Partnership with Columbia University provides for dual degrees within five years

REDLANDS, CA (January 26, 2011) – The University of Redlands has announced a new engineering program beginning Spring 2012.

The engineering program is a partnership with Columbia University that provides students the opportunity to earn both a B.S. from Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science and a B.A. or B.S. from Redlands.  The program combines the strengths of a liberal arts education in a small college setting with professional education at a highly regarded school of engineering.

“Our partnership with Columbia gives students the best of both worlds.  Becoming an engineer is right up there with becoming a lawyer, doctor, or businessman, as one of the careers that practical-minded high school students set their sights on,” said Eric Hill, associate professor of Physics who has led much of the program development efforts for the partnership.  “Even in economic times like these, the demand for engineers remains high, as is reflected in graduate salary surveys year after year.  Still, you can’t beat a small liberal arts college for a personalized education or the breadth of experiences and skills that are so important for any career path and for a rewarding life.”

For the first three years, students study at the University of Redlands and complete requirements for their major, a B.S. in General Education, and pre-engineering courses.  During the second semester of their junior year, they apply for admission to Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, which is guaranteed if they have successfully fulfilled the program’s requirements.

For the final two years, students attend Columbia in New York City.  Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a double major—one from Redlands and the other from Columbia.  Students are free to pair any Redlands undergraduate major with any Columbia University engineering or applied science major although the pre-engineering requirements are most compatible with the Physics B.A. or individualized Johnston emphases, Hill explained.

In addition to preparing students for a career in industry, the degrees offer entree to graduate work in engineering, mathematics, or the physical sciences.

“Regardless of whether a student participates in this Combined Degree program, the pre-engineering courses, in combination with a science or math undergraduate degree, are good preparation for enrolling in an Engineering graduate program,” Hill said, adding that students interested in this program must work closely with a program advisor to develop a suitable plan of study.  Hill said that in addition to the Columbia University agreement, additional partnerships with other universities offering affiliate engineering degrees are in development at the University of Redlands in order to provide students with a variety of options and experiences at renowned U.S.-based schools.

More information and requirements for the program can be found at http://www.redlands.edu/engineering3-2