Pre-Engineering

Introduction

For students who would like to enter the engineering field but also want a liberal education, Dickinson College offers such an opportunity through two options:  the Binary Engineering Program (or 3/2 Program); and regular admission to an engineering school after completion of the Dickinson degree.  Although both of these programs require some planning, the Binary Engineering Program requires careful planning for the three years at Dickinson.  Students should contact Professor Hans Pfister, pfister@dickinson.edu, to discuss the program.  Note carefully the requirements for the two options and discuss your program with him.   

Binary Engineering (3/2) Program

General  

In the Binary Engineering Program, a student completes three years at Dickinson and two years at one of two engineering schools in the Binary Program.  At the end of five years, the student receives two B.S. degrees; one from Dickinson and one from the engineering school.  The two engineering schools participating in the program are the Case Western Reserve University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Requirements for the program  

Requirements of the engineering schools:  The engineering schools require a 3.00 grade point average during the three years at Dickinson and the satisfactory completion of the following courses: 

Mathematics:  Two years, including Differential and Integral Calculus, Multivariable Calculus, and Differential Equations.  These are satisfied by MATH 170 & 171 (Calculus I & II), and MATH 270 (Calculus III), and MATH 262 (Introduction to Linear Algebra).  

Physics:  One and one-half years of calculus-based Physics, including Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Relativity and Quantum Physics.  This may be satisfied by taking PHYS 131 & 132 (Introductory Physics, a.k.a. Workshop Physics) and PHYS 212 (Introduction to Relativistic and Quantum Physics).  

Chemistry:  One year, including States of Matter, Atomic and Molecular Structure, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium and Kinetics, and Chemistry Laboratory. These are satisfied by CHEM 141 (Foundations of Chemistry) and CHEM 241 (Synthesis and Reactivity I). 

Computer Science:  One course in the use of computers for numerical analysis. This is satisfied by COMP 131 (Introduction to Computer Science I). 

Humanities and Social Sciences:  Six to twelve courses in the humanities and social sciences, depending on the engineering school. These are normally satisfied by the regular Dickinson distribution requirements. 

Other science courses:  Additional courses in the area of the expected field of engineering. 

Regular admission to engineering school

General 

A student who does not decide on an engineering career until the senior year, or wishes to attend an engineering school other than those cooperating institutions in the Binary Program, may apply to an engineering school for admission after graduating from Dickinson.  Students with a 3.00 or higher grade point average are generally admitted to quality engineering schools.  Most students can complete the requirements for an M.S. degree in two years after graduation from Dickinson. 

Requirements 

Students planning on engineering must satisfactorily complete a science major, preferably in the area of the intended field of engineering.  If the major is a science other than physics, coursework should include PHYS 131, 132, 212, and probably 213, plus two years of mathematics.  Physics majors should include CHEM 141, 241. 

Application 

Application to the engineering school should be made during the senior year, after consultation with the major advisor about appropriate selection of schools.