Sacred Heart University

Students spend 3 years at SHU followed by 2 more years at one of our partner engineering schools (Columbia & RPI), and earn bachelor’s degrees in both a liberal arts discipline (from SHU) and an engineering major (from Columbia or RPI) at the end of the five year program. The combination of a broad liberal arts background and a technical engineering degree prepares students to work as leaders in engineering and science fields; the dual degrees make 3+2 Engineering Program graduates highly sought after in the job market. With a grounding in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, SHU 3+2 Program students are particularly poised to apply engineering design in the service of the human community.

Sacred Heart University also offers a bachelor of science degree in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

Majors

SHU

• Chemistry - BS

• Chemistry - BA

• Computer Science

• Mathematics

RPI

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical & Biological Engineering
• Industrial Management Engineering

Columbia

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Applied Mathematics
• Applied Physics
• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science Engineering
• Engineering Mechanics
• Civil Engineering

Each engineering major has specific prerequisite courses required for admission to that program, and are easiest to complete when paired with particular SHU degrees. Some tracks may require an overload or summer coursework to fully complete within 3 years. Prospective engineering students will receive a dedicated advisor to help them navigate the 3+2 program options and ensure compliance with program requirements, including application of any relevant AP/transfer credits.

SHU Course Equivalences to Columbia

5 Program Tracks

• Chemistry to Biomedical Engineering at RPI Track
• Chemistry to Chemical & Biological Engineering at RPI Track
• Math to Industrial Management Engineering at RPI Track

• Math to Mechanical or Civil Engineering at Columbia

• Chemistry to Chemical or Materials Science Engineering at Columbia Track

Admission Criteria for Engineering Programs at Columbia & RPI

• Overall GPA: 3.30 for RPI; 3.50 for Columbia
• Pre-engineering courses GPA: 3.30 average for RPI; no course below 3.0 for Columbia 
• Completion of all pre-engineering foundation prerequisite courses for intended engineering major
• Completion of SHU major & degree requirements
• 3+2 students will receive priority admission to Columbia
• Students who’s application demonstrates they’ve satisfied all RPI prerequisites (according to one of the three defined RPI tracks) are guaranteed admission to RPI provided there is an available space in the chosen engineering discipline.

Students who fail to meet one of the criteria may still apply to RPI or Columbia and will be considered in their competitive transfer applicant pool.

Tuition/Financial Aid

Standard SHU financial aid process & award package applies for the first 3 years, then student pays all applicable tuition & fees at the partner engineering school for the final 2 years. Scholarships offered by SHU will only apply in the first 3 years and do not carry over. Students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships at the partner institution just as any other student.