Pre-Engineering Handbook

Online Version
Based on the January 1997 Print Version from the Ohio Wesleyan University Office of Academic Affairs
Online version last updated April 2006

Contents

Preface

Part I: The Pre-Engineering Program

An Overview - Guideline for Transfer Students - Ohio Wesleyan’s Program Requirements - Other Ways To Do Engineering

Part II: The Engineering Schools

Alfred University - The California Institute of Technology - Case Western Reserve University - Polytechnic University - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Washington University (St. Louis)

Engineering Fields Offered at Engineering Schools

Preface

The Pre-Engineering Handbook is a student’s guide to Ohio Wesleyan’s pre-engineering program. It was written to fill the need for current and accurate written information about the pre-engineering program and to describe the program—its assumptions and its expectations, its workings and its spirit. On its own the Handbook is incomplete. It must be supplemented with the advice and interpretation of chemistry, physics, computer science, or biology professors.

Part I describes Ohio Wesleyan’s policies and procedures governing the pre-engineering program. It explains the purpose of the program and other opportunities to do engineering. Part II contains information about the engineering schools with which Ohio Wesleyan has cooperative agreements. Each school is described separately. The information on the number of students and full-time faculty at each school was obtained from the 1991-92 College Handbook, published by the College Board.

The last section of the Handbook is a table of engineering fields. Only major engineering fields are included in this table; engineering fields other than those listed might be offered by one or more of the schools. A checkmark indicates that a particular field of engineering (not necessarily a major), or one closely related to it, is offered.

The information about the engineering schools is correct at the time of writing, but only the engineering schools can provide official information about their programs. Detailed official information should be obtained from the engineering schools and used to supplement Part II. If you find information in the handbook that needs to be updated, please inform Dr. Barbara Andereck.

Part I: The Pre-Engineering Program

An Overview

The pre-engineering program, often called the 3-2 program, the dual-degree program, or the combined-degree program, is an interdisciplinary program that combines an education in the liberal arts with one in engineering. It results in a non-traditional engineer, i.e., a “liberally” educated engineer.

Students earn two degrees: an Ohio Wesleyan bachelor of arts degree with a major in physics, pre-chemical engineering, pre-computer engineering, or biomedical engineering, and a bachelor’s-level engineering degree from an engineering school. Students normally study on the program for five years. They spend the first three years at Ohio Wesleyan and then transfer to an engineering school for the last two years. Ohio Wesleyan maintains cooperative agreements with six schools, listed below.

• Alfred University
• California Institute of Technology
• Case Western Reserve University
• Polytechnic University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Washington University (St. Louis)

(In addition, students may be able to attend other outstanding institutions through an informal arrangement. See the pre-engineering adviser for details.) The agreements are born of the belief that the liberal arts experience benefits engineers, personally and professionally. They provide students with the advantage of studying at a liberal arts college for three years while also providing them with entry into some of the nation’s best engineering schools. Thus, students have a liberal arts education without sacrificing--indeed, while enhancing--their professional preparation.

Students pursuing engineering under the 3-2 program follow essentially the same curriculum as regular engineering students. The coursework required of all engineering students can be divided into three areas: science and mathematics, the liberal arts, and engineering. Under the 3-2 program, the first two areas are studied at Ohio Wesleyan, while the last one is studied at the engineering school. However, on the 3-2 program the first two areas are studied in greater depth, since students must major in either physics or chemistry and meet the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree.

Pre-engineering students can major in physics, pre-chemical engineering, pre-computer engineering, or biomedical engineering at Ohio Wesleyan, depending upon their interest. Pre-chemical engineering and pre-computer engineering majors must major in chemical or computer engineering, respectively, at the engineering school. Not all engineering schools have all engineering fields available. (Consult the table below.) Students interested in biomedical engineering may study this engineering subfield at the engineering school, but are not limited to this option. Students who major in physics are eligible for all engineering fields except chemical engineering.

A Note for Freshmen: Freshmen pre-engineers must seek advice from a member of the physics, chemistry, mathematical sciences, zoology, or botany-microbiology department before registering for first-semester classes to decide which courses to take. While this is important for all students, it is especially important for freshmen because the pre-engineering program coursework must be started from the first semester.

To qualify for Ohio Wesleyan’s B.A., pre-engineering students must fulfill Ohio Wesleyan’s program requirements in three years and obtain approval to graduate on the pre-engineering program (transfer students see below). The program requirements are described in this Handbook and listed in the Ohio Wesleyan Catalog.

Overview of combined-degree engineering programs, and sponsoring departments:

• Combined Bachelor’s/Professional Degrees: p. 41
• Combined-Degree Engineering Programs: p. 69
  • Biomedical Engineering (Botany-Microbiology; Zoology)
  • Chemical, Ceramic, Environmental Engineering (Chemistry)
  • Computer, Electrical Engineering (Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics/Astronomy)
  • Aeronautical, Ceramic, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Electronic, Environmental, Industrial, Materials, Mechanical, Nuclear Engineering (Physics/Astronomy)

Programs in the sponsoring departments:

• Botany-Microbiology: p. 59
• Chemistry: p. 65
• Physics/Astronomy p. 181
• Zoology: p. 226

To obtain approval to graduate from Ohio Wesleyan on the pre-engineering program, students must file a petition with the Registrar sometime before the end of the last semester at Ohio Wesleyan. This petition, known as the Petition for Admission to the Pre-Engineering Program, is acted upon by the Academic Status Committee. The purpose of the petition is to officially declare the intent to pursue the pre-engineering program and to request approval. Approval is normally granted to all students that meet Ohio Wesleyan’s program requirements.

Admission to engineering school requires that pre-engineering students meet the 3-2 program admission requirements of the engineering school(s) and be nominated (recommended) by Ohio Wesleyan. The admission requirements of the six engineering schools are described in Part II and should be verified with them. Admission is not necessarily given to every student that meets the admission requirements and has Ohio Wesleyan’s recommendation. All decisions regarding admission and financial aid are made by the engineering schools and not by Ohio Wesleyan.

Ohio Wesleyan nominates students to engineering schools during the third year. Students should obtain a letter of nomination from the Dean of Academic Affairs. The nature of the nomination varies--some schools require a confidential letter of recommendation; others want a simple confirmation that the student has completed all the stated requirements. Students must ensure that the Dean is aware of the nature of the required letter.

The nomination (or recommendation) is granted on the basis of the student’s academic performance at Ohio Wesleyan. Successful completion of all of Ohio Wesleyan’s program requirements is the only prerequisite for nomination.

A Note for International Students: International students should ensure that they are aware of the financial aid policies of the engineering schools.

A Note for All Students: Most schools require an official Ohio Wesleyan transcript to accompany the letter of nomination. An official transcript is released by the Registrar’s Office only after the student has paid all school bills.

Once students enroll at an engineering school, they follow the course requirements of their engineering field. Students must arrange for a transcript of the complete set of courses taken at the engineering school to be sent to the Ohio Wesleyan registrar in order to meet the OWU graduation requirements. The Ohio Wesleyan B.A. will be conferred upon completion of the engineering degree.

Students are encouraged to learn about the programs at the engineering schools by talking with the pre-engineering advisers, professors, and 3-2 students at engineering schools, and by obtaining current information from the schools.

If students have information on other schools with which Ohio Wesleyan might want to establish new 3-2 arrangements, they should share this information with one of the Associate Deans of Academic Affairs.

A Guideline for Transfer Students

Since transfer students are normally considered on a case-by-case basis, there are no definite policies regarding their eligibility for the pre-engineering program. All transfer students must ensure that both the Ohio Wesleyan pre-engineering adviser and the director of the pre-engineering program at the engineering school approve of the transfer. Further, students who spend more than one year at another institution will almost certainly have to spend at least another two years at Ohio Wesleyan if they wish to pursue the program.

Students who transfer into Ohio Wesleyan may face problems in pursuing the pre-engineering program. Since the pre-engineering program requires students to spend three years at a U.S. liberal arts institution, students transferring from other countries may be unable to pursue the program unless they spend three years at Ohio Wesleyan. Students that transfer from a non-liberal arts U.S. institution might face a similar problem.

Students who start at Ohio Wesleyan in the spring semester may be unable to complete the program requirements in three years. Because sequential courses in math, physics, and chemistry normally start in the fall, they may have to spend seven semesters at Ohio Wesleyan to complete the program requirements.

Some of the curricular requirements can be met by using courses transferred from another institution. Chemistry and physics courses are transferred only with the department’s approval.

Interested transfer students should consult with the pre-engineering adviser and the engineering school(s) before deciding to enroll at Ohio Wesleyan.

Ohio Wesleyan’s Program Requirements

Pre-engineering students must fulfill the general degree requirements, including Competency in English, Competency in Writing Across the Curriculum, Foreign Language Competency, Diversity, and Distribution courses as described in the Catalog. However, note the following exceptions to this information:

Upper-level Courses: 15 upper-level courses are not required during the first three years; the student should have completed at least 6 to 8 upper-level courses at OWU.

Distribution: The student must take at least ten distribution courses. The “Exceptions” listed do not apply.

NB: Some of the engineering schools have more extensive requirements than OWU. Be sure to consult the publications of the engineering schools you have an interest in attending.

In addition, students must meet the following requirements (transfer students see above):

Number of Courses: Complete at least 24 courses (each a 1.00-unit course, a 1.25-unit course or two modular courses in the same department) with at least a D-.

Grade Point Average: A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00 is required for nomination (RPI requires 3.30.)

Residency: Three years of residency at a liberal arts college in the United States.

Requirements for the Majors

Physics-pre-engineering option:

Physics: Seven courses are required; four are compulsory: PHYS 110, 111, 275, and 280; three may be selected: either PHYS 310 or 320; either PHYS 345 or 375; and one from PHYS 330, 340, 350, 360, 380, 420, or 480.

Chemistry: CHEM 110 and 111 are required.

Mathematics: Four courses are required: MATH 110, 111, 210 and 280; three are recommended: MATH 330, 380, and CS 110.

Pre-chemical engineering:

Chemistry: Eight courses are required: CHEM 110, 111, 260, 261, 270, 350, 351, 360.

Mathematics: Three courses are required: MATH 110, 111, and 210. (For students interested in Caltech, additional calculus-based math is required.) MATH 280 is recommended.

Physics: PHYS 110 and 111 are required. (For students interested in Caltech or CWRU, additional physics is required.)

Pre-computer engineering:

Computer Science: Six courses are required: CS 110, 250, 255, 270, either CS 360 or 380, and one from CS 320, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, or 410.

Mathematics: Five courses are required: MATH 110, 111, 210, 250, and 280.

Physics: Three courses are required: PHYS 110, 111 and an electronics course (PHYS 275 or PHYS 375, with the latter recommended.) For students interested in Caltech or CWRU, additional physics is required.)

Chemistry: CHEM 110 and 111 are required.

Pre-biomedical engineering:

Zoology/Botany-Microbiology: Three courses are required: BOMI/ZOOL 120, ZOOL 321, 322.

Chemistry: Three courses are required: CHEM 110, 111, and 260.

Mathematics: Four courses are required: MATH 110, 111, 210 and 280.

Physics: Three courses are required: PHYS 110 and 111 and either PHYS 275 or 280. (For students interested in Caltech or CWRU, additional physics is required.)

In addition one course from among CHEM 261, BOMI/ZOOL 271 or BOMI/ZOOL 351 is required.

Other Ways To Do Engineering

Besides the formal pre-engineering program, Ohio Wesleyan students can obtain a degree in engineering in three ways: an informal 3-2 pre-engineering program, graduate study in engineering (i.e., a 4-2 program), and transfer to an engineering school.

Informal Pre-Engineering Program

This is essentially a 3-2 pre-engineering program, but with an engineering school that does not have a formal agreement with Ohio Wesleyan. Schools such as Ohio State and Georgia Tech are examples of institutions that are viable options. Students may be able to transfer to an engineering school of their choice without having to forfeit earning the Ohio Wesleyan B.A. If the student is accepted by the engineering school and has completed all of Ohio Wesleyan’s program requirements as listed above, he or she should petition to the Registrar for approval. Once the approval has been granted by the Registrar and endorsed by the department, the student will receive the Ohio Wesleyan B.A. upon completion of the engineering program.

Graduate Study in Engineering

It is possible for students to enroll in graduate programs in engineering after completing the Ohio Wesleyan B.A. However, most graduate schools in engineering prefer to enroll students with engineering backgrounds, especially in popular fields such as electrical engineering. Thus, it is harder for students from Ohio Wesleyan to be admitted directly into graduate programs. Most graduate schools would require some undergraduate work in engineering. Also, while some graduate engineering programs might admit exceptionally qualified applicants without an engineering background, they might not consider such students for financial support, particularly in popular fields like electrical engineering.

Students without an undergraduate engineering background may be ineligible for professional certification.

Regular Transfer

Students may be able to transfer to an undergraduate engineering program after one or two years. The student then forfeits earning an Ohio Wesleyan B.A. In recent years, a few students have pursued this option and been admitted to schools like Washington University, Cornell, Purdue, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Part II: The Engineering Schools

ALFRED UNIVERSITY

Important Addresses

The Director of Admissions
Alfred University
Alfred, NY 14802
Tel: (607) 871-2115

Director, Students Financial Aid Office
Alfred University
Box 455
Alfred, NY 14802
Tel: (607) 871-2159

Web: http://www.alfred.edu/admissions/
E-mail: admwww@alfred.edu

Sources of Information: 1988-89 Catalog, Profiles, NYS College of Ceramics at Alfred

General Description

Alfred University is a private (NYS College of Ceramics is publicly funded) institution of about 1,800 undergraduates (M/F: 1.26), 170 graduate students (M/F: 1.34), and 183 full-time faculty members. Approximately 700 students are enrolled in the engineering division of the university.

Admissions Policy

Admission to Alfred University seems automatic for students that have the nomination of the pre-engineering adviser. The program at Alfred should be completed in two years.

Admissions Procedures

Forms may be obtained from the Director of Admissions and should be completed and returned before August 1 for U.S. students and June 15 for international students (December 1 for Spring admission). The applications should be accompanied by official transcripts from all high schools and colleges and a confidential letter of recommendation from the pre-engineering adviser. There is a $25 application fee. Students are notified of decisions after four weeks of the completion of the application.

Financial Aid Policy

Alfred seems to provide both need-based and merit-based financial assistance to admitted students, although the available information does not claim that all admitted students with need will be funded. The available information does not acknowledge the existence of international students in the context of financial assistance, though most of the listed merit-based awards require U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.

Financial Aid Procedures

Students should complete the Financial Aid Form of the College Scholarship Service and the Alfred University Financial Aid Application. Applications are considered as long as funds remain.

A Brief Note

No students have enrolled at Alfred on the pre-engineering program from Ohio Wesleyan. The information available on Alfred University is scanty and outdated.

Important Addresses

Director, Office of Admission 1-63
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA 91125
Tel: (818) 356-6341

Caltech Financial Aid Office
Mail Code 1-63
515 S. Wilson Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91125
Tel: (818) 356-8136
Fax: (818) 564-8136

Web: http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/
E-mail: ugadmissions@caltech.edu

Sources of Information: 1990-91 Catalog, Financial Aid Information, 1992-93; copy of application form.

General Description

The California Institute of Technology is a private university of about 810 undergraduates (M/F: 3.79), 1050 graduate students (M/F: 4.87) and approximately 625 full-time faculty members.

There are other options open at Caltech that go beyond the engineering program. These include areas of applied and interdisciplinary science such as applied physics, astronomy, geophysics, geochemistry, planetary science. If you are interested in one of these opportunities, see Dr. Andereck.

Admissions Policy

Admission to Caltech is selective and not guaranteed. Caltech admits an average of 16 pre-engineering students each year from nine liberal arts colleges. It is assumed that after three years the student will have completed “the basic science requirement” (two years of physics and calculus, one year of chemistry) and the “humanities and social science requirements” (6.40 OWU units in the humanities and social sciences) with a grade point average of 3.00 or better. It is also assumed that the student will not have graduated from Ohio Wesleyan.

Admissions Procedures

Applications are available from the pre-engineering adviser. Students must submit an official transcript along with the application (which includes essays), and must arrange for letters of recommendation from a faculty member and from the 3-2 liaison officer to be sent to Caltech. The completed application is to be sent to Caltech by April 1. There is no application fee. Caltech states that decisions are made around mid-April; in the past few years students have not received notification until the second or third week of May. Caltech will fax their letters of notification if the applicants so request in writing. (All applicants are welcome to use Ann Quillin’s fax number: 614-368-3314.)

Financial Aid Policy

Caltech is committed to providing sufficient aid to allow admitted students to enroll. Most aid awards are need-based, with the exception of “name” scholarships. The financial aid package is made up of grants or scholarships, student employment, and low-interest loans. Other financing options include summer research (SURF) and outside scholarships offered to students regardless of need.

Caltech meets the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted U.S. students. Their budget for non-immigrant 3-2 students is limited and varies from year to year, depending in part on the amount required to fund freshmen. Non-immigrant 3-2 students who are admitted with aid will have their full demonstrated need met. Others may be admitted without aid, once Caltech’s budget is exhausted. The students who receive aid tend to have the highest academic merit. Caltech does not deny admission based on financial considerations.

Financial Aid Procedures

Financial aid forms can be obtained from the Caltech Financial Aid Office anytime after January 1. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens file forms with the College Scholarship Service, and international students with the Caltech Financial Aid Office. The deadline is March 2 for all students. Note that this is before the deadline for the application for admission. All financial aid applicants will be required to submit signed copies of their own and their parents’ tax returns. International students must submit translated returns. Caltech notifies students whether they will receive financial aid at the time of admission.

A Brief History of the Caltech Connection

Caltech is the most popular pre-engineering school at Ohio Wesleyan, primarily due to its fame and its past policy of admitting and meeting the full need of every student nominated by Ohio Wesleyan. Starting in 1991 Caltech began to restrict its acceptance and/or aiding of 3-2 students. It is the only pre-engineering school that meets the full financial need of admitted students, including international students.

Ohio Wesleyan-Caltech Students

• Fall 1991 Shantanu Ambastha, Mansoor Jafri, and Neena Imam
• Fall 1992 Prasanna Adhikari, Hussein Ali, Navin Kiribamune, and Sharif Rahman
• Fall 1993 Imran Khan, Reza Mohsin, and Khurram Sunasara
• Fall 1994 Pratap Chakravarthy, Vivek Sujan
• Fall 1995 Atif Malik
• Fall 1996 Umesh Bhandary and Zee Yen Khoo
• Fall 1999 Arjun Menon
• Fall 2004 Hatem Helal

Important Addresses

Director, Transfer and Binary Programs
Case Academic Affairs
Baker Building
Cleveland, OH 44106-7028

University Office of Financial Aid
Case Western Reserve University
Pardee Hall, Room 109
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-7049

Tel: (216) 368-2928
1-800-362-8600 (in Ohio)
1-800-321-6984, ext. 2928 (out of state)
Fax: (216) 368-4718

Web: http://www.case.edu/
E-mail: admission@po.cwru.edu

Sources of Information: 1991-93 General Bulletin, Binary Engineering Program, Guide to Cooperative Education, and Application Form

General Description

Case Western Reserve University is a private university of about 2,500 undergraduates (M/F: 1.77), 3,100 graduate students (M/F: 1.15), and 1,000 engineering students. There are about 1,600 full-time faculty members.

Admissions Policy

To be admitted, the student must have a favorable recommendation from the pre-engineering adviser, a cumulative grade point average of 3.00, and a B average in all math and science courses. The student is required to have completed 24 units, including at least the following course work:

• Math: a calculus sequence including multivariable calculus and differential equations.
• Physics: calculus-based courses covering mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics.
• Chemistry: a one-year sequence, including lab.
• Computer Science: one course in Pascal or C/C++.
• Humanities/Social Science: 6.40 units and fulfillment of Ohio Wesleyan’s requirements.
• Chemical Engineering: courses in physical and organic chemistry with lab and courses in mechanics.

Admissions Procedures

Application forms are available from the Director of Transfer and Binary programs and should be submitted before June 30 (November 15 for Spring). Admission is on a rolling basis. Official transcripts (including high school transcript), the “Teacher’s Recommendation” completed by the pre-engineering adviser, and the “Statement of Good Standing” completed by the Registrar should be included with the application. There is no application fee.

Financial Aid Policy

Both need-based and merit-based financial assistance is available. Most need-based financial aid awards are a combination of grant, loan, and job. Other financing options include the Tuition Stabilization Plan, which helps spread the total cost of attending CWRU over ten years. “Binary Scholarships” for pre-engineering students are available for $2,000. No financial assistance is available for international students except for the “Binary Scholarships.”

Financial Aid Procedures

U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens should obtain forms from the CWRU Financial Aid Office and submit them to the College Scholarship Service (CWRU code # 1105) by February 1. Signed copies of parents’ and the student’s most recent federal income tax returns are to be sent to the CWRU Financial Aid Office with the student’s name, social security number, and “undergraduate” at the top.

Optional Programs

The Co-op program; pre-engineering students may participate after their first semester at CWRU.

A Brief History of the Case Connection

Very few students opt for Case. In the past decade only two students have matriculated at CWRU. A representative visits Ohio Wesleyan intermittently.

• Fall 1992 David Webb
• Fall 1999 Elena Marukhlenko

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

Important Addresses

Brooklyn Campus

Director of Admissions
Polytechnic University, Brooklyn Campus
Office of Admissions
333 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Tel: (718) 260-3100
Fax: (718) 260-3136

Director, Financial Aid
Polytechnic University, Brooklyn Campus
333 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Tel: (718) 260-3300

Long Island Campus

Director of Admissions
Polytechnic University, Long Island Campus
Office of Admissions
Route 110
Farmingdale, NY 11735

Tel: (516) 755-4200

Director, Financial Aid
Polytechnic University, Long Island Campus
Route 110
Farmingdale, NY 11735

Tel: (516) 755-4200

Web: http://www.poly.edu/admissions/
E-mail: admitme@poly.edu

Sources of Information: 1988-90 Catalog, Admissions Prospectus, Information for International Students, Application.

General Description

Polytechnic University is a private university with two campuses: the Brooklyn campus and the Long Island campus. The Brooklyn campus enrolls about 1,000 undergraduates (M/F: 6.76), and the Long Island campus enrolls about 400 undergraduates (M/F: 7.5). The Brooklyn campus enrolls most of Polytechnic’s graduate students--340 (M/F: 10.8) to Long Island’s 22 (M/F: 4.5). About 10 percent of the total student population are international students. There are approximately 200 full-time faculty members.

Admissions Policy

Admission is normally based entirely on the nomination of the pre-engineering adviser.

Admissions Procedures

The forms are available with the Director of Admissions. They should be returned in bulk by the Dean of Academic Affairs by February 1 (December 1, for Spring) along with college transcripts and the letter of nomination. Students will be notified on a rolling basis. It seems that there is no application fee.

Financial Aid Policy

Polytechnic offers need-based financial assistance only. A financial aid award consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and on-campus jobs. Other financing options include an extended payment plan and an installment-payment program.

Polytechnic does not provide financial assistance to international students. However, for the academic year 1992-1993, some scholarship support was created and offered to both students (international) who applied from Ohio Wesleyan.

Financial Aid Procedures

Financial aid forms may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. They should be returned by May 1. An Ohio Wesleyan financial aid transcript should be submitted by June 1.

A Brief Note

The available information on Polytechnic University is scanty and incomplete. Polytechnic University seems eager to enroll Ohio Wesleyan students, though very few students have applied to Polytechnic. Two international students applied for Fall 1992, and both were admitted and offered small scholarships.

RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

Important Addresses

Director of Transfer Admissions/Special Programs
Admissions and Financial Aid Building
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY 12180-3590

Tel: (518) 276-8146, or 1-800-448-6562
Fax: (518) 276-4072

Director, Financial Aid
Admissions and Financial Aid Building
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY 12180-3590

Tel: (518) 276-6813

Web: http://www.eng.rpi.edu/
E-mail: admissions@rpi.edu

Sources of Information: 1991-92 Undergraduate Catalog, Ohio Wesleyan University Affiliated Engineering Program with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Courses of Study, 1990-1991; Transfer Application; video

General Description

RPI is a private university of about 4,400 undergraduates (M/F: 4.24), 1600 graduate students (M/F: 3.98) and 400 full-time faculty members.

Admissions Policy

Admission is based on the nomination of the pre-engineering adviser. The student is expected to have a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 and to have completed at least the following course work: two years of humanities and social sciences, two years of mathematics, one and a half years of physics, and half a year of chemistry. Chemistry-based engineering fields require three additional courses: one course each in physical and organic chemistry and a third chemistry course. Biomedical and environmental engineering require an introduction to biology, preferably physiology.

Admissions Procedures

Forms are available from the Director, Transfer Admissions/Special Programs. The completed application should be returned by April 1 (November 1, for Spring admissions) and be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the pre-engineering adviser and official transcripts. There is no application fee. Admissions are made on a rolling basis.

Financial Aid Policy

Financial aid is mostly need based; merit-based awards are available to U.S. citizens only. In addition, RPI scholarships of $5,000 a year for Ohio Wesleyan students are decided by our faculty. The financial aid package is a combination of scholarship, loan and/or job.

There is no financial assistance for international students except for the above scholarship.

Financial Aid Procedures

Forms are available from the Director of Transfer Admissions/Special Programs. The completed forms should be submitted no later than sixty days after acceptance to RPI (November 1 for Spring admissions) and be accompanied by financial aid transcripts from Ohio Wesleyan and a copy of the student’s federal income tax returns.

A Brief History of the RPI Connection

Very few students opt for RPI, primarily due to its policy of not providing any financial assistance to international students. In the past five years, only one student has gone to RPI. The Director of Transfer Admission/Special Programs has visited Ohio Wesleyan annually for the past several years.

• Spring 1993 Nils Wiberg

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (ST. LOUIS)

Important Addresses

Director, Dual Degree Program
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Campus Box 1176, Washington University
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899

Tel: (314) 889-6120

Director, Financial Aid Office
33 South Brookings
Washington University
Campus Box 1041
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899

Tel: (314) 935-5900

Web: http://www.wustl.edu/
E-mail: admissions@wustl.edu

Sources of Information: Dual Degree Program, 1990-1992; Undergraduate Programs, 1991-92 Dual Degree program in Engineering and Applied Science (1991-1992); Intensive Courses in Engineering and Applied Science (January 1992); COOP-School of Engineering and Applied Science Cooperative Education Program.

General Description

Washington University is a private university of about 5,000 undergraduates (M/F: 1.08), 3,000 graduate students (M/F: 1.35), and 700 international students. Washington University has about 1,720 full-time faculty members. The School of Engineering and Applied Science enrolls 1,000 undergraduates and has 85 faculty members. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of the graduating class is composed of pre-engineering students.

Admissions Policy

Under normal circumstances admission to Washington University is automatic provided the student has completed all of the requirements and has a grade point average of 3.00, both overall and in science and mathematics. Washington University requires that the student have completed, or be in a position to complete, at least the “Continuance Requirements” listed below:

• Mathematics: Multi-variable calculus and a separate course in differential equations.
• Physics: A one-year calculus-based sequence that includes laboratory.
• Chemistry: A one-year sequence that includes laboratory.
• Chemical Engineering Majors: A one-year organic chemistry sequence with laboratory.
• Computer Programming: One course or certified proficiency in any language.
• English Composition: Evidence of proficiency
• Humanities and Social Sciences: 2.20 units in one department, with at least one upper- level course (note that 2.0 units will not satisfy this); 5.00 units in all approved areas (Dual Degree Program, p. 11).

Note: Students should assure ahead of time that their Ohio Wesleyan courses suffice for Washington University.

Admissions Procedures

Application forms can be obtained from the Director of the Dual Degree Program or the Ohio Wesleyan pre-engineering adviser. The student can apply any time after the sophomore year and prior to receipt of the first degree. The deadline for Fall admission is March 1, and that for Spring admission is September 1. Admission is on a rolling basis.

The application must be accompanied by a transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) and the recommendation of the Ohio Wesleyan pre-engineering adviser. There is no application fee.

Financial Aid Policy

Financial aid at Washington University is based on merit and financial need. There is no financial assistance based only on need. A few merit awards are available to U.S. citizens only (for example, the Harold P. Brown Engineering Fellowship Competition).

The financial aid package comprises grants and subsidized loans. Financial aid packages do not include a College Work Study component. Several self-help programs for students are available (including Perkins Loans, Guaranteed Student Loans, and the Cost Stabilization Plan).

International students may qualify for partial-tuition scholarships for up to a maximum of $8,700 for 1990-91. Loans are not awarded to international students, and participation in the CSP requires a U.S. co-signer.

Financial Aid Procedures

Financial aid forms may be obtained from Ohio Wesleyan’s Financial Aid Office or from the College Scholarship Service. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens should request that an evaluation be sent to Washington University (code # 6929). International students should contact the Director of Dual Degree programs for the forms. The financial aid forms are required by Washington University only after an offer of admission has been made.

Optional Programs

“The Engineering Cooperative Education Program” (COOP) and the “January Intensive Courses.” January intensive courses are held over the Christmas vacation at WashU. They provide liberal arts students with an introduction to engineering. The application deadline is November 15.

A Brief History of the WashU Connection

WashU is the second most popular pre-engineering school at Ohio Wesleyan, primarily due to the quality of its program and its policy of providing at least partial financial assistance to admitted international students. In the past six years, five students have enrolled at WashU and received partial-tuition scholarships. One student received the Harold P. Brown Fellowship. The Director of the Dual Degree Program has visited for the past several years.

Ohio Wesleyan-WashU Students

• Spring 1990 Musaddeque Hossein
• Fall 1991 Mughees Minhas
• Spring 1992 Ravitej Animi and Azmat Tanauli
• Fall 1992 Asanga Wedisinghe
• Spring 1994 Friiscor Ho and Nadeem Nisar
• Fall 1997 Krish Elakkara Pathayapura
• Fall 1998 Nassim Hussein
• Fall 2000 Ernest Opare
• Fall 2001 Nalin Perera
• Fall 2004 Safwan Ali and Joe Nelson

In addition to the pre-engineering students, a few students have enrolled at WashU as regular transfer students after one or two years.

An Overview of Engineering Opportunities

Only engineering fields are included in this table. Other engineering fields might be offered in addition to the ones listed here; please check the catalogs.

Note: OWU CS majors may not select this option. Open to other 3-2 majors.