Amherst offers a dual degree engineering program with Dartmouth. Unfortunately, it’s a 5 year program and financial aid does not cover the 5th year.
https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/global-learning/study_abroad/all_programs/node/535766
Carefully research the location of the colleges that your interested in. Amherst is located in a phenomenal college town and area. Other LACs are located in ‘very’ rural areas, which is deal beaker for many.
Some LACs offer engineering, although the variety of engineering programs as each differs. Some offer a more general engineering degree, while others may have a few types like mechanical and electrical. LACs don’t usually offer a full range of engineering majors like a technical university would offer, so be sure to check the colleges’ websites to see if your interests would be met at each. Here are some to consider (by no means a complete list):
Bucknell
Harvey Mudd
Lehigh
Smith (women’s college)
Swarthmore
Trinity
Union (NY)
One more thing: if you want to major in engineering, it’s best to consider programs that are ABET accredited.
^^Add Tufts to the list. Maybe Lafayette?
Most careers are cyclical; sometimes they’re hot, sometimes they’re not. Right now, contrary to what your parents believe, architecture jobs are hot. The industry has rebounded from the 2009 slump and jobs are plentiful. Since many architects get their architectural training in graduate school (the Master of Architecture) it’s not a decision that you need to make right now, but be assured that architecture can be a fulfilling and financially sound career. Most architects I know wouldn’t consider doing anything else.
You might look at BA or BS programs in architecture or architectural studies, the Bachelor of Environmental Design or Bachelor of Design. You can find programs like these at schools of all sizes, small LACs, medium sized privates and large publics.
With a few exceptions, LACs are not known for professional degrees. As noted, there are a few that offer engineering degrees, but it doesn’t sound as if you’re as committed to a career as an engineer as you would need to be to succeed in engineering school.
To a certain degree, I think you need to separate your college search from your career search. It’s not unusual for high school students to be undecided on their ultimate careers. You just haven’t been exposed to what the world has to offer. You might not, therefore, be able to “label” your ideal profession, e.g., engineer, architect, doctor. You may instead want to focus on choosing the type of college that fits your personality and learning style, that your family can afford and that offers the general category of course work that appeals to you.
What LACs offer are small classes, engaged professors and the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines. Academically rigorous LACs have an excellent track record for getting their students into top graduate and professional schools, same as academically rigorous universities.
As you journey through your undergraduate education your interests will congeal; you will meet influential people in a range of career fields, you will have summer jobs and internships. All of this will lead you to your eventual career path – possibly a professional degree or graduate school.
.
@momrath has got it right! Great advice.