Clemson University offers Dual-Education degrees in cooperation with several liberal arts schools in and around South Carolina. These programs allow students to begin their academic career by pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at a partner institution while preparing for an Engineering degree from Clemson University.
After three years, successful students may transfer to Clemson to finish the degree requirements for one of Clemson’s 11 Engineering Bachelor’s degrees¹. Upon completion of the Engineering degree at Clemson, students are awarded a B.S. degree in their Engineering major from Clemson and a B.A. or B.S. degree from their original partner school.
Students are most successful in completing both degrees in a timely manner and using courses towards both curricula when they communicate with the Clemson Transfer Advisor early in their academic program. Planning should begin early in a student's first or sophomore year at the initial college, coordinating with Clemson's Dual Education Advisor, Karen Thompson. Those interested in receiving more information can be added to the Dual Education list by completing the Request Information form below or by emailing Karen Thompson directly.
To assist students in determining the best course of study, Dual Education participants will work with an academic advisor at both institutions. Coursework and grade point average must meet CECAS program requirements before the student can transfer to Clemson University.
Students who plan to participate in the program will need to complete a form entitled "Intention to Pursue the Dual-Degree Program at Clemson University". Please find the forms below, listed by school.
It is an academic partnership between two colleges that allows students to complete degree requirements at both. Students enroll initially at one of the 16 participating colleges, follow a prescribed course of study (generally in a science or math-related field), and then transfer to Clemson to complete the remaining courses to earn a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field.
Enroll in one of the participating schools, and work closely with the dual degree advisor at that school to complete the required Intent Form that is forwarded to CU. Then, follow your program requirements closely and contact the CECAS Transfer Coordinator, Karen Thompson, to ensure you are on track. You should work very closely with your home institution advisor as well as the designated Clemson advisor to ensure that you are taking the correct courses in the proper sequence and time frame. The Clemson coordinator can help to ensure your courses will transfer, and that you take courses to prepare you to enter Clemson and further progress in your intended Engineering major.
Familiarize yourself with the curriculum as it is laid out in your school’s catalog. Follow the courses carefully making sure you meet all prerequisites and co-requisites. You will also need to become familiar with your intended CU engineering curriculum and work with your advisors at both schools to take the courses in the right order. CONSULT YOUR ADVISORS FREQUENTLY as courses and/or requirements may change. You should take all courses that are required in our first-year student “General Engineering” curriculum before transferring and attempt to complete as many of the additional recommended courses as possible.
It depends on you. The years at an initial partner school must include a minimum of 60-92* semester credit hours. All basic requirements for the B.A. or B.S. at the partner school must be completed before transfer to Clemson, or you must have preapproved courses that can be completed at Clemson and reverse transferred for your degree at the initial school. You must attend summer school at Clemson after your first and sophomore years to take courses not available at your school. If you start in math lower than calculus I, it may take longer to complete the program. Math is the foundation of engineering and must be mastered in order to progress in a timely manner.
Yes, but there are certain challenges you may face. Each engineering major has varied course requirements in the curriculum; some are more commonly transferred than others. Depending on which engineering degree you are interested in and what partner college you are enrolled in there will be varying challenges to keep on track. You must meet all course prerequisites just like any CU student. Some of our smaller departments offer key courses on an alternating fall/spring schedule. These courses may or may not be offered in summer due to demand or budget considerations, so it may be required for you to take courses at both CU and your current school simultaneously to stay on track. Automotive Engineering will have a smaller capacity for the first few years of the major, requiring an additional application process, and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
Advisors aim to offer accurate information to determine timely progress toward your degree. Courses and curriculum specifications are subject to change at any time. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their progress. Clemson University catalog, schedule of classes, and transfer equivalency information are available online. The CU homepage and department web pages additionally provide a valuable source of information.
*Each school has its own set minimum number of credits. Please email Karen Thompson or contact the partner school for further information.
¹Some majors have additional requirements
Karen Thompson, M.Ed.
Advisor/Associate Director
Undergraduate Recruitment
✉ kt@clemson.edu
☏ 864-656-2543
Feel free to contact me with any questions. You may reach me by email (preferred) or by phone Mon-Fri. Students who work closely with Clemson personnel BEFORE they transfer make a smoother transition.