<p>Hi.. I'm a rising senior working on my college list and january deadlines are coming way too quickly. :(</p>
<p>The problem is, I'm interested in studying a physical science and getting a B.S or possibly an engineering degree. However, I have other interests in philosophy and political science and I'd like to have the flexibility to pursue those as well.</p>
<p>I've visited many many liberal arts schools, but I'm finally decided that I definitely want to get that B.S. degree, and not have to go to grad school to make my degree count in the real world. Also the liberal arts schools are typically so small that they don't offer many specific concentrations within the sciences and the breadth of courses that I'm looking for.</p>
<p>This summer I visited University of Rochester and really liked the "cluster curriculum" and the freedom to choose such a variety classes and double majors/minors. On the other hand, I visited Carnegie Mellon, which had the hardcore science education I was looking for, but allowed little freedom to pursue multiple interests-you have choose a specific school when you apply and declare a major within a year.</p>
<p>So my question is, what other schools are like U Rochester in terms of flexibility/open curriculum? I have a 34 ACT and pretty good ec's, so I feel as though the options are pretty open.
Any help is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>FWIW, a BS degree in a physical science from a larger university will not get you to any different place, or count any differently, then a bachelor's degree from a liberal arts college with a major in that same specialty. A graduate degree is really needed, generally, to do anything within physical sciences. Regardless of type of undegraduate school.</p>
<p>Engineering is another story though; for that the BS has real value for employment. And for study of engineering many of the larger schools do indeed offer some advantages over most liberal arts schools; more course offerings in the field, more professors, more sub-areas covered, more recruiters on campus.</p>
<p>But most of the programs I've seen where engineering can be selected as just one other area, undifferentiated from the rest of the other undergraduate programs and not in a completely separate college, are in these smaller programs that really don't offer as much in the way of engineering itself.</p>
<p>Another way to attack this is, engineering programs typically offer the opportunity to take "free" elective courses outside of the engineering program. And there is likely some variation in how many outside electives you can take. If you examine the curriculum in this regard you may find that a number of these specialized engineering programs nevertheless offer enough flexibility to satisfy your desire to pursue liberal arts subjects as well.</p>
<p>One solid option is Harvey Mudd-- admissions there are tough for anybody, even a 34 ACT, but the ability to take classes at the other Claremonts is a big plus.</p>
<p>Another is Rice, which is a favorite among my friends in a similar situation to yours.</p>
<p>There's a link to a message from the dean which specifically mentions revamping the undergrad curriculum to encourage increased participation in liberal arts courses and international study. </p>
<p>In general, WU also seems to encourage double majors, though I'm not sure if that would include engineering specifically.</p>
<p>hey guys, thanks for the suggestions. WUSTL has been the back of my mind for a while, its definitely a great option (if i stand a chance of getting in)</p>
<p>Wash U's engineering program is, as jazzymom reports, in the midst of a transition. But it is based upon problems with continued poor undergrad student satisfaction and relatively poor national rankings in the vast majority of divisions, certainly relative to arts and science. This has driven a series of controversial firings and shufflings in hopes of shoring up overall quality.</p>
<p>Actually, you may be interested in going to a college with distribution requirements, then you will positively be able to take classes in different areas. I don't know about Swarthmore's curriculum, but I do know that they have an engineering program. I'd like to second Harvey Mudd too.</p>
<p>Also, to the extent you feel you have the stats to qualify don't forget MIT. Many engineers end up with as double majors in areas ranging from economics to business or foreign languages. The Linguistics and Philosophy department is actually world renowned. And if you can't find what you want at MIT you can cross register for credit for any class that Harvard has to offer.</p>
<p>Another place to consider is Johns Hopkins. While it is best known for science and engineering--its humanties and social sciences are very strong.</p>
<p>You should also consider Rice. It is very easy to double major there, and it has a very strong engineering program and great humanities offerings.</p>
<p>Any list needs a range of options, not one filled with only the top-ranked programs in a certain major. If the OP applies only to the top 10 or 15 on the USNWR engineering ranking, he may well set himself up for disappointment and a slew of rejections. Reaching down the list to look for colleges that offer a program similar to what you want, as well as a good fit otherwise, is prudent and perhaps a more viable option. WUSTL is working at improving its engineering program, no question, but it is ranked in the top 50, in the neighborhood of programs like Case Western and Lehigh, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt and while the rankings aren't stellar, I doubt one would get a "poor" education there.</p>
<p>You might want to consider Columbia SEAS. You are in a straight engineering program or science program, but you do take some of Columbia's famous core, and you are in a liberal arts environment. Admit rates to SEAS are considerably higher than to Columbia College.</p>