 3rd year; this constitutes a genuine first job and helps the students clarify their professional projects.