3/2 Engineering Program

Why be a 3/2 Engineering Student at K? 

Become an engineer while still getting the full liberal arts experience: an open curriculum and small class sizes that allow you to personalize your education and connect your passion for engineering with other disciplines. 

As a 3/2 engineering student, you can take full advantage of K’s stellar liberal arts education while still gaining the technical skills needed to advance your engineering career. Thanks to K’s open curriculum, you will not need to declare a field of engineering until your 3rd year, giving you space to explore courses outside your major, gain language fluency, and potentially study abroad—while still having the time to participate in athletics, student organizations, and other campus events. This academic flexibility allows you to keep your options open as you decide what branch of engineering, science, applied science, or medical career you want to pursue.

By exploring the bigger picture, you will gain critical thinking skills that will empower you to think outside of the box and communicate your ideas to a wider audience. These attributes set our engineering graduates apart in the workforce.   

How Does the 3/2 Engineering Program Work? 

The 3/2 engineering program is a partnership between K and other engineering schools, enabling you to graduate with both a B.A. and a B.S., typically in the course of five years.  

You will start your college journey at K, where you will have the opportunity to explore your passions and try out courses in different departments. Getting the full liberal arts experience, you will take first-year and sophomore seminars, learn a second language, major/minor in the subject(s) of your choosing, and take the prerequisite mathematics, physics, chemistry and other courses needed for your second bachelor’s degree in engineering.

After your three years at K, you will apply and transfer to an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In recent years K students have transferred into engineering programs at a variety of public universities, with the most common destinations being Washington University in St. Louis, Michigan Technological University, Western Michigan University, Oakland University and the University of Michigan.

During what is typically two years at your secondary institution, you will finish the remaining coursework needed for your particular field of engineering. The secondary institution will then award you a B.S. in your engineering field, and your credits will transfer back to K for your B.A. in your major. 

Of note, Washington University in St. Louis is an affiliate of K, easing the transfer process and opening the door to supplemental financial aid. Washington University in St. Louis also provides the opportunity to get a master’s degree in addition to the dual B.A./B.S. degrees you get as a 3/2 student. 

What can you do with an engineering major?

Below are some of the careers held by our 3/2 engineering alumni—as well as the second college they have attended through the program.

Careers

  • Electrical Engineer
  • Audio Engineer
  • Server Architecture Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer

Employers

  • The Dow Chemical Company
  • Bosch USA
  • Ford Motor Company
  • Eaton Corporation
  • Epic Systems
  • Stryker

Secondary University

  • University of Michigan
  • The University of Washington at St. Louis
  • Michigan Technological University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Oakland University

Kalamazoo College is among the top 50 private liberal arts colleges surveyed for the proportion of graduates who ultimately earn a research doctorate in engineering, according to the National Science Foundation.

Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor

Lesly Mares Castro

Lesly Mares Castro (She/Her)

Majors: Chemistry and 3/2 Engineering

Minors: Mathematics and Spanish

What is the best thing about being part of this department?

How supportive everyone is in the department. Everyone wants to see you succeed.

What has been your favorite class at K? Why?

Thermal physics (PHYS 360); Dr. Wilson provided a collaborative work environment. He also gave us a connection to both the math behind the physics and real-world applications.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?

I have taken a variety of classes outside my major. This has made me a more well-rounded scholar.