Dual Degree Program
Engineer your way. Engineer at WashU .
McKelvey School of Engineering has one of the longest-running Dual Degree programs in the country with more than 2,500 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 WashU’s Dual Degree opportunity:
+ Admission to both undergraduate and master’s engineering degree programs
+ An automatic 50% tuition discount for every Dual Degree student for three years
+ Access to university-wide, engineering-specific and Dual Degree-targeted resources
+ A cohesive and supportive Dual Degree student community and alumni network
identify as one or more of the following: female, international, underrepresented student of color
+ Advising that respects the characteristics, goals and needs of the Dual Degree cohort
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 4,500 full- and part-time faculty members.
McKelvey School of Engineering promotes independent inquiry and education with an emphasis on scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration without boundaries. With 170 full-time faculty, 1,524 undergraduate students, 1,545 graduate students and 23,500 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
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.
WashU’s Dual Degree is 3+3
When applying for the Dual Degree program in the McKelvey School of Engineering, students must choose one undergraduate program and one master’s program in which they will enroll concurrently. The Dual Degree is designed to allow students to complete both degrees with just three years of WashU coursework.
Undergraduate programs
+ Biomedical Engineering
+ Chemical Engineering
+ Computer Engineering
+ Computer Science
+ 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
Admission application
engineering.washu.edu/ dualdegree
Learn more about the Dual Degree program.
+ Engineering Management
+ Imaging Science
+ Information Systems Management
+ Materials Science & Engineering
+ 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
+ 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 2024, WashU research was supported by $1.02 billion.
+ Engineering faculty are among the most highly cited researchers in the world.
+ Center for Experiential Learning
+ IdeaBounce
+ Innovation Fund
+ Skandalaris Launchpad Accelerator
+ Sling Health Network
+ Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation Lab
+ Startup Internships
+ Venture Development and Competitions
“I had always dreamed of becoming a biomedical engineer and, once I learned about the Dual Degree opportunity, I knew that was my ticket to success. There are so many clubs, career fairs and events for engineering that I felt like I would finally be able to explore my interests. I came to WashU to complete my dream.”
Career support
The Center for Career Engagement serves all WashU students with career coaching, skills training and global connections to recruiters and alumni. McKelvey Engineering enhances this support with:
+ Industry-integrated classroom experiences
+ Mentoring and networking with industry leaders
+ Industry insights for specific engineering majors
Biomedical Engineering Home institution: Hendrix College
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
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
Streamlined admission and automatic financial support
Admission requirements
+ In college coursework, both overall and in STEM classes, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 out of 4.0.
+ A minimum of 90 course units of college credit successfully completed prior to enrollment.
+ From the Dual Degree partner institution’s faculty liaison officer, certification that the applicant a) demonstrates aptitude for engineering study and b) is expected to earn the partner institution’s undergraduate degree no later than completion of the WashU engineering degree program.
Financial support
All admitted Dual Degree applicants who attend the program receive the Graduate Affiliation Scholarship, which provides a three-year tuition discount of 50% per semester. All Dual Degree applicants can also be considered for an additional award by submitting the merit scholarship application at engineering.washu.edu/dualdegree.
Application deadlines:
+ Admission: February 28
+ Scholarships: March 10
Get to know us:
+ Zoom appointments
+ Visit campus
+ Experience J-Term
January Intensive Term (J-Term)
December 28 – January 9 Register by November 15
J-Term is an opportunity to explore introductory engineering courses offered in a condensed, accelerated format to encourage current liberal arts students to explore their interests in engineering.
J-Term gives students 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-focused student organizations
Engineers Without Borders
Engineers Without Borders–WashU partners with communities to improve quality of life through environmentally sustainable, equitable and economically appropriate engineering projects. Members work with community partners in Bulubandi and St. Francis, Uganda, as well as developing local initiatives in the St. Louis area.
WashU Design/Build/Fly
WashU Design/Build/Fly is an aerospaceoriented engineering team that attends yearly competitions sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
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.
