3/2 Program?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

I’ve been looking at schools recently, and some that stuck out to me the most do not have an engineering department. Rather they offer a 3/2 program, where you spend 3 years getting a physics or chemistry bachelors degree and then switch to an engineering school for two years to obtain a second bachelor’s (I would like to major in mech. engineering).

Now my question is, is it worth it? I have the chance to get into Universities with decent engineering programs such as BU or Northeastern, but a 3/2 program can get you into some of the best colleges in the US. (A 3.3 or higher GPA is automatic admission to Columbia for instance).

On the other hand, I’m really interested in a Co-Op program like the ones offered at Northeastern or Drexel, and am not sure I’d like having that extra year of college and going into some debt for an extra degree and two years at a prestigious college.

Has anyone here completed a 3/2 program? What did you think about it? Did you find that leaving your friends at your original college was difficult? Was it worth it in the long run for you?

2

It appears that very few frosh intending 3+2 actually do transfer. Admission to the “2” school is one hurdle – for example, one B- or lower grade in a math or science course can prevent you from transferring to Columbia. Also, cost and financial aid can be a hurdle, since it is five total years, and financial aid at the “2” school is uncertain – note that Columbia does not promise as good financial aid for 3+2 transfers as it does for frosh and other transfers.

Many schools with native (i.e. not 3+2) engineering majors do offer optional co-op programs. Northeastern, Drexel, and Cincinnati make co-ops a focus of their curricula.

3

Look for other 3-2 threads. Many families that researched them opted to not persue it.

4

I’m lucky enough to be able to afford it, but I can see what you mean. Northeastern or BU are my favorite schools right now, but I was curious about the 3/2.

5

Stik to the schools which have engineering programs. You won’t get that much more benefit from the +2 school compared to the two you mention which have well-regarded engineering programs.