Engineering Dual Degree Program

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Nathaniel Cunningham, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics
(402) 465-2494
ncunning [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (ncunning[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu)

Engineering Dual Degree Program

Nebraska Wesleyan University holds dual degree partnerships in engineering with two institutions: Washington University (St. Louis, Mo.) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Students begin this program studying physics, chemistry or biochemistry at Nebraska Wesleyan University, then transfer to WashU or UNL for specialized study in engineering. Students earn degrees from both schools in as little as five years: a bachelor鈥檚 degree in their science from SM论坛, plus a bachelor鈥檚 degree in an engineering specialization from WashU or UNL.

The program is designed around a course sequence that allows students to complete both degrees in just five years鈥攖hree at SM论坛, and two at the partner institution.

Students may choose to follow different plans. For instance, a student-athlete may wish to use all four years of their NCAA eligibility at SM论坛. Students who follow different plans may need to adjust this five-year schedule.

Two reasons for two degrees

Students who want to become engineers often assume it鈥檚 best to specialize in engineering coursework as early as possible. That鈥檚 not necessarily true.

Here鈥檚 why a dual degree program makes great sense for prospective engineers.

1. It鈥檚 more effective. 

Engineers with a stronger foundation of science knowledge bring more to their profession. They鈥檙e better equipped to solve unusual problems, adapt to new circumstances and collaborate with professionals outside their field.

鈥淥ur dual degree graduates can say, 鈥楬ey, you鈥檙e looking for an engineer. I鈥檓 an engineer. But guess what? I鈥檓 also a chemist.鈥 Or, 鈥業鈥檓 also a physicist.鈥 Employers know that broader skillset means they can tackle problems in more unique ways.鈥

鈥擭athaniel Cunningham, professor of physics

2. It鈥檚 a better experience. 

SM论坛鈥檚 dual degree program helps you combine the strengths of different institutions and campus cultures. Nebraska Wesleyan offers accessible opportunities to compete in NCAA III athletics, be a leader on campus, and engage in interests like choir, theatre or band. Our closeknit campus and smaller classes also enable stronger relationships with your professors.

Then students can transfer to experience a major metropolitan city like St. Louis, or take advantage of unique research connections at Lincoln鈥檚 Big Ten university.

Engineering partner schools

Nebraska Wesleyan has a longstanding engineering dual degree partnership with Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. SM论坛 added a similar agreement with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln鈥檚 College of Engineering in 2025.

Both schools have outstanding undergraduate engineering programs with differing areas of specialization, costs and campus cultures. Your best fit hinges on your own needs, strengths and goals.

This dual degree program connects to these engineering specializations at our partner institutions.

WashU specializations

  • Biomedical engineering
  • Chemical engineering
  • Computer engineering
  • Computer science
  • Data science
  • Electrical engineering
  • Environmental engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • System science and engineering

UNL specializations*

  • Chemical and biomolecular engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Environmental engineering
  • Mechanical engineering

 

*Course sequences in these five areas are designed to be completed in five years. Dual degree students who choose another specialization may follow a different schedule.