Dual Degree Program

ENGINEERINGBethany Lutheran College

WWW.BLC.EDU/ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING (DUAL DEGREE)

In Bethany’s engineering (dual degree) program, students typically spend three years on the Bethany campus fulfilling a broad spectrum of pre-engineering and science courses along with general education requirements. Students then transfer to the University of Minnesota for the engineering-specific coursework in any of over a dozen engineering disciplines−usually requiring two more years. After both sets of requirements are completed, the student receives a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor of arts in the physical sciences from Bethany.

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINESThe dual degree student will be prepared to pursue virtually any field of engineering, including:

• Aerospace • Chemical • Geological • Bio-based products • Civil • Industrial and systems • Biomedical • Computer • Materials science • Biosystems and agricultural • Electrical • Mechanical

POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS• Aircraft industries • Government agencies • Automotive industry • Hospitals/healthcare facilities • Computer and software companies • Independent research firms • Construction industry • Manufacturing plants • Consulting firms • Transportation industries • Equipment design firms • Utility companies • Foreign service

ADVANTAGESSmall class sizes: Our pre-engineering courses, such as calculus, general chemistry, and general physics, traditionally have approximately 20 students. This gives our students the opportunity to take advantage of the personal attention professors can only give with small classes.

Guaranteed placement: Bethany students are guaranteed placement in their engineering program of choice at the University of Minnesota, given that they satisfy the degree and minimum GPA requirements. This means you don’t have to worry about being accepted as a transfer student to the engineering institution.

The best of both worlds: While at Bethany, students learn in a personalized environment, study science from a Christian perspective, participate in extracurricular activities, build lasting relationships, and make connections with engineering professionals. At the University of Minnesota, students have access to a wealth of resources for coursework, research, and professional development.

Successful outcomes: Because our dual degree students experience the benefits of a smaller learning environment and the resources of a larger institution, our graduates find great success in their careers. See what some of our alumni are up to at www.blc.edu/engineering-alumni.

Industry connections: Opportunities to connect with and learn from engineering professionals begin with student organizations, seminars, and internships at Bethany and continue with career fairs, networking events, seminars, and internships at the University of Minnesota.

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“Bethany was a great first step as an 18-year-old entering the free world. I was a part of some successful athletic teams where I had the pleasure of meeting several lifelong friends and learned more about being a member of a team and the value of commitment. Academically I grew to a new level. I am thankful for the small class sizes and all the teachers who were willing to help after class.”Seth Hueckman (‘09)Seth works as an engineer for Barr Engineering Company, a consulting firm.

“The problem sets given in Bethany classes taught me how to think outside the box. Bethany also included projects that allowed students to be creative and actually engineer something. While I was at Bethany, I designed and built two hammered dulcimers that are still there today.”Kristian Botten (‘10)Kristian works at Mathiowetz Construction Company as an estimator and engineer in training.

“Bethany professors did an absolutely amazing job teaching and preparing students to become good engineers through problem solving and realistic applications. It was also important to spend time with those that share common values, especially from a scientific perspective.”David Hicke (‘10) David works for Polaris Industries as an off-road vehicle systems engineer.

Tell us about what it’s like to study engineering at Bethany. “Physics at Bethany is definitely involved. You spend a lot of time on projects, but when you have it finished−your design, your car, your boat−there’s an immense feeling of satisfaction.”

What activities are you involved in outside of the classroom? “Currently, I serve as the secretary for Student Senate and I’ve held a few work study positions on campus. These and other activities have helped me develop teamwork skills that will be crucial when I work with an engineering team in the future.”

Describe the Bethany faculty members. “I’ve never had a professor who wasn’t willing to help outside of class. They’re caring and respectful, and it’s possibly what I appreciate the most about Bethany.”

What is the best thing about being a Bethany student? “Low student-to-faculty ratios and individualized attention are the reasons I chose to study engineering here. My freshman calculus class had 25 students, as opposed to several hundred students at any major university. It’s pretty obvious you’re going to learn better this way.”

Jason Madsen, engineering (dual degree) student

MEET A FACULTY MEMBERIn addition to academic pursuits, Nick Ollrich has worked in both the private and public sectors of civil engineering. In 2010, he worked for RLK Inc., a private design firm, in Minnetonka, Minnesota. In 2011 and 2012, he worked for the Metropolitan Council, the regional planning agency for the Twin Cities, in St. Paul, Minnesota, on the Central Corridor Light Rail Project. These experiences included the following: intersection design, traffic modeling, utilities design, grading design, CAD drafting, quantities estimation, maintenance of traffic, access plans, document management, and change management.

For more about Ollrich or to ask a question, visit www.blc.edu/engineering.

ADMISSIONS CONTACT800-944-3066

admissions@blc.eduwww.blc.edu/admissions

FACILITIES & EQUIPMENTAll students, including freshmen, have access to our research and classroom facilities and equipment. The Marvin G. Meyer Hall of Science and Mathematics is a 53,000-square-foot facility designed to support biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. It houses four biology labs, four chemistry labs, three computer labs, and three physics labs as well as numerous classrooms and faculty offices.

VISIT US For information on visiting campus, contact an admissions counselor at www.blc.edu/admissions.