Dual Degree Program
Engineer your way. Engineer at WashU .
The McKelvey School of Engineering has one of the longest-running dual degree programs in the country with more than 2,300 alumni. The Dual Degree Program is an attractive alternative to traditional engineering pathways.
Program graduates are “liberally educated engineers” with strong communication and problem-solving skills, a broad background in the humanities and social sciences and a high-quality technical education.
Students enter with a cohort of Dual Degree students and quickly bond together, most often living together, while pursuing engineering degrees.
300+ 100+ +70%
Dual Degree students at WashU affiliated institutions across the United States
Advantages of the Dual Degree Program at WashU:
+ Simultaneous admission to engineering bachelor’s and master’s degrees
+ Financial support that reduces every student’s tuition by 50% or more
+ ABET accreditation, an optional PhD pathway, and graduation rates over 90%
identify as one or more of the following: female, international, underrepresented student of color
+ Engineering co-op for full-time job experience before graduation
+ A diverse community and supportive network of students and alumni
A world-renowned university and engineering school
Washington University in St. Louis is a global leader in research and education with more than 15,000 full-time students and more than 4,000 full- and part-time faculty members. Nearly 60 of the university’s graduate and undergraduate programs currently hold a top 25 ranking by U.S. News & World Report.
The McKelvey School of Engineering promotes independent inquiry and education with an emphasis on scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration without boundaries. With 165 full-time faculty, 1,506 undergraduate students, 1,434 graduate students and 23,000 living alumni, we are working to solve some of society’s greatest challenges; to prepare students to become leaders and innovate throughout their careers; and to be a catalyst of economic development for the St. Louis region and beyond.
Outstanding faculty
Our faculty perform cuttingedge research in a wide variety of areas and are recognized worldwide for their discoveries. McKelvey Engineering faculty also collaborate with faculty in other departments and other schools within the university on numerous interdisciplinary research projects.
Academics & degree options
The Spartan Light Metal Products Makerspace, located in Jubel Hall, allows students to bring innovative ideas to life. With advanced training, students can also work in the Advanced Machine Shop.
Undergraduate 2-year Option (3-2):
Results in a liberal arts degree from the home institution and an undergraduate engineering degree from WashU.
Undergraduate programs
+ Biomedical Engineering
+ Chemical Engineering
+ Computer Engineering
+ Computer Science
Graduate 3-year Option (3-3):
Results in a liberal arts degree from the home institution plus both undergraduate and master’s engineering degrees from WashU.
+ Data Science
+ Electrical Engineering
+ Environmental Engineering
+ Mechanical Engineering
+ Systems Science & Engineering
Master’s programs
+ Aerospace Engineering
+ Biomedical Engineering
+ Computer Engineering
+ Computer Science
+ Construction Management
+ Cybersecurity Engineering
+ Data Analytics & Statistics
+ Electrical Engineering
+ Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
+ Engineering Management
+ Imaging Science
+ Information Systems Management
+ Materials Science & Engineering
Learn more about the Dual Degree Program.
+ Mechanical Engineering
+ Systems Science & Mathematics
Beyond the classroom
Dual Degree students have ample opportunities to dive into engineering coursework and explore experiences that shape their educational and career trajectories.
At WashU, opportunities abound!
Research Entrepreneurship Career support
+ Engineering students can participate in research projects across the entire university, including the School of Medicine.
+ More than 3,000 research projects are annually underway at Washington University.
+ In 2023, WashU research was supported by $978 million.
+ Engineering faculty are among the most highly cited researchers in the world.
+ Cortex Innovation Community: 200-acre innovation hub and technology district
+ Discovery Competition for engineering undergraduate students
+ Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation & Entrepreneurship
+ Sling Health Network
The Center for Career Engagement supports all WashU students with a variety of programming and services focused on professional development. McKelvey Engineering provides additional programs and resources just for engineers such as:
+ Mentoring programs
+ McKelvey Career Spotlight
+ McKelvey Industry Connect
“I like to work with my hands, invent and build. I also love working as a team member, collaborating with others to build a bigger, better solution. With the tools and support I’ve gained from attending Washington University, I know I will be able to open many doors.”
+ Student organizations and professional societies
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Home institution: Scripps College
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, SC
St. Louis
The ideal balance of small-town feel and big-city opportunities
WashU enjoys a central location in a friendly, medium-sized city known for its affordability, great food, exciting sports and accessible entertainment.
Forest Park
Located between WashU’s Danforth and Medical Campuses, this 1,371-acre gem has something for everyone year-round including the Saint Louis Zoo, museums, trails for running, biking, hiking and more.
Dual Degree housing
University-owned apartments reserved for Dual Degree students provide amenity-rich accommodations close to campus and support the cohort-based community vibe that our program is known for.
The Loop
Most Dual Degree students live near the Delmar Loop, which is in walking distance to the Danforth Campus. The Loop is home to great restaurants, shopping and entertainment, including some of the best live music venues in the area.
Admissions & financial support
Every Dual Degree student is eligible for financial support
Domestic students can be considered for need-based financial aid by submitting an undergraduate FAFSA and CSS Profile to WashU. If you apply to the Dual Degree Program when you are a senior at your home institution, you may be eligible for more undergraduate support if you wait and graduate with both undergraduate degrees from both institutions at the same time. Admitted Dual Degree students who choose to enroll in the Undergraduate 2-year Option are eligible to receive need-based financial aid.
All admitted Dual Degree applicants (domestic and international) who choose to enroll in the Graduate 3-year Option automatically receive the Graduate Affiliation Scholarship, which guarantees a tuition discount of 50 percent in the first year, 55 percent in the second and 60 percent in the third.
All Dual Degree applicants can be considered for supplemental awards by submitting the Merit Scholarship Application at engineering.wustl.edu/dualdegree.
Application deadlines:
+ Admission: February 28
+ Scholarships: March 10
+ Financial Aid: March 15
Get to know us:
+ Zoom appointments
+ Visit campus
+ Experience J-Term
January Intensive Term (J-Term)
December 26 – January 7 Register by November 15
J-Term is an opportunity to explore introductory engineering courses offered in a special 11-day intensive format to encourage current liberal arts students to test their interests in engineering.
J-Term is an opportunity to get a head start at building connections and community before enrolling as Dual Degree engineering students.
Courses:
+ Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Circuits
+ Statics and Mechanics of Materials
Eligibility: Students must have a GPA of B+ (3.25/4.0) or better, both overall and in science and mathematics courses. Prerequisite courses: Multivariable calculus III and calculus-based physics which covers kinematics, electromagnetism and optics.
For more information: engineering.wustl.edu/dualdegree
student organizations at WashU are related to engineering.
EnCouncil
EnCouncil is the undergraduate student government for McKelvey Engineering. Some of EnCouncil’s major events include Vertigo (pictured right), Cheap Lunch, and the dean’s and departments’ forums.
Design/Build/Fly
WashU Design/Build/Fly (WUDBF) is an aerospace-oriented engineering team that attends yearly competitions sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
View them all here.
WashU Racing
WashU Racing is a student-run Formula SAE team that designs, manufactures and assembles a formula-style race car. Each year, the team travels to Michigan International Speedway to compete against more than 100 other student teams.
