The pre-engineering advisor is Dr. Martin DeWitt (mdewitt@highpoint.edu).
High Point University offers a 3-2 dual-degree program in engineering with Vanderbilt University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Students enrolled at High Point University and interested in a career in engineering, may, upon successful completion of an approved three-year program in pre-engineering curriculum, transfer to Vanderbilt or Virginia Tech to complete requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering. They will also receive a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree from High Point University. Students will apply to Vanderbilt or Virginia Tech after the completion of two of three years at High Point University. With the recommendation of High Point University and the successful completion of the three-year course of study and approved GPA, students will be assured of admission to one of the two schools. The completion of the course work at Vanderbilt or Virginia Tech will normally require two years.
As supplement to your academic advisor, the pre-engineering advisor will work one-on-one with you as well as offer you extracurricular and resume building opportunities. Our pre-engineering advisor will provide you with a structured three-year academic plan, as well as provide guidance with all matters related to transfers to Vanderbilt University or Virginia Tech.
Students who wish to participate in the 3-2 program must first complete one semester of suggested courses and meet the following requirements at the end of the first semester:
- take the required courses for the anticipated field of engineering
- have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- have no grade lower than a B in any Math, Science, or Computer Science course
Mathematics Requirements
All fields of engineering require the following courses in mathematics:
- Calculus I* (prerequisite C- or higher in Pre-calculus or placement)
- Calculus II (prerequisite C or higher** in Calculus I)
- Calculus III (prerequisite C or higher** in Calculus II)
- Linear Algebra (prerequisite Calculus I)
- Differential Equations (prerequisites: Calculus II and Linear Algebra)
Some fields of engineering may require more mathematics courses.
*At a minimum, students must take Calculus I their first semester at HPU. If a student does not place into Calculus I, students must take Pre-calculus during the summer prior to freshman year.
**The prerequisite set by the Department of Mathematics is a C or higher. However, in order to continue in the 3-2 Engineering program, you may not receive a grade lower than a C in any math course.
Transfer Requirements
At the end of three years of study at HPU, a student must meet the following requirements in order to transfer to one of the partner engineering schools:
- Cumulative GPA Requirement: Vanderbilt 3.5, Virginia Tech 3.0
- Math/Science/Computer Science GPA requirement: minimum 3.0
- No grade lower than a C in any Math, Science or Computer Science course
- Obtain recommendation from the pre-engineering advisor
- Virginia Tech requires applicants to take two introductory engineering courses on their campus during the summer between the 1st and 2nd years or between the 2nd and 3rd years in the program
Recommended Courses of Study
Recommended 3-2 courses of study for Computer, Electrical, Biomedical, Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering can be found here:
Currently, only Vanderbilt has a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering.
Engineering is a mathematically intensive discipline. All of the recommended 3-2 courses of study begin with Calculus I in the first semester of the freshman year and, at a minimum, include three semesters of calculus, and a semester each of linear algebra and differential equations.
Some semesters may require a load greater than 18 credit hours. Additional tuition must be paid for each additional credit hour above 18. Alternatively, some of the required courses can be taken in summer school. Because of the heavy load of courses that need to be completed in three years, you should expect to attend summer school.
It is important that you speak directly with the 3-2 Engineering advisor (Martin Dewitt – mdewitt@highpoint.edu) before beginning any 3-2 course of study.
When will I receive my degree from High Point University?
The earliest you would be able to graduate and receive your degree from HPU would be at the end of your first year at the engineering school. In order to graduate from HPU, you must have earned a total of 128 credits. Typically, by the end of the 3rd year, pre-engineering students will have earned between 90 and 100 credits. Therefore, you will likely have to take a number of courses at the engineering school and transfer the credits back to HPU to obtain a total of 128 credits.
When I transfer to the engineering school, will I still be paying tuition to High Point University?
No. You will have officially transferred to the engineering school and you will pay the tuition and fees charged by that institution.
What happens if I do not have the grades needed to transfer to Vanderbilt or Virginia Tech at the end of three years?
One option would be to stay at HPU one more year and complete the four-year degree that you have been pursuing here. A second option would be to apply for transfer to an engineering school other than Virginia Tech or Vanderbilt. It still may be possible to obtain dual degrees if you attend another engineering school, although it may take longer to do so.
Is there any room for study abroad in the 3-2 Engineering program?
Because of the large number of required courses that must be completed in three years, it is not possible to participate in a traditional study abroad program. However, it may be possible to participate in a Global Experience program. These are short term, faculty-led trips, many of which involve international travel. You can review these programs on the study abroad website.
There are currently no active engineering clubs at HPU. However, students interested in computer or electrical engineering are encouraged to participate in MACS (Math, Actuarial, & Computer Science Club), students interested in mechanical, civil, or biomedical engineering are encouraged to participate in SPS (Society of Physics Students Club), and those interested in chemical engineering are encouraged to participate in ACS (American Chemical Society Club).
MACS – Math, Actuarial, & Computer Science Club
Membership Criteria: All students interested in mathematics, actuarial science, or computer science.
Advisor: Roger Shore (rshore@highpoint.edu)
SPS – Society of Physics Students Club
Membership Criteria: All students interested in physics and astronomy.
Advisor: Martin DeWitt (mdewitt@highpoint.edu)
ACS – American Chemical Society Club
Membership Criteria: All students interested in chemistry.
Advisor: Todd Knippenberg (mknippen@highpoint.edu)
