B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Engineering 3-2
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Whittier College, situated in Whittier, California, offers a unique and highly beneficial 3-2 Engineering Program, which culminates in students earning two Bachelor's degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Whittier College and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) from a partnering engineering university, currently the University of Southern California (USC). This program provides the "best of both worlds," combining a strong liberal arts foundation with specialized technical training in engineering. Students typically spend three years at Whittier College completing their liberal education requirements and a chosen major (often in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Integrated Computer Science), followed by two years at the engineering school.
STEM-designated: Yes, the B.A. component of Whittier College's 3-2 Engineering Program, particularly the foundational science and math majors within it, is inherently STEM-designated. The subsequent Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the partner institution is also a STEM degree. This dual STEM designation offers significant advantages, especially for international students on an F-1 visa, as it qualifies them for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, allowing for up to three years of post-completion work authorization in the U.S. This extended practical experience is invaluable for career development in engineering fields.
Curriculum: The curriculum for Whittier's 3-2 Engineering Program is carefully structured to prepare students for a seamless transition to the engineering school. Core requirements at Whittier typically include extensive coursework in calculus-based physics (PHYS 150, 180, 185), calculus and analytical geometry (MATH 141, 142, 241), computer programming (COSC 120), differential equations (MATH 345A), and general chemistry (CHEM 110A). Beyond these core courses, students select a specific B.A. major at Whittier (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Integrated Computer Science, or a more flexible Science & Letters option), completing additional advanced coursework within that discipline to ensure they meet the prerequisites for their chosen engineering specialization at the partner university. Regular consultation with a dedicated 3-2 Engineering advisor is strongly recommended to tailor the curriculum to specific engineering program requirements.
Research Focus: While the initial three years at Whittier College emphasize a broad liberal arts education, there is a strong encouragement for students to engage in scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Students in foundational science and math majors often have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research, engage in designated Research Intensive (RI) courses, and present their work at the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) conference. While the highly specialized engineering research typically occurs during the two years at the engineering university, the rigorous scientific training and problem-solving skills honed at Whittier provide a crucial intellectual foundation for advanced engineering research.
Industry Engagement: Whittier College's location in Southern California provides advantageous access to a diverse array of industries, including aerospace, bioengineering, and other technology sectors. The Center for Career and Professional Development actively supports students in the 3-2 Engineering Program, helping them secure valuable internships and experiential learning opportunities. Programs like "Whittier Works" offer individualized coaching and connections with employers, enabling students to gain practical experience and build professional networks. The dual degree structure inherently enhances industry engagement, as students benefit from the career services and industry connections of both Whittier College and the partnering engineering institution.
Global Perspective: Whittier College is committed to fostering a global perspective among its students, and this extends to those in the 3-2 Engineering Program. While the structured nature of the 3-2 program might necessitate careful planning, students can explore study abroad opportunities through the Office of International Programs during their Whittier years. These experiences, which span five continents, can broaden their understanding of international scientific and engineering practices, cultural contexts, and global challenges. This exposure contributes to developing well-rounded engineers who are prepared to work in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
Whittier College's 3-2 Engineering program offers a unique pathway to a robust career in engineering. By combining a strong liberal arts foundation from Whittier with specialized engineering training from a partner university like USC, graduates emerge with two degrees and a distinct advantage in the job market.
Aerospace Engineer: Leveraging a strong foundation in physics and mathematics, graduates can design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and other related systems. Southern California's robust aerospace industry offers numerous opportunities.
Biomedical Engineer: For those who combined their engineering studies with a B.A. in a life science at Whittier, this field allows for the design and development of medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and artificial organs, bridging engineering principles with healthcare.
Chemical Engineer: A background in chemistry from Whittier, combined with chemical engineering principles from the partner institution, prepares graduates to work in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals to food processing and materials science, optimizing chemical processes and production.
Civil Engineer: Graduates can contribute to the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. This often involves applying principles from physics and mathematics learned at Whittier.
Computer Hardware Engineer: With a foundation in computer science and physics, these engineers design and develop computer components such as processors, circuit boards, and memory devices.
Data Scientist (with Engineering Focus): While often associated with pure computer science, an engineering background from the 3-2 program can provide a strong analytical and problem-solving framework for a data science career, particularly in fields requiring expertise in system optimization or data from engineered systems. One Whittier 3-2 alumnus is, in fact, a data scientist.
Electrical Engineer: Specializing in the design, development, testing, and supervision of the manufacturing of electrical equipment, from power generation systems to telecommunications equipment. The strong physics and math curriculum at Whittier is highly beneficial here.
Environmental Engineer: Combining a focus on environmental science or chemistry at Whittier with an engineering degree allows graduates to design solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control, waste management, and sustainable resource development.
Mechanical Engineer: This broad field allows graduates to design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices, including engines, machines, and tools, across almost every industry. The foundational science and problem-solving skills from Whittier are crucial.
Software Engineer: For those who majored in Integrated Computer Science at Whittier and pursued software engineering, careers in developing, designing, and maintaining software applications, operating systems, and networks are readily available in the thriving tech industry.
