The Dual Degree program begins with a strong, small college liberal arts foundation, followed by specialized training at a larger engineering institution. Students in this program normally follow a 3-2 schedule: three years at Simpson College, followed by two years at an engineering school. (For some programs, the engineering requirements may take longer.) A B.A. degree from Simpson College may be received after the fourth year by transferring back to Simpson up to 32 hours of course work from the first year of engineering school. A B.S. degree in engineering is received after completing the requirements of the engineering school.
Although any Simpson major may be pursued in this program, students normally choose a science discipline closely related to their interest in engineering, such as chemistry, computer science, math, or physics. Because of the time constraint of 3-2 scheduling, electives for a Simpson major may sometimes be satisfied by related engineering courses included in the 32 hours transferred back from the engineering school. Students must plan such a program with the respective Simpson department offering the major. For students who are interested in physics, a special Physics—Engineering major is available.
As an alternative to the 3-2 schedule outlined above, many students opt for a 4-2 transfer schedule, in this case all of the Simpson College requirements for the B.A. degree are completed before transferring, along with any other preparatory science and math courses required by the engineering school. In a few cases, a 3-3 or 4-2 transfer schedule leading to a Masters Degree in engineering is available.
The following is an outline of the formal transfer options currently available to Simpson students. The details of these programs are subject to change. Therefore, prospective engineering students should consult with the liaison officer early in their study to ensure a smooth transfer. In addition to these formal options, a student-designed transfer to a different engineering school is possible.
Washington University, St. Louis
Programs available: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems Science
General education requirements: The Simpson College Engaged Citizen Curriculum (ECC) satisfies WU’s general education requirements with the following proviso: Washington University has a Humanities/Social Science requirement of 3 courses in a single department with at least one at the 300-level. This requirement must be met as students complete the ECC requirements at Simpson.
Science/Math requirements:
All WU programs require the following courses before transferring:
- Chem 101/102 General Chemistry I and II
- Math 151/152 Calculus I and II
- Math 251 Calculus III
- Math 345 Differential Equations
- Phys 191/192 General Physics I and II
- One course in Computer Programming
Grade requirements: Minimum GPA: 3.00. Only those courses passed with a grade of C- or higher will transfer to WU.
Other: WU offers a 3-3 transfer program leading to a Masters Degree in engineering.
Institute of Technology (University of Minnesota), Minneapolis
Programs available: Aerospace, Biomedical, Biosystems and Agricultural, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Geological, Materials Science, Mechanical.
General education requirements: The Simpson College ECC requirements satisfy IT’s general education requirements as is.
Science/Math requirements:
Requirements vary with program. Most IT programs require the following courses before transferring:
- Chem 101 General Chemistry I
- Math 151/152 Calculus I and II
- Math 251 Calculus III
- Math 345 Differential Equations
- Phys 191/192 General Physics I and II
- Other requirements depending on program of study
Students planning to transfer to IT should consult with the liaison officer early in their study for program specific requirements.
Grade requirements: Minimum GPA: 2.50 – 2.80 (depending on specific program). Only those courses passed with a grade of C- or higher will transfer to IT.
Other: A 4-2 transfer option leading to a master’s degree is available. Non-resident Dual Degree transfer students are entitled to a discounted out-of-state tuition rate.
Iowa State University, Ames
Programs available: Aerospace, Agricultural and Biosystems, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Construction, Electrical, Industrial, Materials Science, Mechanical.
General education requirements: Although the Simpson ECC requirements match up well with ISU’s requirements, students need to take care to match ECC courses with ISU requirements as there are certain program-specific requirements.
Science/Math requirements:
Requirements vary with program. Most ISU programs expect the following courses before transferring:
- Chem 101 General Chemistry I
- Math 151/152 Calculus I and II
- Math 251 Calculus III
- Math 345 Differential Equations
- Phys 191/192 General Physics I and II
- Other requirements depending on program of study
Students planning to transfer to ISU should consult with the liaison officer early in their study for program specific requirements. A general reminder would be that engineering requirements for some programs may take longer than two years to complete.
Grade requirements: Minimum GPA: 2.00. Only those courses passed with a grade of C or higher will transfer to ISU.
Other: Students should be aware that not all engineering programs can be completed in two years.