Now, you can study engineering without sacrificing the benefits of a liberal arts education—broad-based intellectual exploration, strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work on a team, and plenty of practice problem solving in a variety of disciplines.
Two Ways to Study Engineering at Principia
On-Campus Dual-Degree Program
Spend five years at Principia College completing general education courses and taking engineering classes from the University of North Dakota (UND) offered via streaming video on the College campus. Principia faculty members support all aspects of the distance-learning experience, including attending the online classes and holding office hours. You'll also complete two brief summertime lab sessions at UND. (Principia scholarships and financial aid apply to both traditional and distance-learning course work. You'll need to cover travel expenses and room and board for the UND summer programs.)
3+2 Dual-Degree Program
Spend three years at Principia College completing general education and introductory engineering classes. Then transfer to an approved university, such as the University of Minnesota, for two years of engineering course work.
Majors Offered
Upon completion of either of the programs above, you'll receive two degrees:
- Engineering Science (BS from Principia College)
- Engineering (An ABET*-certified BS in a specific engineering field, such as civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering, from the university providing the engineering course work.)
You are not required to complete both degrees in order to major in engineering. You may complete only Principia's BS in engineering science, but it is not ABET*-certified.
*ABET, Inc., is the recognized accreditor for engineering programs. This certification assures that programs meet the quality standards established by the profession.
Why Study Engineering Science at Principia College?
- We prepare students to enter the competitive field of engineering with strong communication and writing skills, an edge that contributes to success in any profession.
- Our 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows invaluable access to faculty, and we mentor our students beyond graduation.
- Many students join the solar car team and build and race a car against other universities in national and international competitions.
- Students go on engineering field trips and attend guest lectures by visiting engineers.
- We partner with local colleges and universities on engineering activities during Engineering Week.
- We’ve developed internship opportunities at a variety of companies and organizations.
- Our students develop confidence and independence to prepare for project and design initiation.
- Our program emphasizes transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, communication, design, and application.
- Our students participate in Principia's Institute for the Metaphysics of Physics directed by Dr. Laurance Doyle, an astrophysicist and principal investigator at SETI Institute.
- We emphasize applying technical skills to help others.
Abroads
Our abroad programs are open to all majors, and students are encouraged to apply for any abroad program that interests them. Students learn as scholars, not as tourists. All abroads involve individual research that students can tailor to their interests.
Note: See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and the Engineering Science major requirements.
