3+2 Math and Engineering

Our dual degree program graduates are "liberally-educated engineers," with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Other advantages of our program include:

• Earning two different degrees in just five years
• Being able to attend two distinct academic institutions, confident that all of your major credits will transfer
• Exceptional diversity in our student population and unique location at the crossroads of the Pacific
• Opportunity to use the supportive, personalized environment of a small liberal arts institution to develop the skills and confidence needed for success in engineering

As mentioned above, students in our Dual Degree Program will develop strong oral and written communication skills, a broad background in the humanities / social sciences as well problem-solving competence. This will prepare them for career opportunities which require multidisciplinary teams to address the challenges of our age.

We have partnered with the following universities to provide a diversified learning experience. Our partners offer ABET accredited Bachelor of Science in Engineering degrees in the following fields:

THE UNIVERISTY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN LOS ANGELES, CA

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS, MO

Students who major in the Mathematics 3+2 Engineering program will:

• Recognize and understand a core of fundamental mathematical and science-based operational skills.
• Apply mathematical and science-based problem-solving skills to a variety of real-world problems.
• Experience the application of mathematics and science in a multi-culturally diverse context at HPU.
• Employ appropriate research methodology in exploring mathematical and science-based skills and their use in problem solving.
• Develop comprehensive oral and written communication skills in the pursuit of a broad-based mathematics and science foundation.
• Use mathematics and science-based skills in both individualized and team-oriented applications.

Am I guaranteed admission to USC or Washington University for engineering?

The agreements for Hawai‘i Pacific University’s 3+2 Engineering program are both general and very specific. All General Education requirements, including mathematics and sciences, for ABET accredited engineering curriculum at USC and Washington University, are accepted for transfer. However, at the end of three years, students must officially apply for transfer status and go thru the process of acceptance and financial aid; tuition reimbursement, Federal loans, and so on. This process is competitive. It was put in place to ensure you are prepared for rigorous coursework and that you are supported and on track to complete your degree in the following two years.

What this means is that you are NOT guaranteed admittance. You ARE guaranteed a front row seat in the review process as your Dual Degree Program Coordinator is in constant contact with administrators at these schools. Students must maintain an overall GPA of B+ especially in the math and sciences and will receive a letter of recommendation from the Dual Degree Program Coordinator. Don’t take this being overly burdensome; we have many students who have succeeded in this program. Any practicing engineer or student will tell you that anything less than a B+ in lower division courses will make your life very difficult as you continue your engineering education.

What degrees are offered by USC and Washington University?

USC and WUSTL offer degrees in all major disciplines of engineering. See their website for specific interests.

How many students end up going to USC or Washington University at St. Louis?

Over the years, two to four HPU students have won positions at USC or WUSTL every year.

What kind of GPA do I need to gain admittance?

A  GPA of 3.25 or better in your core courses is considered competitive.

What happens if my GPA is not high enough or I don’t get accepted for any another reason?

Students often elect to stay in Hawai‘i and complete the last year to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Math from Hawai‘i Pacific University. The reasons are varied. Some students did not have the required grade point average, some were on lucrative scholarships like Track and Field or Band/Orchestra and wanted to finish out their program in Hawai‘i. There are many paths that students take. Don’t feel as though you have to matriculate to another school in three years! We have had students who ended up falling in love with International Business and Oceanography also. The Dual Degree Math 3+2 program is just a start.

What do I need to study at Hawai‘i Pacific University?

At HPU students will complete basic math, physics, and chemistry as well as a core of general education courses. See our website for a Course Flow Worksheet.

How can I pay for this?

Scholarships at Hawai‘i Pacific University, as well as USC and WUSTL, are available to all qualifying students throughout their education.

Why would international students choose the Math Dual Degree 3+2 Engineering program at Hawai‘i Pacific University?

Hawai‘i Pacific University offers a gentler, multicultural, introduction to the western style technical education system. Not only does our small class size throughout the three year core help to ensure success, it also supports your cultivation of strong oral and written communication skills as well teamwork abilities. HPU helps to develop these skills and the confidence needed for success in engineering in a supportive, personalized environment of a small liberal arts institution while focusing on problem-solving.

I know I want to study Engineering. Why would I want to spend my time in a Dual Degree 3+2 program?

The Dual Degree Program can be an attractive alternative to traditional engineering curricula. Students are "liberally educated engineers" with a broad background in the humanities and social sciences as well a high-quality technical education. Students develop strong oral and written communication skills that best prepare them for future career opportunities which will require multidisciplinary, cross-cultural and global teams to address technical challenges. A liberal arts education coupled with an engineering degree can also set the stage for further studies in business management, marketing, economics, design, medicine, law, and government.

Why not get a degree in math or science and then go to graduate school for engineering?

Many do. You should work closely with an HPU advisor if you chose this path since you may need to make up key engineering courses missed in a science or math program. We don’t want you to be at a disadvantage. An advisor can guide you so you’re best prepared.

Why would I choose HPU for those first three years?

HPU is probably best known for its science based Nursing and Marine Biology programs. It is also well known for its culturally diverse undergraduate student body. Hawai‘i is, of course, a beautiful, safe and possibly a less complicated place to live than where you may be coming from. This attracts many international students to study here as part of their education.

Students at HPU experience the best of both worlds in a small liberal arts school and a larger, world class engineering school. Students tell us that they learn better in smaller classes where the faculty is more accessible and accountable. The costs for all of this may be less than many other elite private schools.

Many students choose the Dual-Degree option because they want to take the time to pursue other academic, athletic, or extracurricular interests. Sometimes it is wise to postpone career decisions in order to explore and confirm long-term goals.

Do these schools help me find a job or summer internships?

Both USC and WUSTL support summer internship programs with select corporations and global technology firms.

How much coursework can I transfer to each school?

Partner engineering schools will accept up to three years (90 credits) transferred from Hawai‘i Pacific University. Our partnership agreement guarantees that our General Education Core will satisfy their general education requirements.