Texas Lutheran University (TLU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Washington University (WashU) in St. Louis, Missouri, to establish a dual degree in engineering for TLU students. The dual degree program is an attractive alternative to traditional engineering programs because students benefit from a small, private, liberal arts and sciences education that offers one-on-one academic support, the focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills inherent in a liberal arts and sciences education, and the flexibility to explore different engineering fields before fully committing to a specific engineering major. Students can start their well-rounded education in the Applied Physics bachelor’s degree program at TLU, then apply to WashU’s McKelvey School of Engineering to complete the dual degree program, with a second bachelor’s degree in the engineering program of their choice.
“Most of the high school students I meet with know they are interested in engineering, but they aren’t sure what field they want to pursue or where their talents lie,” said Dr. Toni Sauncy, TLU Professor of Physics and Department Chair. “The dual degree program with WashU allows our students to gain the skills they will need to be successful in an engineering program while exploring the broad range of options for a career in engineering. I’m excited about this opportunity for our students and appreciate the partnership with a well-known and high-quality program like WashU’s McKelvey School of Engineering.”
As an official affiliate of the WashU McKelvey School of Engineering, TLU students are invited to study at TLU for three years in the Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics program, then spend two years at WashU to complete both the bachelor’s in Applied Physics and a bachelor’s in Engineering in one of nine engineering majors including: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Science & Engineering. TLU students choosing this option will complete a minimum of 100 credit hours at TLU with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 in math and science coursework. Students can begin applications immediately, with the first cohort at WashU beginning in fall 2024.
WashU’s McKelvey School of Engineering currently has 100 affiliate schools and more than 300 students in its dual degree program. In addition to opportunities to pursue research projects, internships, international experiences and graduate study, dual degree students receive job placement and career support from the WashU Center for Career Engagement. Students from affiliate schools are also eligible to receive a discount for the January Intensive Term (J-Term), a special 11-day intensive format where students study and live together and get a head-start at building connections before enrolling as dual degree engineering students.
For information about admissions criteria, application deadlines, financial aid, housing, and WashU’s J-Term, visit tlu.edu/physics or engineering.wustl.edu/dualdegree
About TLU
As a community of faith and learning, Texas Lutheran University empowers a diverse student body through an education centered on the liberal arts and professional programs. TLU is located in Seguin, Texas, just 35 miles from San Antonio and 50 miles from Austin. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, TLU offers over 30 majors, 38 minors, eight graduate programs, and 11 pre-professional programs to approximately 1,400 students in a traditional, residential college setting that is committed to academic excellence, servant leadership, and career development. For more information visit www.tlu.edu.
About Washington University
Washington University in St. Louis is a global leader in research and education with nearly 12,000 full-time students and more than 3,000 full- and part-time faculty members. Nearly 60 of the university’s graduate and undergraduate programs currently hold a top 25 ranking by U.S. News & World Report.
The McKelvey School of Engineering promotes independent inquiry and education with an emphasis on scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration without boundaries. With 150 full-time faculty, 1,420 undergraduate students, 1,614 graduate students and 22,000 living alumni, the school works to solve some of society’s greatest challenges; to prepare students to become leaders and innovate throughout their careers; and to be a catalyst of economic development for the St. Louis region and beyond.