Program Requirements for the 3-2 Engineering Program

Guidelines for the 3-2 Program

Students must complete the prescribed 3-2 sequence at Whittier College with at least a 3.0 overall GPA, a minimum grade of "C" in each of the 3-2 program core courses, and a 3.0 GPA in the core courses. They then transfer to one of our partner engineering schools.

As part of the 3-2 program, students may elect to pursue a Whittier College B.A. degree in physics, math, or chemistry. The course requirements for these options are extensive, and completion of the program in five years requires careful planning.

Alternatively, students in the 3-2 program may elect to complete a B.A. in science and letters from Whittier College. The requirements for this program are more flexible than the requirements for a B.A. in a particular science. In any case, the B.A. from Whittier College will be awarded only after a student has successfully completed all of the graduation requirements at both schools.

Core Courses

In addition to satisfying the Whittier College Liberal Education Requirements, all 3-2 students must complete the following science and mathematic courses with grades of "C" or better in each course and a 3.0 GPA:

  • Fundamentals of Physics*, PHYS 150, 180 (9 credits)
  • Computational Oscillations and Waves , PHYS250 (3 credits)
  • General Chemistry, CHEM 110 A, B (8 credits)
  • Calculus and Analytical Geometry, MATH 141 A, B; 241 (12 credits)
  • Computer Programming I, COSC 120 (3 credits)
  • Elementary Linear Algebra/Differential Equations, MATH 242 (3 credits)

* The following courses are strongly recommended for students planning to major in electrical engineering and related disciplines:

  • Electronics and Computer Interfacing, PHYS 205 (3 credits)
  • Optics and Modern Physics, PHYS 275 (4 credits)

Please note that specific requirements vary from one engineering program to another. Students may need to take additional courses at Whittier College to prepare for particular engineering programs. Frequent consultation with the 3-2 engineering advisor (Seamus Lagan) is strongly advised.

 

Option a: 3-2 Physics program

Physics is a small, friendly department at Whittier College. Many of our courses are taught in the innovative "Workshop Physics" format. We have an active chapter of the Society of Physics Students that organizes star parties (taking the department's four telescopes to the desert for a night of camping and viewing), movie nights, the annual Battle of the Sciences volleyball game (Faculty vs. students. Guess who usually wins? You're wrong; the faculty usually win!), and other events. Physics majors are encouraged to participate in one of the department's active research programs. Recent majors have co-authored papers in research journals and participated in the development of a product that is now marketed internationally.

3-2 students wishing to receive a B.A. in physics in combination with an engineering degree must complete, in addition to the core courses, the following 16 credits in physics:

  • Modern Physics, PHYS 275 (4 credits)
  • Mechanics, PHYS 310 (3 credits)
  • Optics, PHYS 320 (3 credits)
  • Electromagnetic Theory, PHYS 330 (3 credits)
  • Experimental Physics, PHYS 380 (3 credits)

 

option b: 3-2 Chemistry program

3-2 students wishing to receive a B.A. in chemistry in combination with an engineering degree must complete, in addition to the core courses, the following 19 credits in chemistry:

1. The following courses must be taken at Whittier College:

  • Organic Chemistry, CHEM 231A, B (6 credits)
  • Organic Chemistry Lab, CHEM 233A, B (2 credits)
  • Quantitative Analysis, CHEM 220 (4 credits)

2. The following course may be taken at Whittier or the engineering school:

  • Physical Chemistry, CHEM 321 A (4 credits)

3. One upper-division chemistry course approved by the department (3 credits)

 

Option C: 3-2 Math program

3-2 students wishing to receive a B.A. in mathematics in combination with an engineering degree must complete, in addition to the core courses, the following 15 credits in mathematics.

  • Abstract Thinking, Math 280 (3 credits)
  • Linear Algebra, MATH 380 or Differential Equations I, MATH 345A (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Analysis, MATH 440A or Modern Algebra, MATH 480A (3 credits)
  • Two upper division (200-level or above) courses in math approved by the department (6 credits total)

 

Option D: 3-2 Science and Letters Program

Some 3-2 students may wish to complete a B.A. in science and letters in combination with an engineering degree. This option offers more flexibility than the 3-2 majors in chemistry, physics, or math, but students cannot receive a B.A. in science and letters without completing an engineering program.

The requirements for the science and letters major include completion of:

  • the Liberal Education program;
  • the 3-2 core courses;
  • the requirements for a minor in physics, chemistry, or mathematics; and
  • three (3) additional credits of upper division courses in any of these disciplines.