Academic Advising Resource Center
3-2 Engineering Program
Why take courses in the 3-2 Engineering Program?
The 3-2 Engineering Program grants students the opportunity to pursue studies in the liberal arts, including mathematics and sciences, during three years at Oberlin before later completing an accredited schedule of engineering courses during two years at an affiliated engineering school.
What kinds of questions does 3-2 Engineering explore?
-
What solutions to real-world problems are possible within the constraints of laws and ethics?
- How can science push boundaries to solve current and future problems facing our society?
- What are the full implications of a technology’s development?
What advice would you give students interested in this program?
There are many paths through the program and students can begin with STEM courses that align with their interests.
Taking Courses
Courses for non-majors or general interest
- Introductory courses in Physics, Computer Science, or Chemistry will provide students with a good foundation for this program.
Getting started in the major
Students interested in engineering take a mathematics course (MATH 133, MATH 134, MATH 231, or MATH 234) as well as either chemistry or physics during their first year at Oberlin.
Many partner schools are looking for well-rounded students with an interdisciplinary focus. Although many 3-2 Engineering students major or minor in other STEM fields, such as Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics, we encourage students to pursue non-stems areas of study. Many 3-2 students pursue a minor in the humanities, music studies, or a social science.
Advanced Placement Credit
The advanced placement credit is based on the guidelines of the department offering the course. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores.
Majoring in 3-2 Engineering
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Three-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 |
MATH 133 |
MATH 134 |
| Y2 |
MATH 231 |
CSCI 150 PHYS 111 |
| Y3 | MATH 234 |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | CHEM 101 MATH 133 BIOL 100 |
CHEM 102 MATH 134 BIOL 210 |
| Y2 | PHYS 110 MATH 231 BIOL 220 |
PHYS 111 MATH 232 |
| Y3 | MATH 234 CHEM 205 |
CSCI 150 |
Related Areas of Study
Chemistry; Computer Science; Mathematics; Physics.
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