Students who want to be an engineer are often encouraged to apply to specific colleges at large universities. For some students, this may mean sacrificing another academic subject of interest or the support and community they seek at a smaller school. However, US universities and colleges offer multiple pathways for future engineers!
Students who want to study at a smaller school and explore other subjects as they prepare to be an engineer may want to consider exploring 3-2 programmes. These programmes are partnerships between small liberal arts colleges (SLACS) and excellent engineering schools. Students apply to the preferred liberal arts college and then after two years, apply for these specialised programmes that help them complete an engineering degree.
These programmes are also ideal for students who may have decided to pursue engineering after applying to college. These students may not have taken the necessary courses to apply directly for engineering schools—yet, these unique programmes at US colleges and universities allows these students to pursue their goal to be an engineer.
There are several resources that can help students research their options. This wiki has a very comprehensive list of 3-2 Engineering programmes. The list is extensive! Though all good options, Vela Education advisors recommend students investigate the following programmes:
Bard College in Rye New York is renowned for its creative students! It also has 3-2 engineering programmes with both Columbia and Dartmouth.
Haverford College, in the suburbs of Philadelphia, is a lovely smaller school that is part of the Quaker Consortium. This consortium allows Haverford students to take classes at Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore and UPenn. Along with these extended course offerings, Haverford also has joint engineering programmes with CalTech and Upenn. The Caltech programme is a 3-2 programme and the Upenn degree if a 4-1 in which a student graduates with an MA from Upenn’s engineering school. The ample resources of the Quaker Consortium as well as these excellent opportunities to study engineering at Caltech and Upenn make Haverford a school more international students should consider.
For future female engineers, one of the best women’s colleges in the US, Mount Holyoke, offers 3-2 engineering programmes with Cal Tech, Dartmouth, and U Mass, Amherst.
Mount Holyoke is one of the original Seven Sisters and has been dedicated to supporting women’s education since it’s founding. These dual degree programmes with top engineering schools continue this mission!
If you are interested in exploring multiple pathways to becoming an engineer, please reach out to us. A strategic consultation is a great way to start the process.