Engineering
The dual-degree cooperative engineering program (sometimes also referred to as a “3-2” program) combines a liberal arts education with a professional engineering education. A student generally spends three or four years at Beloit College, followed by two years at an engineering college, and earns two degrees (either two bachelor’s degrees, or a bachelor’s degree and an M.S. degree). Most entry-level engineering jobs are filled at the bachelor’s degree level and require both strong backgrounds in mathematics and science and the design skills taught in a bachelor’s program in engineering. The M.S. degree is for specialization, and holders of M.S. and Ph.D. degrees often work in research and development.
Students participating in the dual-degree engineering program may attend any engineering college accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). However, Beloit College is formally affiliated with two universities (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Washington University in St. Louis). A student who fulfills all prerequisites with the GPA required by the engineering college and specialty, and is recommended by Beloit’s engineering liaison, will normally be admitted to the affiliated engineering college. Common specialties are chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, but a student may pursue any engineering specialty.
Each engineering college has its own degree requirements, which often include English composition, specific humanities and social science courses, and science and mathematics courses not in the Beloit pre-engineering core curriculum. Some engineering colleges require completion of all humanities and social science requirements prior to matriculation at their institution. Information about requirements for the affiliated universities is available from the engineering program advisors.