3+2 Engineering Program

The Combined Plan program at Columbia University offers students the chance to engage with two distinctive educational experiences, earning both a liberal arts and an engineering degree. 

Students should apply to Columbia’s Combined Plan program during their junior year at Willamette. Because Willamette is an affiliated liberal arts school, applications from Willamette students will receive priority in admission review. 

Applicants should have a minimum overall GPA of 3.30. Students must complete both the foundational and major-specific prerequisite coursework by the end of the spring semester of application. Dual degree applicants will need to include recommendation letters from the Combined Plan liaison, a science instructor, and a math instructor. They must also demonstrate proficiency in English as directed by the Columbia website.

Washington University’s dual degree program is dedicated to guiding “liberally educated engineers.” They believe in strong communication and problem-solving skills, a broad background in the humanities and social sciences, and a high-quality technical education. 

A GPA of B+ (3.25 out of 4.0) or better, both overall and in science and mathematics courses, is required for admission to the Dual Degree Program at the McKelvey School of Engineering. Applicants with lower GPAs are considered on a case-by-case basis and require a letter of support from the student’s undergraduate institution. 

Students seeking to enroll in the Dual Degree program must meet all of the following requirements for undergraduate professional engineering study before entry into WashU:

• Chemistry: One semester of general chemistry with a lab.
• Computer programming: One course or certified proficiency in a high-level language
• English composition: One course or acceptable examination scores 
• Humanities and social sciences: No fewer than 15 semester hours in approved areas; this sequence must include at least six semester hours in humanities and three semester hours in social sciences.
• Mathematics: A calculus sequence that includes exposure to multivariable calculus and a separate course in differential equations (linear algebra or matrix algebra strongly recommended).
• Physics: One-year calculus-based sequence with lab.
• Total credits: A minimum of 90 semester hours of transferable college credit (courses with grades below C do not transfer).

A 3+2 engineering program is an academic pathway that allows students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in a total of five years. 

The program structure typically involves students spending the first three years completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field. This part of the program focuses on core subjects and building foundational knowledge. After completing the undergraduate portion of the program, students transfer to a partner graduate school. During this time, students delve into advanced engineering coursework. 

The 3+2 program offers a streamlined education and allows students to earn their degrees in a shorter time frame compared to pursuing each degree separately.

Depending on your career goals, financial situation, and preferred educational structure, an accelerated engineering program can be worthwhile. 

It is a more efficient way of earning two degrees. Students in a 3+2 program will earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years instead of the usual six. This allows them to enter the workforce a year earlier, maximizing their earning power. It also means they will reduce their tuition costs by completing their degrees in this timeframe. 

The accelerated pace often translates to a higher level of intensity in 3+2 programs. Students eager for the challenge of this rigorous program and ready to launch their career should consider a 3+2 as a good investment.