Physics

Eckerd College dual-degree engineering program

The engineering and applied science program is designed for students who wish to combine a broad, values-oriented knowledge base with one of many fields of engineering or applied science. Students may pursue a career in applied science or one of many engineering disciplines including electrical, civil, chemical, industrial, aerospace, textile, nuclear, biomedical, or systems engineering. Students complete all requirements for majors at both Eckerd College and the second institution, either Columbia University or Washington University in St. Louis.

The courses taken at Eckerd College during the first three years are typically:

I. Pre-engineering core:

• Math: Calculus I, II, and III, Differential Equations
• Physics: Fundamental Physics I and II and Modern Physics
• Chemistry: General Chemistry I and II
• Computing: Introduction to Computer Science

II. Eckerd All-College Requirements:

• Human Experience
• First-Year Experience Seminar
• World Language (two semesters)
• Academic Areas (1 course from the arts, the humanities, and the social sciences respectively)
• Perspectives: (2 courses; Global and Environmental)
• A Writing Portfolio

III. Courses toward completing the Eckerd College Requirements

Here is a possible sequence of courses:

First-Year

• Calculus I & II
• Physics I & II
• First-year sequence: HE and FYE
• World Language I & II

Sophomore Year

• Calculus III
• Differential Equations
• Modern Physics
• Introduction to Computer Science
• Global Perspective
• Environmental Perspective
• Humanities Area course
• Major Course Requirement

Junior Year

• Arts Area course
• Social Science Area course
• Four Major Course Requirements

It is important that the student be qualified to begin the freshman year with Calculus I and either Chemistry I or Physics I in order to complete the Eckerd College portion of the program in three years. Upon successful completion of the three-year portion of the program (requirements of grade point average vary somewhat) and recommendation of Eckerd College, a student is admitted to Columbia University or Washington University in St. Louis, where the dual-degree requirements may normally be completed in two years. The student is then awarded degrees from both Eckerd College and the engineering school.

The program is designed for an academically qualified student who is willing to work hard. While difficult, completing the program in five years is by no means impossible. Many students have done so and are practicing engineers today. The keys to success are being well-qualified on entering, making timely decisions on Eckerd College major and cooperating university, and obtaining early advice from the Program Coordinator.

Due to the sequential prerequisite requirements, it is vital for dual degree candidates to obtain advisement early in their careers at Eckerd College. Students who wish to pursue a dual-degree program should consult with one of the advisors as early as possible.