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John Carroll University / Academics / Department of Physics and Engineering / Special Programs/Opportunities / 3-2 Engineering Dual Degree Program

3-2 Engineering Dual Degree Program

Engineers are makers. They make things better, stronger, and from scratch. Good engineers possess both problem-spotting and problem-solving skills. Great engineers are known for not only their understanding of complex concepts, but for their creativity and ability to innovate. And the most successful, agile engineers can combine their hard science, quantitative background with immeasurable strengths like empathy, communications, teamwork, and other leadership skills.

Taking the time to build a strong mathematics and science base, while simultaneously developing your understanding of the humanities in courses like history, foreign language, and social sciences, honing your communications and writing skills, and stretching yourself as a professional and a person, will help you become an exceptional engineer and global citizen. The 3-2 engineering dual degree program helps provide great flexibility to take your time deciding exactly what type of engineering you want to do and what kind of person you want to become.

3-2 Engineering Dual Degree Program

Your first three years at John Carroll. Two more right in town at Case Western Reserve University. Two degrees, infinite career paths. Start at John Carroll, and learn in small classrooms and labs, asking big questions and building a solid foundation toward a degree in physics (BA, BS, or a BS in engineering physics) or chemistry. Then, you will spend two more years at Case Western, earning a second degree in a number of engineering fields: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Macromolecular Science & Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, or Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering.

No matter what path you choose, you are guaranteed to receive specialized training from some of the country’s most renowned engineering scholars and researchers at both institutions.

 2024-2025 Sample Course Plan:

BA Physics 3/2 Engineering 

 

How it works:

There is no separate application into the 3-2 program until spring of your junior year at John Carroll when you will apply to Case Western.

Admission to CWRU is guaranteed provided you have completed 90 credits of John Carroll coursework and maintain a 3.0 GPA in the following courses (plus a 3.0 overall GPA):

  • PH 135/L & PH 136/L – Physics 1 & 2 with laboratories
  • CH 141-144 – Chemistry 1 & 2 with laboratories
  • CS 128/L – Intro to Software Development with laboratory
  • MT 135, 136, 233 = Calculus 1, 2, & 1
  • EP 217 – Mathematical Methods for Physics & Engineering

The most straightforward choice of major is the BA in Physics, although a BS in Physics, BS in Engineering Physics, or BS in Chemistry (for Chemical Engineering pathway) may be possible with careful planning.

95%

Percent of graduates that are employed, in graduate school, or engaging in a year of voluntary service nine months after graduation

146,000

Projected growth in the number of architecture and engineering jobs by 2030

$83,160

The median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950

3-2 Engineering Dual Degree Program Highlights

Real Teaching

One of the largest barriers to many bright students’ ability to complete a rigorous engineering program is a lack of support in their initial courses. With small class sizes, and intimate instruction, you can start strong, ask big questions, and be ready for high-level engineering courses in challenging concepts and a magnitude of fields. 

About CWRU

Just a short drive from John Carroll’s campus, Case Western Reserve University offers highly specialized, research-based engineering programs that help diversify your degree without having to sacrifice that liberal arts core. You will have a CWRU-specific advisor who will work closely with your John Carroll advisor to make sure all of your program requirements are met and you stay on a successful path toward both degrees. CWRU maintains a website that details the program once students transfer.

Scholarships and Tuition

After being accepted into the program your junior year, CWRU will provide its own financial package as part of the transfer application process. All 3-2 students do have access to a $2500/semester scholarship through a special CWRU fund. The net difference cost between John Carroll tuition and Case Western tuition depends on your specific financial situation.

More information regarding the total cost of attendance can be found here.

Graduate Opportunities

Students can also complete a B.S. in engineering physics at John Carroll University and then pursue graduate work in engineering. Students who choose this option may start taking engineering courses while at John Carroll through the Northeast Ohio Commission on Higher Education Cross-Registration Program.

Jobs & Internships

After completing all five years, you will be awarded two bachelor’s degrees—one from each institution—making you more marketable to the ever-changing job industry, or broadening your horizons for graduate school. Physics and Engineering Physics students often do research with JCU faculty in the summer leading to presentations at regional and national conferences, and co-authorship on journal publications. Students have performed research and held internships across the country, in places like Cornell University, the NASA Glenn Research Center, Lewis’ Educational and Research Collaborative Internship Project (LERCIP),  Purdue University – Biophysics, West Virginia University, Lighting Innovations, Moog Medical Devices, Penn State University, and Pile Dynamics.

Featured Faculty

“A physics major in general sets students up to go in so many different directions, and continues to pay dividends throughout your career. You will be a “problem solver extraordinaire” and an innovator wherever you work.”
—  Jeffrey Dyck, PhD, Professor of Physics and Department Chair

EP 217 MATHEMATICAL METHODS FOR PHYSICS & ENGINEERING

This math course features a survey of mathematical methods in physics and engineering with an emphasis on techniques and applications of ordinary differential equations. Includes qualitative and numerical solutions, Laplace transforms, Fourier series, systems of linear equations, matrices and determinants. The course features real-world applications of complex concepts.

PH 117 CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE & POLICY

Blend the science and the application to solving climate change, through the in-depth study of the atmosphere, energy balance of the Earth, evidence of recent changes in the composition of the atmosphere and climate, natural and human-induced climate changes, future climate scenarios, impacts of climate change, and then work to understand a solution, with climate change mitigation and adaptation policies.

Alumni Across The Region Map

3-2 Engineering Program Alumni Across the Region

John Carroll University alumni live, work, teach and support communities throughout the region from Northeast Ohio to Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Columbus, Buffalo, Rochester, Pittsburgh, New York City, Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia

Learn more about the program on CWRU’s Website