During their three years at Bates, students must complete: 

1. The “Plus 1” component of the General Education Requirements. This is fulfilled by completing a minor, a general education concentration (GEC), or, in some cases, a major (see below)
2. All MOI requirements 
3. A W1 course (typically a first year seminar course) and a W2 course 
4. Two short term courses
5. 24 total credit hours

Completing a Bates major is not necessary as part of the combined plan programs, and in some cases it may not be possible to complete all major requirements as well the thesis/W3 seminar during the three years at Bates. However, it is important for entering students to begin a major other than engineering so that a normal four-year Bates degree can be obtained if for any reason the student later decides not to continue the Combined Plan. 

Students that intend to apply to the combined plan programs should declare an “Engineering major” at Bates by March 1st of their sophomore year. This major is used to track and communicate with students interested in the combined plans and to establish an advising relationship between students and the combined plan liaison. The engineering major is not a standalone Bates major, and as discussed above, it is important for students to begin a major other than engineering in case they choose not to pursue the combined plans. To declare the engineering major, students should contact the combined plan liaison.

The engineering prerequisite courses vary by program as well as the specific engineering field. Students are encouraged to explore the specific requirements on the partner institution websites and should meet with the combined plan liaison to discuss prerequisite courses and form a plan for the three years at Bates. 

Each program requires a set of foundational engineering courses that include:

• Three to five semesters of mathematics (including calculus through multivariable calculus*, linear algebra and differential equations)
• Three to five physics courses (including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and thermodynamics)
• One course in computer programming
• A course in general chemistry

Additional courses are often required depending on the specific engineering field. For example, engineering disciplines related to the chemical and biological sciences require additional courses in chemistry and/or biology, while fields related to physics require additional courses in physics and math. In addition, many programs require a set of 5-6 “non-technical” courses taken in the humanities or social sciences. To assure completion of these requirements in three years, it is important that students begin course work in at least two of the three basic departments (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry) in their first year. 

Students apply to the programs early in the winter of the application year. Application elements vary by program and admission is contingent upon completion of the required pre-engineering courses, an overall grade average of “B” or higher, and evidence of strength in the sciences.

*Courses taken prior to Bates may be used to satisfy some or all calculus prerequisites; successful completion of a course in multivariable calculus satisfies the full calculus prerequisite even if prior calculus courses are not taken at Bates.