Dual Degree Engineering: Bachelors + Masters or BA+BS
Start with a superior liberal arts education grounded in the physical sciences; continue with an education in engineering from an accredited school of your choice, and earn two degrees upon completion. You get the best of both worlds with Dual Degree Engineering.
By bridging the gap and connecting math to the arts, science to society, and physics to philosophy, you’ll gain a holistic view of your chosen careers while obtaining the technical skills to meet tomorrow’s engineering challenges.
Students can choose to enter Dual Degree Engineering at Saint Mary’s with two future goals. They can choose to transfer to a straight-to-Master’s program, or an accredited Engineering school that offers the Bachelor’s degree in the Engineering field of their choice.
Personalized Courses
Science and math courses tailored to fit your professional goals.
Small, Hands-On Class Sizes
Direct access to professors for a more individualized, focused learning experience.
A Strong Physics Foundation
Learn skills that will allow you to analyze complex problems in a variety of fields.
Curriculum
Please talk with an advisor in Physics to check for things like: Physics 60 is only offered in Fall semesters, Physics 181 in spring semesters, Physics 110, 115, and 125 are offered alternate years.
Sample Schedule
Sample Schedule for Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aero, Astro Engineering
Year 1
1st Semester-Fall
- Calculus I
- Physics I with Lab
- English
- General Education Requirement
January Term
- Course at Saint Mary’s College
2nd Semester-Spring
- Calculus II
- Physics II & Lab
- English
- Seminar
Year 2
3rd Semester-Fall
- Calculus III
- Modern Physics & Lab
- Computational Physics
- Seminar
January Term
- Course at Saint Mary’s or course at Washington University
4th Semester-Spring
- Differential Equations
- Physics - Electronics and Instrumentation
- Physics - Analytical Mechanics
- General Education Requirement
Year 3
5th Semester-Fall
- Physics Upper Division*
- Physics Upper Division*
- General Ed Requirement or Seminar
- General Chemistry I with Lab
January Term
- Course at Washington University
6th Semester-Spring
- Physics Upper Division*
- General Education Requirement
- General Education Requirement or Seminar
- General Education Requirement
* One of the Physics Upper Division could be substituted for Math 120
Dual Degree Advantage
In just five years, earn two degrees: a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Saint Mary’s and a B.S. in Engineering from our partner school Washington University in St. Louis or an accredited engineering school of your choice (the BA + BS option). Or, in just six years, earn B.A. in Liberal Arts from Saint Mary's and a Master's from Washington University via their straight-to-Master's dual degree program.
What can you do with a dual degree in Engineering?
This pathway combines a liberal arts foundation with ABET-aligned engineering training—preparing you to solve complex technical problems, communicate clearly, and lead cross-disciplinary teams.
(*Some careers may require licensure (e.g., PE) or graduate study).
Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineer
Design, analyze, and test air/space systems—structures, propulsion, and controls—for performance and safety.
Civil Engineer
Plan and deliver infrastructure (transportation, water, structures); manage codes, permitting, and sustainability.
Chemical Engineer
Develop and scale chemical/bioprocesses for energy, materials, pharma, or environmental remediation.
Computer / Software Engineer
Build firmware and systems software; integrate sensors, networking, and real-time computing.
Data Science Engineer
Leverage computational modeling, statistics, and machine learning to design data-driven systems for engineering applications.
Electrical Engineer
Design circuits, power systems, and embedded hardware; validate reliability and compliance.
Environmental Engineer
Model and mitigate pollutants; design treatment systems and advise on regulatory compliance.
Mechanical Engineer
Design and analyze machines, engines, and systems; develop solutions across industries from energy to manufacturing.
Robotics / Mechatronics Engineer
Combine mechanics, electronics, and control to create autonomous or human-in-the-loop systems.
Systems / Product Development Engineer
Own requirements, trade studies, and verification from concept through manufacturing and launch.
Saint Mary's Testimonials
"Being part of the engineering program has allowed me to get a well-rounded education. I gained necessary skills such as communication and critical thinking while pursuing a STEM degree. Through this program, I was able to work towards two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. I now look forward to continuing my education at the University of Southern California!"
Marko Danial, '24
Get Involved
Discover the Science Living Learning Community, our on-campus housing exclusively for first-year STEM majors. Or learn about our Engineering Club, our student-run organization that meets weekly to plan projects and host guest speakers.
