# Examples of Dual-Degree and 3+2 Engineering Programs --- **Featured Image:** [Students work on robotics and electronics projects outdoors on a university campus with buildings in the background.] (https://educatingengineers.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/09/engineering_dual_degree.jpg) --- **Author:** Educating Engineers Editorial Team **Published:** September 30, 2026 **Updated:** September 30, 2026 --- These five programs illustrate the two degree outcomes. They are examples rather than a ranking; each has its own partner schools, eligibility rules, and course plan. The first three lead to two bachelor's degrees; the last two lead to a bachelor's and a master's. ### [**Columbia University Combined Plan** ] (https://bulletin.columbia.edu/columbia-engineering/undergraduate-studies/undergraduate-programs/combined-plan-programs/) Columbia’s Combined Plan pairs a liberal arts degree with a Bachelor of Science in engineering. Students in the 3–2 sequence spend three years at their first institution, complete the prerequisites for their intended engineering field, and then complete two years at Columbia Engineering. Columbia advises students to work with their college’s program liaison early so they can plan both sets of requirements. The degrees are awarded after the program is complete. ### [**USC Viterbi 3+2 Engineering Program** ] (https://viterbiadmission.usc.edu/threetwo/) The USC Viterbi 3+2 program connects specified liberal arts colleges with USC’s engineering school. Students complete a prescribed course plan during approximately three years at a partner institution, then apply to USC as transfer students for the engineering portion. They can earn a bachelor’s degree from each school after completing both programs. USC states explicitly that participation in a partner program does not guarantee admission. ### [**Case Western Reserve University 3+2 Program** ] (https://case.edu/engineering/academics/undergraduate/32-program) Students in Case Western Reserve University’s 3+2 program begin at a participating liberal arts college or university and spend their final two years at the Case School of Engineering. The path leads to a bachelor’s degree from each institution. Applicants apply during their third year and must meet course and credit requirements, including minimum overall and math-and-science GPAs of 3.0. ### [**University of Iowa Civil and Environmental Engineering U2G** ] (https://engineering.uiowa.edu/cee/prospective-students/graduate-program/u2g-bsms-program-cee) The University of Iowa’s undergraduate-to-graduate pathway in civil and environmental engineering leads to an engineering bachelor’s degree followed by a Master of Science. Eligible students apply to graduate admission before taking courses they intend to count toward both degrees. The program permits three engineering courses to meet requirements for both credentials. Students receive the bachelor’s degree when its requirements are complete and normally finish the master’s about a year later. ### [**Stony Brook University Mechanical Engineering BE/MS** ] (https://www.stonybrook.edu/mechanical-engineering/academics/accelerated-be-ms.html) Stony Brook’s accelerated mechanical engineering program is designed for eligible students to earn a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Science in five years. Students can take approved graduate courses during undergraduate study that count toward both degrees. Applicants must be current Stony Brook mechanical engineering students with at least junior standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.2 when they apply. ## **What Should You Check Before Committing to Either Path?** A five-year plan can look appealing on paper. To judge how it would work for you, get answers to these questions from each program: 1. **What degrees will you earn, and when?** Confirm the exact degree titles, the institution awarding each one, and whether the first degree is conferred before or after you finish the second stage. 2. **How do you enter the second stage?** Ask which courses and grades you need, when you apply, and whether meeting the stated requirements assures admission. Find out what options you would have if you were not admitted. 3. **Can you follow the published timeline?** Compare the course plan with your starting math preparation, intended engineering major, and any transfer credits. Ask whether required courses are offered often enough to keep you on schedule and whether summer study might be necessary. 4. **What will the full path cost?** Price each stage separately. A change of institution or a move into graduate study can mean different tuition, fees, housing costs, and financial aid. Compare the total with completing one bachelor’s degree and deciding later whether to pursue a master’s; a shorter timetable does not, by itself, establish savings. 5. **Is the engineering program accredited for your goals?** Check the **specific degree program** in [ABET’s program search] (https://www.abet.org/accreditation/find-programs/) , rather than assuming that a partnership or an accredited institution settles the question. If you may pursue Professional Engineer licensure, [NCEES advises] (https://ncees.org/licensure/) checking the requirements of the state where you plan to practice. ## **Is a Dual-Degree Engineering Path Right for You?** The liberal arts–engineering route may appeal to you if you want to study another subject in depth and earn an engineering bachelor’s degree. It also means planning for a move to the engineering school and meeting its admission requirements. A combined BS/MS path serves a different goal: continuing into graduate-level work in engineering, often by beginning that work before the bachelor’s degree is complete. Neither route is necessary to become an engineer. A four-year engineering bachelor’s program may give you a more direct start, with the option to pursue a master’s degree once you know which specialty or career direction interests you. If you decide to continue studying while working, [online engineering master's programs] (https://educatingengineers.com/masters-degree/online-programs/) are another option to explore; check each program’s requirements for any in-person participation. The choice comes down to which two degrees you want and whether the coordinated path offers a clear advantage for your goals, schedule, and budget.