Engineering at Carleton
There are four main ways Carleton students can explore their interest in engineering, develop the technical and non-technical skills crucial to the practice of engineering, and/or pursue an engineering degree in preparation for a career in engineering. For students who are drawn to a liberal arts education but also want to engage in engineering, Carleton offers several paths:
- Curricular and co-curricular opportunities
- The Washington University Dual Degree Program
- Internships and Jobs
- Graduate School
Carleton offers multiple courses that either contain engineering projects or teach skills relevant to engineering. Taking courses across multiple department can provide students the skills to pursue interdiscplinary engineering degrees such as biomedical or environmental engineering. Students have also created their own opportunities to pursue engineering through various engineering clubs and by engaging in research projects at Carleton and other instititions, summer internships, and the Career Center Externship Program. Additionally, Carleton provides facilities for making across campus. Last but not least, Carleton has a formal relationship with the Washington University Dual Degree Program that allows students to earn a BS and an MS Degree. By taking advantage of one or more of these opportunities, Carleton students can be well-prepared to explore engineering as a hobby or pursue engineering as a career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in Engineering but not sure where to start? Check out some frequently asked questions!
How many students pursue engineering after Carleton
There are 50-60 students on the engineering email list each year. Roughly 0–3 students per year apply to the Washington progam.
Why is there a large discrepancy between students interested and students who actually apply?
After 3 years at Carleton, students have built close relationships with their peers and the faculty. Thus, they want to graduate with their class. Also, many students want to take full advantage of their liberal arts education. The 3-3 version of the Dual Degree Program places restrictions on the number and breadth of courses students can take and can restrict — or even prevent — the study abroad experiences students have access to. Therefore, the 4-3 version of the program can be a better option for students allowing them more time to meet the dual degree requirements, study abroad, and graduate with their class.
If I’m interested in the Dual Degree Program, what should I major in?
- Most students interested in engineering major in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or computer science. For example:
- Students interested in chemical engineering typically major in chemistry.
- Students interested in computer engineering may major in math or computer science.
- Students interested in mechanical or electrical engineering will major in physics.
- Although it is possible to fulfill a humanities major and complete the requirements, a student should consult the engineering adviser before assuming they qualify for the dual degree program.
What should I do if I think I’m interested in the Dual Degree Program?
- During your first-year at Carleton, you should look through the program requirements for Washington University and put together a 3- or 4-year course schedule at Carleton. A Schedule Planning Worksheet has been provided to help you map your courses.
- Then you should schedule a meeting with the pre-engineering adviser and the department chair of the field in which you plan to major at Carleton.
- You should also sign-up for the engineering email list by contacting either Trenne Fields or the Pre-Engineering Advisors. The engineering email list is used to send out information about when dual degree representative will be on campus, announcements from the dual degree programs, application deadline reminders, and events of interest to students interested in engineering.