Dual Degree Programs in Engineering
Wesleyan’s Dual Degree Program in Engineering allows students to combine a broad liberal arts education with advanced technical training. Through partnerships with Columbia University, Dartmouth College, and the California Institute of Technology, students earn two degrees—a B.A. from Wesleyan and a B.S. or B.E. engineering degree accredited by ABET from the partner institution.
Dual Degree Engineering Programs at a Glance
Partner Schools
Columbia, Dartmouth, Caltech
Degrees Earned
B.A (Wesleyan) + B.S. / B.E. (Partner)
Duration
Five Years
Program Type
Sequential or split year tracks
About the Program
Wesleyan’s Dual Degree Program offers the best of both worlds: the depth of an engineering education and the breadth of a liberal arts degree. Students spend their early years at Wesleyan building strong foundations in physics, math, and the sciences while also honing writing, reasoning, and communication skills.
After completing their Wesleyan coursework, students transfer to one of our partner engineering schools—Columbia University, Dartmouth College, or the California Institute of Technology—to complete their engineering studies.
Graduates emerge with two degrees in five years and the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and apply engineering principles in real-world contexts.
Partner Institutions
Wesleyan students enter Columbia’s Combined Program Plan, earning a B.A. from Wesleyan and a B.S. in Engineering from Columbia. Admission requires completion of a set of foundation courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics (including multivariable calculus), and computer science. Admission requirements and decisions are determined by Columbia University, and students are strongly encouraged to review Columbia’s Combined Program Plan requirements carefully.
At Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering, students earn a B.A. from Wesleyan and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) from Dartmouth. The 2-1-1-1 option offers continuity with Wesleyan’s liberal arts environment while giving students the chance to experience an Ivy-League engineering program.
Caltech’s program is highly selective and ideal for students pursuing advanced study in applied physics or specialized engineering fields. Participants earn a B.A. from Wesleyan and a B.S. from Caltech. Admission is highly selective and not guaranteed. Applicants must have an exceptional academic record and complete rigorous math and science preparation.
Program Structures
Several program structures allow students to combine Wesleyan’s liberal arts education with engineering study at a partner institution. Available options vary by school.
All three partner schools offer the traditional 3-2 model, in which students spend the first three years at Wesleyan and two years at the engineering school. Students receive both degrees at the end of the fifth year after fulfilling all program and degree requirements.
Dartmouth’s 2-1-1-1 structure lets students spend two years at Wesleyan, one year at Dartmouth, return to Wesleyan for their senior year, and then complete the program with a final year at Dartmouth. This option mirrors the Twelve College Exchange model, with similar credit-transfer and financial-aid policies. Admission is limited and competitive.
Columbia University offers a 4-2 plan, allowing students to complete four years at Wesleyan before pursuing two years at Columbia’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. This track offers flexibility for students who want to explore a broader range of majors before entering the engineering program.
Preparing at Wesleyan
Students considering the Dual Degree Program should begin planning early—ideally during their first year. Strong preparation in physics, calculus (including multivariable), and chemistry is essential.
Students typically pursue majors such as Physics, Mathematics, or other disciplines that support their intended engineering specialization (e.g., Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Studies). Specific preparation depends on the requirements of the partner institution.
Students must consult both their faculty advisor and the Dual Degree Program Liaison when designing their academic plan.
Admission and Financial Aid
Students must contact the Dual Degree Program Liaison by the fall of junior year. Formal applications are submitted to the partner schools early in the spring semester of junior year. Each school requires official transcripts, recommendation letters, and program-specific application materials.
Financial aid for the final two years is awarded by the partner institution according to its own criteria and policies. For the first Dartmouth year under the 2-1-1-1 plan, financial aid follows the Twelve College Exchange Program rules. Students should contact both Wesleyan Financial Aid and the partner institution for details well in advance of application deadlines.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of Wesleyan’s Dual Degree Program in Engineering go on to careers in technology, research, energy, and applied sciences. Their combination of liberal arts training and technical expertise prepares them for leadership in both academic and industry settings.
Planning a Program of Courses at Wesleyan
Prospective or first-year students interested in learning more about engineering dual-degree programs, please contact:
Ladd Flock, Gordon Career Center
Associate Director of Career Advising (Science & Mathematics - STEM)
Students with a course plan to pursue a dual-degree option, please contact:
Serena Plage
Administrative Assistant, College of Design & Engineering Studies
Greg Voth
Faculty liaison and Associate Director, College of Design & Engineering Studies
It is important that current students also inform their Wesleyan faculty pre-major advisor as early as possible of their dual-degree course plan, since prerequisites for admission to the partner institutions require careful planning.
Questions concerning prerequisites, eligibility, or other information that is administered by the host institutions (CalTech, Columbia, Dartmouth) should be addressed directly to the program administrator at the host institution.
