Dual Degree Engineering Program FAQ
The Engineering 3-2 Cooperative Program is a cooperative agreement between Hendrix College and a set of colleges that offer ABET accredited engineering programs. The program is also called "combined degree" or "dual degree.” There are currently two engineering schools in the Hendrix Engineering 3-2 Cooperative Program: Columbia University in New York City, NY, and Washington University in St. Louis in St. Louis, MO. Students who are interested in engineering programs at other schools or who are not ready to commit to the dual degree program should also contact the advisor listed below in the Questions section.
For the Engineering 3-2 Cooperative Program, the student completes the graduation requirements for a B.A. at Hendrix in the first three years. Typically, the student must complete all but a few course credits needed to graduate from Hendrix before leaving for the engineering school. Any courses lacking in the Hendrix degree should be taken during the first year at the engineering school and transferred to Hendrix, therefore completing the Hendrix degree within four years.
Application to the engineering school for the 3-2 cooperative program happens during the junior year. The student then completes the junior and senior level engineering curriculum at the engineering school. At the end of the five years, the student will have earned a BA from Hendrix and a BS in engineering from the engineering school. For some programs, a student may complete four years at Hendrix before entering the engineering program.
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 Hendrix 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, 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 Hendrix 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 Hendrix 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 Hendrix with multiple transfer credits or Advanced Placement (AP) credits, it is possible to complete something beyond the one major.
The following Hendrix 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 Physics I workshop (w/Lab)
- PHYS 245 Physics II workshop (w/Lab)
Other classes that must be taken at Hendrix 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 Hendrix major, plus the Hendrix 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 Hendrix College provide assistance while the student is studying at Hendrix 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).