Dual Degree Program

Washington U. cooperates with a select group of affiliated colleges and universities to offer students the opportunity to earn a liberal arts degree (from their current school) and an undergraduate engineering degree (from Washington U.). Participants are undergraduate students who commonly follow either a 3-2 or a 4-2 schedule, entering Washington U. after their junior or senior year.

View complete list of affiliated Dual Degree Schools.

The Dual Degree Program is an attractive alternative to traditional engineering curricula. Program graduates are "liberally educated engineers," with strong communication and problem-solving skills, a broad background in the humanities and social sciences, and a high-quality technical education.

Other advantages include:

• opportunity to complete degrees in two diverse areas under predictable conditions
• time to possibly postpone career decisions to explore and confirm long-term goals
• extra time to pursue other academic, athletic, or extracurricular interests
• opportunity to use the supportive, personalized environment of a small liberal arts institution to develop the skills and confidence needed for success in engineering

To prepare for career opportunities which require multidisciplinary teams to address challenges, students in the Dual Degree Program will develop strong oral and written communications, problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Degrees Awarded

Programs of study lead to the same degrees available to other students in the School of Engineering & Applied Science.

Biomedical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Mechanical Engineering
Systems Science & Engineering

Students are encouraged to pursue independent research projects, internships, cooperative education, international experiences and graduate study.

Course Requirements

These are the core requirements for all undergraduate professional engineering study, which should be completed before entry into Washington U.

• Chemistry: one semester of general chemistry with lab
• Computer Programming: one course or certified proficiency in a high-level language (all majors except Chemical Engineering)
• English Composition: one course, acceptable examination scores, or college certification of proficiency
• Humanities & Social Sciences: no fewer than 18 semester hours in approved areas (This sequence must include six semester hours in Humanities and six semester hours in Social Sciences, with at least three semester hours at the junior/senior or 300–400 level.)
• Mathematics: a calculus sequence which includes exposure to multivariable calculus and a separate course in differential equations
• Physics: one-year calculus-based sequence with lab
• Total Credits: a minimum of 60 semester hours of transferable college credit (courses with grades below C- do not transfer)

In addition, there are some department-specific requirements.

• Biomedical Engineering: a one-year biology sequence that covers cellular, molecular and developmental biology and genetics and a second semester of general chemistry with lab
• Chemical Engineering: one semester of biology that covers cellular, molecular and developmental biology, a second semester of general chemistry with lab, one semester of organic chemistry with lab (MATLAB proficiency and a course on energy and environment from a scientific point of view are strongly recommended)
• Computer Science & Computer Engineering: a second computer programming course

B.S./M.S. Program in Engineering

Dual Degree Program students may apply for admission to a combined bachelor's and Master's engineering program after their first year at Washington U., except for biomedical engineering. Typically, those admitted complete both degrees in a total of six semesters. Admission into a Master's program is determined solely by the individual departments and is based upon academic performance during courses taken at Washington U. Undergraduate financial support is not extended for the Master's degree.

The Career Center

Students have access to a host of work experience opportunities including internships, both in the U.S. and abroad, through the Washington University Career Center. The Center's ultimate goal is for students to graduate with job placement, acceptance into graduate or professional school, or commitment to a short-term program.

J-Term (January Intensive Program)

J-Term is an opportunity for Dual Degree students to explore engineering and Washington U. and St. Louis. Students will complete a special, intensive course in a concentrated 11-day format from late December to early January. Registration is required. More ...

Admissions Expectations

1. Institutional Recommendation & Receipt of a Second Degree
   The Dual Degree liaison officer at your current institution must sign two forms to certify aptitude for engineering study. This will attest you are expected to complete a bachelor's level, non-engineering degree no later than receipt of the engineering degree from Washington U.
2. Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average
   A GPA of B+ (3.25/4.0) or better, both overall and in science and mathematics courses is required for admission to the Dual Degree Program. Applicants with lower GPAs are considered on a case-by-case basis.

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