The Engineering Combined Plan programs allow students to engage with the breadth and perspective of Bates’ liberal arts curriculum while also pursuing discipline specific academic study in engineering. This combination is particularly valuable in an era when engineering decisions increasingly shape not only technological systems, but also social structures, public policy, and the environment.

Under the programs, students spend three years at Bates pursuing foundational coursework in the liberal arts, mathematics, and sciences, followed by two years of focused engineering study at a partner engineering institution. Bates currently maintains engineering dual-degree partnerships with Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Washington University in St. Louis, Case Western Reserve University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Upon successful completion of the program, students earn two degrees: one awarded by Bates College and a second in engineering from the partner institution. Because a firm decision to pursue engineering is not required until the junior year, the Combined Plan programs offer flexibility for students who are interested in engineering but who wish to explore their academic interests more broadly before committing to that path.

Partnerships

• Columbia University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Dartmouth College
• Case Western Reserve University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

• Requirements
• Course Equivalences and Example Scheduling
• Frequently Asked Questions

Formats

Most programs operate in a 3-2 format in which students spend three years at Bates, apply to the partner institution in the winter of their junior year, and spend the subsequent two years studying engineering at the partner institution. Students may also apply in a 4-2 format to attend the partner institution after completing a full four years at Bates. 

Dartmouth offers a 2-1-1-1 program in which students apply as sophomores, spend their third year at Dartmouth, return to Bates for their senior year, and return to Dartmouth for a postbaccalaureate year in the fifth year. 

The program at Washington University in St. Louis culminates in a Master’s degree (as opposed to a second bachelor’s degree) and runs in either a 3-3 or 4-3 format. Students apply in their junior or senior year and spend the subsequent three years at Washington University to earn a Masters in engineering.

Contact

For more information on the Engineering Combined Plan, contact the Combined Plan advisor:

Professor Ryan Cole
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Bates College
44 Campus Ave.
Lewiston, ME  04240
Email: rcole@bates.edu