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Engineering and Applied Science

Learn to solve the world’s biggest problems thoughtfully and strategically at Willamette, a hub of innovation since 1842.

Program Snapshot

Salem

Fixing the Future—Starting Now

Finding solutions for today’s most pressing issues takes creativity, dedication, and a well-rounded foundation that understands many perspectives. Whether you want to help companies work smarter as an industrial engineer, leverage the power of artificial intelligence, or kickstart a career in civil, mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering, Willamette allows you to explore beyond disciplinary boundaries and make the most of your studies.

Why Choose Engineering and Applied Science at Willamette?

  • A STEM education powered by the liberal arts. By building a strong foundation with Willamette’s liberal arts education while also developing specialized STEM knowledge, you’ll develop the humanities- and social sciences-based life skills that employers want and need.
  • Prepare for a thriving and resilient career. As more industries turn to technology to solve myriad problems, trained engineers and applied scientists are in even higher demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects between 6 and 12 percent growth in industrial, chemical, biomedical, and electrical engineering jobs through 2033—meaning you’ll be a sought-after employee across industries.
  • Personalized guidance from professors. Not only will you work closely with professors in our small classes, but you'll learn from them through mentorship, as well as work one-on-one through research projects.

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Our Degrees

No matter what you study, you’ll leverage Willamette’s interconnected approach to education by blending critical thinking and problem-solving skills with career-relevant coursework in the technical fields and hands-on learning experiences on campus and beyond.

  • 3+2 or 4+2 Engineering Program

    Maximize your time and effort by earning two degrees in less time. Build a stronger career foundation by combining your Willamette education with an engineering degree at one of our partner schools. Open to all admitted Willamette students.

  • Bachelor of Arts or Science in Chemistry

    Prepare for careers in the health professions, environmental science, and more at Willamette. Depending on your interests and goals, you can choose between a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, or a BS with a focus on biochemistry.

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

    Become part of an ever-evolving field by learning about computer systems and processes, as well as innovation and creativity. Plus, Willamette’s program emphasizes research, so you’ll work closely with faculty and peers on interdisciplinary challenges.

  • Bachelor of Science in Data Science

    Learn to understand data to help businesses make strategic decisions, as well as communicate your findings clearly and effectively. With Willamette’s liberal arts foundation, you’ll become a sought-after resource for companies of all kinds.

  • Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering

    As an industrial engineer, you’ll help businesses and industries work smarter in one of the most in-demand engineering careers in the country. Combine engineering, math, and the social sciences to fix real-world problems involving people, technology, and systems in creative, strategic ways.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

    Here, you’ll learn to use mathematics to apply logic and problem-solving to real-world problems. Our alumni have pursued careers as teachers, financial analysts, sports statisticians, entrepreneurs, engineers, and more—what will you become?

  • Bachelor of Arts or Science in Physics

    Explore the universe through hands-on research, dedicated faculty mentorship, and a supportive community. Willamette’s Physics program prepares you for graduate study and careers in science, engineering, and beyond.

  • Bachelor of Science in Statistics

    Learn how to use data to advocate, change, and improve the world around you. At Willamette, you’ll combine a liberal arts foundation with deep technical knowledge in statistical methods, modeling, calculus, linear algebra, data analysis, R, and more.

For Donald Swen '18, an accelerated program opened doors to unique experiences around the world. A 13-week fellowship through the Nakatani Research and International Experiences for Students program allowed him to experience the future of engineering firsthand.

Donald’s Story

In 3+2 engineering program, Donald Swen ’18 discovers challenge and success

During his fellowship, Donald worked alongside a team of researchers at Osaka University in Japan to construct a circuit board that uses human brain waves to control a robot. As part of the project, Donald had the opportunity to personally direct the robot through the circuit board.

View Story
Donald Swen ’18
Donald credits the 3+2 program with helping him become a strong engineer. He says the liberal arts foundation gave him the tools to think outside the box before pursuing the concrete skills of an engineering program.

Engineering and Applied Science Faculty

At Willamette, you’ll enjoy small classes and learning from faculty members who are true standouts and industry experts in math, statistics, data science, business, and physics.

Meet Some of Our Faculty

  • Meet Professor Gore

    Dr. Kristen Gore draws on her Six Sigma Black Belt and years at HP, where she optimized processes. Her research in quality and reliability offers a real-world blueprint for building efficient systems.

    Dr. Kristen Gore
  • Meet Professor Dutta

    Dr.Pritha Dutta probes how competitors can craft socially responsible supply chains. Her data-driven findings equip students with a framework for building ethical global networks.

    Dr. Pritha Dutta
  • Meet Professor Otto

    Dr. Peter Otto explores the connection between math and data science. Otto helps students navigate difficult problems using math and data to tell a complete story.

    Dr. Peter Otto
  • Meet Professor Watkins

    With his interests in astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics, Dr. Richard W. Watkins’ current research studies how matter in the Universe is distributed and how that changes in time.

    Dr. Richard W. Watkins

Scholarships & Financial Aid

At Willamette all admitted undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, starting at $28,000 per year. First-year students are eligible for several competitive scholarships. All students receive financial aid.

For 3+2 or 4+2 program applicants, note that the aid you receive at Willamette may not necessarily transfer to the partner institution where you continue their education.

A Willamette student sits beside the Mill Stream at Salem Campus working on a laptop computer.

FAQs

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Engineering and Applied Science