You Ask, We Answer: Do you have Engineering?

At PLU, students can pursue engineering in two formal ways.

Option 1
We offer a dual-degree engineering program through partnerships with both Columbia University (NYC) and Washington University (St. Louis). In this program, a student completes their introductory coursework in mathematics, science, and engineering as well as their general education requirements at PLU (in 3 years) before completing an engineering degree (in 2 years) at one of our partner institutions, or at another university offering an ABET-accredited engineering degree.

In this way, a student gets the best of both worlds. Students take their introductory courses in STEM here at PLU in small classes instructed by professors deeply invested in student learning; at many engineering research institutions, these introductory courses are very large, and students often have to apply for admittance into engineering majors. Then, after a student has completed the coursework at PLU, they are well-prepared for the successful completion of their engineering degree from a world-class engineering school.

Upon completion, a dual-degree engineering student earns a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from PLU and a Bachelor of Science (BS) engineering degree from an engineering school. Notably, PLU offers some actual engineering courses (engineering statics, engineering thermodynamics, engineering materials science, and electrical circuits) on our own campus. While we have long relationships with our two partner institutions, many PLU students have successfully completed the 3-2 program with engineering degrees at other schools (e.g., University of Washington, Washington State University, University of Hawaii, St. Martin’s University, University of Southern California (USC), Montana State University, Oregon State University).

Option 2
As a second option, at PLU we offer an engineering and industry minor. Through this minor, students learn the basics of engineering design and team problem solving, gain familiarity with industry, and obtain valuable skills ensuring their success in the workplace or in graduate studies. This minor is ideal for all students who would benefit from in-depth exposure to engineering and industry. Typically, students in Natural Sciences, Business, Economics or any students who have completed the introductory calculus-based physics sequence are good fits for the minor.

Even if students do not choose a degree or a minor in engineering, PLU physics graduates have successfully pursued engineering studies in graduate school.

Guest bloggers: Dr. Rich Louie, Dual-Degree Program Director, Professor of Physics & Dr. Ann Auman, Dean of Natural Sciences, Professor of Biology