Combined Physics / Engineering Major

Brandeis University and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science of Columbia University have established a dual-degree program whereby students complete three years of course work at Brandeis, followed by two years of study at Columbia University to complete the requirements for an engineering degree. Students should consult the Pre-Combined Plan Curriculum Guide created by Columbia University in order to determine the equivalent courses they will need to take at Brandeis.

Students who complete this program are awarded a bachelor of arts degree in physics (or possibly some other science major) from Brandeis and a bachelor of science degree in engineering from Columbia University.

Interested students should consult the program coordinator in the physics department as soon as possible in order to plan their curriculum to meet Columbia prerequisites. Each engineering department at Columbia has its own set of prerequisites that can be obtained from the program coordinator.

Interested candidates must apply to the program prior to Jan. 1 in their junior year for admission to Columbia University in the subsequent fall semester. Before matriculating at Columbia, a typical physics major would have completed at Brandeis the general university requirements, the requirements for the Physics major, and at least the following courses (or equivalents):

  • MATH 10a, b; 22a, b or 15a, 20a; 35a, 37a
  • CHEM 11a, 18a
  • COSI 11a
  • One course in economics

Students should also have earned a grade-point average of 3.0 or above. Letters of recommendation from the faculty liaison, a science professor, and a math professor at Brandeis are also required to apply.

Certificate in Engineering

The Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Mass., offers a five-course certificate in engineering for Brandeis students as part of a special collaboration. This certificate is not equivalent to an engineering degree, but represents a substantial investment in engineering courses that could help students pursue a wider field of postgraduate opportunities in industry or graduate school.

The courses of study are designed to provide the student with a fundamental understanding of an engineering field and typically consist of courses ranging from introductory engineering to advanced courses.

One of the five courses may be an approved Brandeis course with the remaining four taken through cross-registration at Olin. There are six programs of study:

  • Bioengineering
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Systems
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

For students who want to concentrate their studies and immerse themselves in a team-based engineering environment through residence at Olin, there is an option to enroll at Olin for a semester. For further details and to explore academic options, please consult with either physics professor Robert Meyer or computer science professor Timothy Hickey.

For direct consultation at Olin, contact:

Professor Mark L. Chang
Certificate Program Coordinator
mark.chang@olin.edu
(781) 292-2559