<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I applied and got accepted to James Madison University in the Engineering Department. About a month or so ago, I got a package from JMU that encouraged me to do this program. The reason I post this in this UVA forum is because it says the following:
**
"Physics and Engineering Combined Concentration (3/2 program) offeres many advantages for someone with your interests. In this program, you spend 3 years pursuing a physics major at JMU, a fourth year taking courses at UVA that combine physics and engineering, and then a fifth year at UVA completing a masters degree. So, in 5 years, you earn a BS in engineering from JMU and an MS in engineering from UVA. In this program, you can directly pursue engineering careers in biomedical, environmental, transportation, materials, systems, and engineering physics."**</p>
<p>This program seems interesting to me because it is basically saying I can be done with college and be in the workforce in 5 years. So my questions are:</p>
<p>Is this better than the traditional way of college?</p>
<p>and</p>
<p>Does anyone have any experience with this program or is it new?</p>
<p>Thanks for reading and input is appreciated.</p>
<p>Since JMU doesn't have any engineering students yet, I don't think any one has any experience.</p>
<p>This program is surprising to me because UVa's BME and systems engineering programs are capped now due to lack of capacity. The number of slots for JMU students would have to be limited.</p>
<p>The engineering school at UVa does have a Bachelors-Masters program where fourth years can earn graduate credit so they can earn a MS in engineering within 5 years. You must have a 3.4 GPA, so my guess is that JMU students' GPAs would have to be even better.</p>
<p>Thanks for replying. From reading the message, it didn't seem like there were any special requirements to get into UVA graduate through this program. I will email JMU and ask about this program.</p>
<p>Again, I have never heard of this program and I don't know why UVA would participate unless it has something to do with UVA's Level 3 status with the state.</p>
<p>I looked at JMU's website briefly as I was unaware JMU even had engineering. Maybe I'm wrong, but I get the impression that JMU's program is a generalist-type program. I'm sure JMU's faculty and admin knows more than I do, but I question whether employers would be attracted to such a program.</p>