2026-2027 Catalog > Academic Opportunities > 3-2 Combined Plan in Engineering

3-2 Combined Plan in Engineering

Occidental’s 3-2 engineering program offers qualified students the best of both worlds: an excellent liberal arts background, followed by junior-level entry into either the California Institute of Technology or the School of Engineering of Columbia University.

The program is both rigorous and rewarding. Over three years at Occidental, students must complete virtually all of the Oxy’s requirements for graduation, while simultaneously completing the appropriate prerequisite coursework needed to qualify for admission to one of the engineering schools. Upon successful completion of the full five-year program, students are awarded a Bachelor of Arts in the Combined Plan from Occidental and a Bachelor of Science in the selected field of engineering from either Caltech or Columbia.

Applications to the engineering schools are submitted in early spring of a student’s junior year; other than the appropriate coursework, nothing formal is required until then. Admission to Caltech and Columbia is based on strong academic record at Oxy as well as recommendations from Oxy professors (including the Occidental liaison officer). At least a 3.5 grade point average, both in science/mathematics and overall, is required. In their first semester, all prospective 3-2 students should enroll in a Calculus 1 course (or higher), as well as Physics 107. (Some variations may occur in consultation with a student’s faculty advisor.)

In contrast to many engineering programs, students interested in the 3-2 program do not commit themselves in the first year exclusively to an engineering major. This flexibility is particularly advantageous to capable students whose abilities and interests span many fields. Indeed, the curriculum offers considerable freedom of choice. Students who, by the end of the first two years, find their interests developing in fields outside of science or technology, may still choose most non-science majors in the College and graduate after the usual additional two years of course work. Similar options also exist through the junior year for choosing majors in mathematics or most other sciences without loss of time.

Moreover, the 3-2 program is not the only way one can pursue an engineering career with an Oxy degree. Many students have preferred to stay with us four years to take full advantage of Oxy’s broad spectrum of courses. These students typically follow a “4-2 scenario” in which they complete a regular four-year degree (usually in physics), and then apply for admission anywhere they want for a two-year MS degree in their chosen area of engineering.

Students considering either of these programs should apply directly to Occidental. For more advice, please contact:

Alec Schramm

Program Liaison & Adviser for Physical Sequence

alec@oxy.edu

(323) 259-2809

Chris Craney

Adviser for Chemistry Sequence

chmclc@oxy.edu

(323) 259-2767

Jeff Miller

Adviser for Computer Science Sequence

jeffreymiller@oxy.edu

(323) 259-1303