ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

Dual Degree Engineering Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Dual Degree Engineering program is a cooperative agreement between ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø College and two colleges that offer ABET-accredited engineering programs. The program is sometimes also called "combined degree" or "3/2." The two engineering schools in the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Dual Degree Engineering Program are Columbia University in New York City, NY, and Washington University in St. Louis in St. Louis, MO. The student begins at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø College, and completes most or all of the graduation requirements for a B.A. During the last year at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, the student applies to the engineering school. If accepted, the student then attends the engineering school for two or three years, completing the requirements for a BS (2 years) and MS (3 years) in engineering.

The engineering schools have excellent engineering programs, and admissions are highly competitive. Each year, these schools reserve a small number of seats for students from ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and other schools like us across the nation. While there is competition for these spots, the probability of receiving admission through the Dual Degree program is much higher than the probability of receiving admission into the engineering program as a first-year student. 

There are many types of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, and computer engineering. Other types include systems, aeronautical, financial, environmental, biomedical, and industrial engineering. Each partner school offers a different selection of these engineering types. 

Look to the Future

The choice of major at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø depends on the type of engineering degree being sought. For example, a student interested in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering will typically major in physics. A student interested in chemical or biochemical engineering might major in chemistry, chemical physics, or biochemistry molecular biology. A student interested in computer engineering will major in computer science. Finishing requirements for a ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø degree with one major in three years requires careful preparation and planning. Students will typically not have time to also complete a second major or a minor or have time to take a complete semester to study abroad unless they stay for the fourth year. However, if a student arrives at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø with multiple transfer credits or Advanced Placement (AP) credits, it is possible to complete something beyond the one major.

The following ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø classes are required for general admission to all the Dual Degree programs:

• CHEM 110 General Chemistry I: Chemical Structure and Properties (w/Lab)
• CSCI 150 Foundations of Computer Science (w/Lab)
• MATH 130 Calculus I
• MATH 140 Calculus II
• MATH 260 Differential Equations
• MATH 230 Multivariable Calculus
• PHYS 235 Workshop Physics I (w/Lab)
• PHYS 245 Workshop Physics II (w/Lab)

We also recommend completing MATH 270 Linear Algebra and MATH 215 Introductory Statistics at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø.

Other classes that must be taken at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø depend on the selection of engineering school and engineering type. First-year students should work with their advisor to plan to fit these classes, plus the classes needed for the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø major, plus the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø general graduation requirements into three years. In order to meet this schedule, first-year students must complete the calculus sequence in their first year. The other first-year classes should work towards the major and general graduation requirements.

Financial aid packages provided by ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø College provide assistance while the student is studying at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and do not continue while the student is at the engineering school. Outside scholarships may or may not apply to the engineering school tuition, depending on the details and requirements of each scholarship. Each engineering school offers their own financial aid packages, and it is the student's responsibility to apply for these programs at the time of application to the program at each school. 

Questions?

For information, contact Dr. Ann Wright in the Physics Department.  Additional information is available from Dual Degree Engineering Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).