Hey all! I'm interested in pursuing engineering, but I also value a well-rounded education from a liberal arts perspective. Are there any colleges that are known for combining engineering with a liberal arts curriculum? I'd love to get some recommendations!
Hello! It's great to hear that you're interested in pursuing engineering within a liberal arts framework. There are indeed several colleges that offer a strong combination of both. Here are some recommendations to consider:
1. Swarthmore College: Swarthmore has a well-regarded engineering program and a strong liberal arts foundation. You'll not only learn engineering principles, but also engage with the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
2. Harvey Mudd College: Part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Harvey Mudd is known for its rigorous engineering and science programs, while still emphasizing a well-rounded education. You'll have access to a diverse curriculum through the other Claremont colleges, like Pomona and Claremont McKenna.
3. Olin College of Engineering: Olin, located in Massachusetts, is a small, specialized engineering college that encourages students to study fields beyond engineering. They offer interdisciplinary courses, humanities exploration, and opportunities to collaborate with nearby institutions like Babson College and Wellesley College.
4. Bucknell University: Bucknell, a liberal arts college in Pennsylvania, houses an accredited College of Engineering. Students in the engineering program can also pursue minors in arts, humanities, or social sciences, offering a rich interdisciplinary experience.
5. Lafayette College: Lafayette, another liberal arts college in Pennsylvania, offers engineering programs that integrate well with the college's strong liberal arts curriculum. Students can choose between several engineering majors and have ample opportunities to engage with different fields of study.
6. Smith College: Smith, a women's liberal arts college in Massachusetts, has a dedicated engineering program with an emphasis on design thinking and problem-solving. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is encouraged and students can take classes at nearby institutions, such as the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Amherst College.
Keep in mind that most liberal arts colleges with engineering programs will encourage the exploration of diverse fields. This list is not exhaustive, but these recommendations are some of the more well-known options. Make sure to research each college's engineering programs and liberal arts curriculum to find the best fit for your goals. Best of luck in your college search!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.