Pre-Engineering Dual Degree

Pre-Engineering Dual Degree

Our dual degree students are given a solid foundation in the areas of spiritual maturity, intellectual breadth, and engineering ability. While seeing all of creation through a Biblical perspective, pre-engineering students are challenged to learn through a broad range of courses and experiences intended to give them an advantage in spiritual formation, relational abilities, technical excellence, and career progression. Our desire is to learn how to be creative and excellent as engineers as Christ has challenged us to be for his glory

On this page Overview Graduate Outcomes Programs / Features Faculty Contact

Program Overview

The dual degree program in engineering gives students the opportunity to have both a solid, Christ-centered education and top-notch engineering training. The program typically consists of three years at Covenant College where the students are taught the fundamentals of mathematics, natural sciences, and introductory engineering. The students then transfer to an accredited engineering school to work toward an engineering degree in their chosen engineering major. We have articulation agreements with both the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) or the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga (UTC), providing efficient transfer pathways. Participants in the program are free to attend the engineering university of their choice, pending acceptance. Our students have transferred to Auburn University, North Carolina State University, Purdue University, Kennesaw State University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, among others.

Upon completion of the program, the student will receive two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science from Covenant College and a Bachelor of Science in a particular branch of engineering such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, or industrial engineering from the chosen engineering school. It is also important to note that being in the dual degree program does not automatically mean that a student will be admitted to a particular engineering school, but all students completing the Covenant requirements have been accepted to an engineering degree program.

Graduate Outcomes

The success of the mission of the dual degree program can be seen in the overwhelming success Covenant students experience at Georgia Tech and in their professional careers. Many of our students also choose to pursue advanced degrees. Dual Degree students are thoroughly equipped to impact the world for the Kingdom of God.

Some Job Outcomes:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Professor, Iowa State University
Senior Aerodynamics Design Engineer, Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control
Senior Engineer, Department of Defense
Software Engineer, Quest Engineering
Volkert & Associates, Inc.
Product Engineer, ASTEC
Project Manager, Exxon

Hardware Engineer, Lexmark
Small Valve Supervisor, Mueller Water Products
Co-Founder, Bioma
Technical Program Manager, Apple
Environmental Engineer, Resolute Forest Products
Georgia Pacific
Software Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Programs & Features

The major for this program is in natural science with a concentration in pre-engineering studies. There is no pre-engineering studies minor. Requirements for a math minor are completed as part of the pre-engineering curriculum and a physics minor can be completed with one additional course.

View Course Catalog

For over fifty years, Covenant has had an established dual degree program with Georgia Tech through an articulation agreement that provides a guaranteed pathway of transfer for those meeting the minimum grade point averages for Dual Degree Pathway transfers. View Transfer Pathway Requirements

The pre-engineering program is compatible with any approved engineering school; however, the majority of our dual degree students choose to finish their education at Georgia Tech. The Georgia Institute of Technology is consistently ranked in the top ten engineering schools in the nation. This reputation attracts both the highest caliber faculty and students. Additionally, there are a myriad of opportunities for students, both undergraduate and graduate, to supplement their classroom learning with real-world experience.

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In 2019, Covenant College and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga entered into a partnership promoting academic opportunity through the articulation agreement guaranteeing a pathway of transfer for Covenant students studying engineering. Any student completing Covenant’s pre-engineering requirements will be accepted into UTC. This is particularly attractive to students from Tennessee and those who wish to stay in the Chattanooga area.

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From an academic point of view, dual degree students are better prepared than students who enroll directly into Georgia Tech or another engineering school. Students that begin engineering programs as freshmen often face the difficult "weeding" process of the first two years. Our dual degree students adjust well to the Georgia Tech environment and because of their preparation and maturity they typically excel as upper level engineering students.

Enrolling at Covenant for the first three years offers students the opportunity to take advantage of small college life: a close group of friends, caring professors, and a safe environment for personal growth. Covenant is ideal in its size, location, and mission for students to begin their academic journey and establish good lifestyle habits. Completing the program at a larger university also offers advantages: a large university with wide ranging opportunities, activities, and contacts that make public and technical universities so appealing to students and opens many doors in the engineering world.

NSC 170 introduction to Engineering
COS 131 Computing for Engineers
CHE 121 General Chemistry I
MAT 145 Calculus I
PHY 231 General Physics for Scientists and Engineers
PHY 321 Statics

“Contemplating a Christian Understanding of Scientific Discovery through developing MicroFloats: an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for Ocean Research”
“Ethical Considerations: The Present, Past & Future of Nuclear Engineering”
“Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks: Repurposing the Space Shuttle Engines for a New Rocket”
“Exploring the Engineering of Wind Energy Technology: A Christian Perspective on Cleaner Energy Production Methods”
Flood Relief and Stream Rehabilitation Plan of the Valley Branch Tributary in Grove Park

Guided Capstone Requirements

How long does the Dual Degree Program last?
The Dual Degree Program is set up so for a student to spend three years at Covenant College taking the math and science courses that are fundamental to an engineering education then about two years at Georgia Tech, UTC, or another approved engineering school taking the more specialized engineering courses necessary to complete the chosen major. In all, the program is designed to last five years, but it can take longer depending on the chosen transfer school and major. Civil, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering B.S. degrees are typically completed in about four semesters after transfer from Covenant. Electrical, Computer, and especially Chemical Engineering degrees will often take longer to complete.

Can I do the Dual Degree Program with a school besides Georgia Tech or UTC?
Covenant has articulation agreements specifically with Georgia Tech and UTC, which means you’ll have a guaranteed pathway of transfer into their programs. However, any school that is approved by Covenant can be used in the second leg of the Dual Degree Program, but you should make sure that Covenant approves it before gearing your entire studies towards another institution.

Is it worth staying in school an extra year or so to get an extra degree?
The value of taking time and money to invest in your whole self, not just your technical abilities, is evident in the stories of our alumni. Spiritual, social, and academic maturity all happen through a combined work of the student, the environment, and the Holy Spirit. A strong foundation in the college years will bear fruit over a lifetime.

It is also worth knowing that going straight into a “four-year” engineering program does not necessarily mean that a student will graduate in four years due to the stringent requirements and difficult nature of engineering programs.

Additionally, one of the critical values that employers look for when hiring new employees is the ability to communicate and work well with others. Employers are not just looking for people who can crunch numbers, but they are looking for those with people skills as well. Covenant's liberal arts nature exposes our students to great works of literature and philosophy which helps them to learn to think critically. At the same time, the learning is done in a nurturing, Christ-centered community—the value of which is unmeasurable.

How well will Covenant prepare me for Georgia Tech?
Georgia Tech has the reputation of being one of the hardest schools in the nation. However, Covenant students fare very well at Georgia Tech. In fact, many Covenant students earn equivalent or higher GPA’s after they transfer. The preparation and maturity gained at Covenant are evident when the students enter their focused engineering training. The Covenant experience is specifically designed to prepare our transfers to succeed and contribute at an institution like Georgia Tech or any other school in the nation.

Meet the Engineering Faculty

Curt Stern Professor of Engineering

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