Does anyone here have any experience or further knowledge of the Tulane 3+2 engineering program? I love the tulane campus, however the biggest issue is the lack of a mechanical engineering degree. This program seems like it would be able to not only get me that degree but also allow me to go to two of my dream schools, tulane and vandy. And asvicr/comments?
Yes, I have discussed this directly with Dean Altiero and recently there was a Tulane student that graduated from Vandy using the 3+2, like just last year. It is alive and well and available to you. You just need to let your advisor know from the start that this is your goal.
I would like to chime in: My son just graduated in May 2016 doing Tulane 3+2 engineering program. So, He got two degrees in Physics (Tulane) and Mechanical Engineering (Vandy). This program is easy, you just have to follow the requirements. Basically, you have to have GPA in Physics from Tulane at least 3.5, the more the better chance you will get in. If your GPA is in the border or barely 3.5 then it is kind of difficult to get in. Then at Vandy, you have to be prepared at least mentally that you will compete with smart kids. Remember also Vandy is notorious from grade deflation. But at least you will go there as Junior level so it is not that bad. But, I personally believe that anybody who has GPA 3.5 from Tulane can survive in any top schools in the US. So, you will be OK. In addition, at Vandy you will have internship (though you have to find it) and you have to do Senior Project for one year for graduation. My son did it with NASA doing Cube Satellite. The most important thing to know that Vandy is the same like Tulane where students are very happy with their schools. At last, talk to your Dual Degree 3+2 Eng, Advisor to guide you. Go for it and be blessed.
For any school’s 3+2 plan (not just Tulane’s), keep in mind you’re going to be paying for 5 years of college, instead of 4.
Also, a merit scholarship awarded at the initial college may not be awarded by the subsequent college.
For my son, going to Vandy did not cost him anything. Vandy is well known among top schools to have No Loan policies and super generous in giving merit aids and financial aids. So, he was able to secure lots of Funds (did not need family financial help at all) and when he graduated to owe nothing at all. So, if you sign up for this 3+2 Engineering Program, you will be ok. As of importance, my son also was able to get lots of money while he was at Tulane. Tulane is just like Vandy, is very generous in giving money to students. So, all in all, it did not cost him lots of money to go to both colleges.
Thank you Tulane, you are the best.
It is my understanding that with a 3.5 GPA the transfer is guaranteed. Of course that is worth confirming.
I also was led to understand that a major in Engineering Physics is the recommended way to go at Tulane if the 3+2 is your plan. I don’t know if that is the required major to do it, I don’t think so.
Back in 2011 or 2012, I talked to a student who applied for this Dual Degree Eng. Program and who did not make it (did not qualify). He told me he has his GPA around 3.4 something like that or in the border. And I believe also my Son talked to his advisor back then (Dr. Wee?) and she told him that it is better to have GPA above 3.5 to ensure smooth transfer. Luckily for him that his GPA back then was 3.75. So, there was no problems at all.
Regarding major in Physics, here the what it says on the website now: Dual degree students spend three years in the study of Physics at Tulane and two years studying a specific engineering discipline. After successful completion of the fifth year, the student is awarded the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics from Tulane University and the Bachelor of Engineering (B. E.)
My son loves Physics so there was no problem for him to do this Dual Degree program. I don’t have any other information regarding anybody can major in any other than physics will be allowed to do this program.
Moreover, the reason my son chose Vandy was because the other school Johns Hopkins was a very stingy school to give merit aids + financial aids for any transfer students. Meanwhile Vandy was and is still a very generous school to give the money.
I have done a little internet research, not much though, just say a look-up research regarding this Dual Degree 3+2 program and found out that if not most but those schools require that you have to exclusively major in Physics for three years then embarking to Engineering like ME, EE, etc for two years. Why Physics? I have no idea. Perhaps, Physics is the base for Engineering?, maybe I am wrong.
I am not sure either, but as I said above and as I have also been told, Engineering Physics is the Physics major that has a lot of the same preparation as most engineering majors and the additional aspect that it looks at things from an even more fundamental “why is nature this way” viewpoint.
do you suppose it would be possible to complete the 3+2 in 2+2 ? my son will graduate HS with Calc 1,2,3; Linear Algebra, Diff Eq, Calculus-Based Physics 1+2, C++ Prog, JAVA Prog, Gen Chem 1, ENG 111+112, and a bunch of other AP and college credits. if he can transfer enough credits, would a 2-year Tulane BS Physics + 2-year Vandy BS Engineering be a possibility?
You would have to check with Tulane engineering advisors to be 100% sure, but I would definitely think so, assuming ll those credits are transferable. I see absolutely no reason that wouldn’t be the case if he has the credits and grades needed to qualify. The only other possible hang up I see, besides red tape if there is any, is if there are a certain number of advanced courses required before qualifying to transfer/get the Tulane degree and it is not possible to do that in 2 years due to one course being a prerequisite for the next, and that second one for a third one, etc. That and timing of the courses being offered might be an issue, although I think timing in the sense of a course not being offered in a certain year is unlikely to be an issue. Anyway, that is the kind of thing the advisor can help with because they could totally map out his two year schedule and see if it gets him where he needs to be.
i’ve sent an email to the area admission rep. thanks chemist. it seems that year 1 of the physics degree is mostly math / Calculus, physics, chem, and other courses he’s already taken. if he can do this in 2+2 that would be awesome.
Impressive @Wien2NC - those credits should come in handy!
Yes, it would save money for sure. However, IMO any less time spent in NOLA is a shame!
I say that a bit tongue in cheek of course, but in all seriousness, for the really involved, that time spent in NOLA can be a powerful life experience, on several levels.
What is the advantage of a 3+2 at two schools in two different cities versus studying at a single school?
in our case it would be the opportunity to experience living and studying in two great cities, NOLA and Nashville. plus getting a Bachelor’s in Physics from Tulane in addition to the BS in Engr from Vandy. and since the acceptance rate to Vanderbilt is so low, it would be a guaranteed pathway to attending Vandy provided he keeps his grades up.
Any number of potential reasons. Tulane has this agreement with Vanderbilt and Johns Hopkins, both more selective than Tulane. So they may not have gotten into those schools. That becomes irrelevant if they do well enough at Tulane to meet the criteria for transfer, which is preset.
There could be financial reasons. Tulane is more generous with merit scholarships than either of those schools, so a kid without need-based aid could be looking at a less expensive total package, even with the extra year.
Personal desire for different experiences would be another. The idea of spending 3 years in NOLA and then a couple in Nashville could be very appealing for the right student.
It should go without saying, but I will anyway. The reason for the student to transfer from Tulane is that they don’t offer civil, electrical or mechanical engineering. That is the reason for the program in the first place. If Tulane had those majors, there would be no 3+2 program.
^^^
yes, if Tulane offered those Engr majors he would just apply there and graduate provided he got accepted + enough $$$ aid. my son wants to go to school in the South and wants a big city, and NOLA + Nashville would be very appealing.
Yes, I agree. Those are memories of two great cities that will last a lifetime, no matter where he ends up in his career. It’s an unusual opportunity. Of course, if he goes to grad school he could add a third interesting place before he settles into a career.
That 3+2 seems to be a risky proposition. How many students achieve this annually?
- Must complete Physics Major
- Must earn high GPA
- Compete all other requirements at Tulane
- Achieve transfer to higher profile university (which student was not accepted to out of HS)
- Hit the ground running at Vanderbilt
- Complete all requirements at Vanderbilt
- Graduate from Vanderbilt with engineering degree