What is Oberlin College's 3-2 engineering program?

It is a dual-degree pathway. A student spends three years at Oberlin College studying liberal arts along with the required pre-engineering coursework, then two years at an affiliated engineering school, and finishes with a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the partner institution.

Which engineering schools does Oberlin partner with for 3-2?

Oberlin's affiliated engineering schools are the California Institute of Technology, Case Western Reserve University, Columbia University, and Washington University in St. Louis. Each has its own requirements, so confirm the current details with Oberlin advising and the partner school.

Do you have to commit to 3-2 to join the Oberlin 3-2 Engineering Society?

No. The society is open to any current Oberlin College student interested in engineering, including students who are still deciding and students who never intend to transfer. No prior technical experience is required.

How long does the Oberlin 3-2 engineering pathway take?

Five years in total: three at Oberlin College and two at the partner engineering school, ending with two degrees.

Oberlin 3-2 guide

Plan the five-year path with better questions.

Oberlin College's 3-2 engineering program is a dual-degree pathway: three years at Oberlin, then two years at Caltech, Case Western Reserve, Columbia, or Washington University in St. Louis. Use this page to prepare for advising conversations and compare partner schools. Official Oberlin and partner-school guidance is always the final authority.

Open Oberlin’s official guide ↗See the planning timeline

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Planning timeline

Do not leave the important questions for year three.

Your exact course plan depends on preparation, intended engineering field, partner school, and Oberlin degree requirements.

Before or during year 1

Start the math and science sequence

Discuss placement, calculus, physics, chemistry, computer science, and possible engineering fields with an adviser.

Ask: Which courses must be taken in sequence, and what happens if one is delayed?

Year 1 to year 2

Compare partner requirements

Requirements are not identical. Build a table of prerequisites, grade expectations, application dates, financial-aid processes, and degree options.

Ask: Which requirements apply to my intended major and entry year?

Year 2

Check the whole Oberlin degree

Review major, distribution, writing, residence, and other graduation requirements instead of looking only at engineering prerequisites.

Ask: What must be completed before leaving Oberlin, and what may be completed through transfer credit?

Year 2 to year 3

Plan the application and transition

Confirm application materials, recommendations, transcripts, housing, transportation, visa implications where relevant, and financial aid.

Ask: What deadlines are controlled by Oberlin, and which are controlled by the partner school?

Year 3

Verify everything in writing

Before leaving Oberlin, confirm the course record, degree plan, application status, aid package, and expected path to both degrees.

Ask: Who should I contact when a requirement or transfer decision is unclear?

Affiliated institutions

Four partner schools, different programs.

Open each official page and verify the requirements for your expected application year. Policies and deadlines can change.

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Do not assume every partner still follows the same two-year format. WashU currently describes its Dual Degree Program as three additional years leading to an engineering bachelor’s and master’s. Verify the current structure for your entry year.

Advising meeting checklist

Bring specific questions.

My intended Oberlin major and possible engineering field
My current math and science placement
A draft five-year course plan
Partner prerequisites I have checked
Questions about financial aid and total cost
Questions about housing, credit transfer, and degree timing
Backup options if I change fields or stay four years at Oberlin

Still exploring?

You can join before deciding on 3-2.

Many students need time to understand the academic path, costs, engineering fields, and alternatives. The society is a place to ask those questions without pretending the decision is already made.

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