engineering

Engineering Joint Degree Programs

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For more details on joint degree programs in engineering, please consult Associate Provost and Professor of Geoscience Nicholas Metz at nmetz@hws.edu or (315) 781-3819.

HWS offers three joint degree programs for students considering a career in engineering.

The joint degree program with the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University allows HWS students to spend three years at HWS and then two years at Columbia. At the end of five years, the student receives a B.A. or B.S. from HWS and a B.S. in an Engineering discipline from Columbia. Complete the Joint Degree Engineering Program Intent Form.

The joint degree program with The Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College allows HWS students to spend their first two years of undergraduate studies at HWS, the third year at Dartmouth, the senior year at HWS, and a fifth and final year at Dartmouth. At the end of five years, the student receives a B.A. or B.S. from HWS and a B.E. from Dartmouth. Complete the Joint Degree Engineering Program Intent Form.

The joint degree program with Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) allows HWS students to graduate after four years at HWS and then spend two final years at ECS. In between programs, students participate in a six-week summer bridge course. At the end of six years, the student receives a B.A. or B.S. from HWS and a M.A. in Engineering from ECS.

Student SpotlightMarcus Lenz '24, Bachelor of Engineering '25

Major: Physics 

"I chose to pursue the 3-2 program with HWS and Columbia to diversify my education with a liberal arts and engineering background while earning two degrees. The route has proved invaluable in terms of advancing my career goals and gaining professional experience. Some notable courses have been “Modern Physics” with Associate Professor of Physics Ileana Dumitriu, and “Classical Mechanics” with Associate Professor of Physics Steve Penn. The past two summers, I held engineering internships at top global companies, Honeywell and Eaton. The perspective of coming from a liberal arts and engineering background is a perfect combination for integrating into the professional world of engineering. I feel confident to apply what I've learned in any setting."

 

FacultyEngineering Program Coordinator

The Engineering Program Coordinator provides students the necessary details to successfully apply for and complete the Joint Engineering program, including assisting students in making sure they are on track with coursework and providing support along the way. 

Donald Spector

Professor of Physics
(315) 781-3594
spector@hws.edu 

 

Alum ImpactInvaluable Experiences

julia bellamy '22, Bachelor of engineering '23

Current Position: Ph.D. Candidate in Biomedical engineering, Cornell University
Major: Physics 
Minor: Mathematics

“My time at Dartmouth and my current Ph.D. research at Cornell were successful due to the foundational knowledge I built at HWS. The “Electronics” course and my Honors thesis on detecting harmful algae blooms in the Finger Lakes with Associate Professor of Physics Ileana Dumitriu both prepared me for practical engineering applications and research work that I do now and will do in the future. Additionally, Dumitiru and Professor of Physics Donald Spector were great mentors who supported me through my time at HWS. The Joint-Degree program provides a great blend of a liberal arts education with the cutting-edge engineering research opportunities of an R1 institution.”

J. Monaco '20, Bachelor of engineering '21  

Current Position: Ph.D. Student, Department of Aerospace at the University of Colorado Boulder
majors: Physics, Chemistry
Minor: Environmental Studies

“I came to HWS interested in science and my advisors enabled me to major and do research in both Physics and Chemistry. Eventually, I found myself more engaged when I combined skills and knowledge across disciplines to build solutions to technical problems. It was truly special to work at Dartmouth's machine shop and take engineering courses one semester and come back to the HWS Chemistry labs and Physics lectures the next. My research experience and professors at HWS inspired me to continue research after graduation, and I am now in my fourth year of my Ph.D. at the University of Colorado Boulder's Aerospace Department. My work involves using radar to study the environment of the upper atmosphere. This draws heavily on my backgrounds of engineering, physics, and chemistry. There could have been no better preparation than the Joint Engineering program.”

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What engineering pathways are available to HWS students?
HWS offers joint engineering programs with Columbia University, Dartmouth College and Syracuse University. Each pathway combines an HWS liberal arts education with advanced study in engineering, allowing students to earn degrees from both institutions.
How long does it take to complete a joint engineering program?
The Columbia and Dartmouth pathways can be completed in five years. Students in the Columbia program spend three years at HWS followed by two at Columbia, while Dartmouth students move between HWS and Dartmouth over five years. The Syracuse pathway is a six-year program, with four years at HWS followed by a summer bridge program and two years at Syracuse.
What degrees will I earn?
Students who complete the Columbia pathway earn a B.A. or B.S. from HWS and a B.S. in an engineering discipline from Columbia. Dartmouth participants earn a B.A. or B.S. from HWS and a Bachelor of Engineering from Dartmouth. The Syracuse pathway leads to a B.A. or B.S. from HWS and a master's degree in engineering from Syracuse.
Do I need to major in physics at HWS?
The joint engineering programs require students to complete specific foundational coursework in mathematics and the sciences, but your academic plan will depend on the engineering pathway and field you intend to pursue. Students should work closely with the Engineering Program Coordinator to select an HWS major and coursework that fulfill the requirements for their chosen program.
When should I start planning for a joint engineering program?
As early as possible. Because each partner institution has specific course requirements, students interested in engineering should connect with the Engineering Program Coordinator early in their HWS career. The coordinator can help students map out their coursework, understand program requirements and stay on track to apply and transition to the partner institution.