Engineering Frequently Asked Questions

Davidson does not offer a standalone engineering major. Instead, students typically major in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, or Biology at Davidson before pursuing engineering studies.

 Davidson partners with Columbia University and Washington University in St. Louis (WashU).

Students earn two bachelor's degrees: a B.A. from Davidson College and an ABET-accredited engineering B.S. degree from the partner school via a "3-2" or "4-2" arrangement.

Admission to WashU is guaranteed for students who meet minimum GPA and prerequisite criteria. Admission to Columbia is competitive and not guaranteed.

Description: Students spend 3 or 4 years at a liberal arts college completing general requirements, a major, and prerequisite courses, followed by 2 years at an engineering school.

Advantages: Develops high-demand skills like writing, communication, creativity, and lateral thinking. Delivers a direct path to an ABET-accredited degree needed for certain fields.

Disadvantages: Extends overall time and expense (5–6 total years of tuition). Limits elective choices and study abroad options, and means students do not graduate with their original entering class cohort.

Description: Completing a 4-year B.A. in a related field (e.g., physics, math, computer science, chemistry, biology) and then enrolling in an engineering graduate program.

Advantages: Allows full use of liberal arts opportunities, graduation with original peers, and a faster, often less expensive path to an advanced degree. Many Ph.D. programs offer full tuition waivers and stipends.

Disadvantages: Does not automatically yield an ABET-accredited degree, which can complicate Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure.

Description: Applying directly to entry-level engineering roles after completing a B.A. in a STEM field.

Advantages: Provides hands-on industry experience directly after college; some employers provide tuition assistance or co-op options for future graduate studies.

Disadvantages: Can be challenging to pass automated employer screens without an explicit engineering degree; requires effectively translating scientific skill sets into engineering terms.

ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredits college programs in applied science, computing, and engineering to ensure they meet professional industry standards.

It is required for taking Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensing exams in most U.S. states. While not mandatory for all engineering jobs (such as R&D or academia), many employers and specialized graduate programs require or prefer an ABET-accredited degree.

A P.E. is a licensed credential required to sign off on engineering documents and work on public projects involving public safety (e.g., public utilities, roads, bridges, and buildings).

Only about 20% of ABET-accredited BS graduates become P.E.s. Licensure is mainly necessary for engineers in civil, structural, chemical, mechanical, or government-contracted fields. Engineers in software, research, or corporate product development generally do not need a P.E..

Education: Earning an ABET-accredited degree (or meeting alternative state-specific requirements).

Examinations: Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (F.E.) exam near graduation, followed by the Professional Engineer (P.E.) exam later.

Experience: Completing required professional work experience (typically at least four years) with professional references.

AP Chemistry: A score that earns credit for CHE 115 satisfies the general chemistry requirement.

Calculus: Placing into higher-level math waives lower-level math prerequisites.

Humanities & Social Sciences: Davidson’s "Ways of Knowing" requirements generally fulfill partner program general education requirements.

Transferring Credits Back: Davidson allows STEM majors to transfer up to two engineering school courses back to fulfill Davidson major requirements.

Learn more about Pre-College Credit

No. Davidson aid only applies while enrolled at Davidson. Students must submit a separate financial aid application directly to Columbia or WashU upon transferring. Federal aid is limited to four total years of undergraduate study, so fifth- or sixth-year aid may be reduced.

International students are generally not eligible for federal financial aid at either institution and may face variable need-based institutional aid. 

Additionally, certain government-contracted internships (e.g., defence contractors) may be limited to domestic citizens. 

If planning to practice abroad, students should verify how ABET-accredited degrees transfer to their home countries.