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Pre-Engineering

Pre-Professional

Why Pursue Engineering at Allegheny College

Allegheny College does not offer a major specifically called “pre-engineering,” because engineering schools and graduate programs do not require a specific undergraduate major for admission. In fact, many top engineering programs emphasize the importance of a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, problem-solving, and critical thinking — skills best developed through a broad-based curriculum like the one offered by Allegheny.

The academic rigor, hands-on research opportunities, and interdisciplinary approach at Allegheny prepare students exceptionally well for success in graduate engineering programs and professional careers in the field.

In addition, our partnership programs offer students dual-degree pathways to both a bachelor’s in engineering and a bachelor’s in their Allegheny major — a head start on a career and success.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Pre-Engineering with:

Physics Mathematics Chemistry Environmental Science and Sustainability Computer Science

Program Type

Accelerated / dual degree
Pre-professional

Your Four-Year Journey

Your Dedicated Advisor Your Major/Minor Your Timeline

Your Dedicated Advisor

Students interested in pursuing engineering are encouraged to reach out early and maintain a connection with the pre-professional engineering advisor. There are also faculty in a handful of academic departments that can assist a student in determining the best path forward to their desired degrees. At Allegheny, advisors are available throughout your academic career to help ensure you are on-track academically and gaining experiences outside the classroom that engineering schools will value.

Your Major/Minor

While at Allegheny, students pursuing a dual degree (3+2) program must complete the College’s graduation requirements, with the exception of the Senior Project. This includes completing a major, a minor, and distributive requirements.

Students are encouraged to choose a major that is challenging and interesting to them. This allows our students the opportunity to learn a breadth of knowledge and gain a multi-layered perspective while also following the proper track to prepare them for a future in engineering.

A diverse academic background fosters adaptability, creativity, and analytical reasoning, all of which are essential for tackling complex engineering challenges.

Your Timeline

When working toward a dual degree program, students must take specified math and science courses and maintain a specified grade point average (overall and in the required courses) during their three years at Allegheny. While the required courses vary slightly at each school and may depend upon what field of engineering the student chooses to pursue, they all include 3-5 math courses, 2 physics courses, a chemistry course (with lab), and a computer science course.

Dual Degree Programs

The following engineering programs are available, all of which entail three years at Allegheny and further study — usually two years — at a cooperating institution. At the conclusion of study, the student receives a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the cooperating institution.

Most programs require that students maintain a “B” average overall and in the sciences. For these universities, acceptance to the cooperating institution is contingent upon the recommendation of the student’s major department at Allegheny. For some of the engineering departments, enrollment is limited by the engineering school. Similar arrangements may be made with engineering programs at other institutions with the approval of the faculty.

Students should consult with the advisor in their major field and with Professor Willey of the Physics Department for specific program requirements.

Case Institute of Technology at Case Western Reserve University

Bachelor’s degree from Allegheny and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the cooperating institution

University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering

Bachelor’s degree from Allegheny and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the cooperating institution

Washington University School of Engineering

Bachelor’s degree from Allegheny and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the cooperating institution

Frequently Asked Questions

What courses should students in the dual degree program take their first year?

As students need to complete the cooperating school’s requirements during their first three years it is important that they begin taking the required courses as soon as possible. This means that students should enroll in the math class recommended by the placement exam, either Math 140, 141, 151, or 152. in the Fall of their first year. Students placing in Math 141 or higher should also enroll in Physics 110 in the Fall. Second semester students should continue to the next math and physics courses. Any questions regarding course selection should be directed to the Cooperative Engineering Coordinator.

What is the best major for the dual degree program?

The cooperating schools do not require a particular major, only that you complete the required courses and maintain the specified GPA. However, given the overlap between the program requirements and departmental major requirements, it is generally easier to complete certain majors. In particular, students considering civil, mechanical, aeronautical, or electrical engineering should consider majoring in either physics or mathematics. Those interested in chemical engineering should consider chemistry as a major.

Whatever they choose, students are not required to declare a major and minor until the end of their second year.

When does a student have to commit to the dual degree program?

While students begin formal application to the program during the Fall of their junior year, there is no actual commitment until the student enrolls in the cooperating school’s engineering program.

What if a student is unable to complete some of Allegheny’s graduation requirements before the end of their junior year?

With careful planning students should be able to complete their Allegheny requirements in three years. However, if major, minor or distributive requirements have not been met by the end of the junior year, arrangements can usually be made to take equivalent courses at the cooperating school. These arrangements must be made BEFORE the student begins the engineering program

What if I desire an engineering degree but wish to complete all four years at Allegheny?

In addition to the 3-2 cooperative agreements, Allegheny also has a 4-2 cooperative program with Washington University which, like the 3-2 program, leads to a BS in engineering, with an option of an accelerated MS program for qualified students. Students who choose this route must complete all of Allegheny’s graduation requirements, including the Senior Project. Also, students who graduate from Allegheny with a BS in Math, Physics or Chemistry have a good chance of being accepted into a MS program in engineering at any school to which they apply. Consult with the Cooperative Engineering Coordinator for details.

Program Contact

Dan Willey

Professor of Physics

Email 814-332-5368

Pre-Engineering

Why Pursue Engineering at Allegheny College

Your Four-Year Journey

Dual Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Contact

Related Programs

Physics

Mathematics

Chemistry