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The Combined Plan

Constructing the connection between the quantitative and the qualitative.

As the first dual-degree engineering program to be instituted in the U.S., Columbia’s Combined Plan Program was the pioneer in its field. Today it continues that pioneering spirit by leading the way in engineering and applied science discoveries.

Founded in 1864 as the Henry Krumb School of Mines, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science’s curriculum provides an education that is a combination of instruction in scientific and engineering fundamentals at the highest level supported by a solid a liberal arts base. As Combined Plan students take classes, for example, in the dynamics of complex fluids or classical nonlinear optics, they may also take courses in literature, philosophy, music, and art. The Combined Plan results in not only a B.S. and a B.A. dual degree, but, as stated by a current student, in “a more complete and true engineer.”

3-2 Combined Plan for the B.A. & B.S.

The 3-2 Combined Plan for the B.A. & B.S. allows students, after studying in a liberal arts field for three years at an affiliated institution, to transfer to Columbia’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science where they then study in an engineering field for two years. Upon completion, students receive both a B.A. and a B.S. degree.

4-2 Combined Plan Program for the B.A. & B.S.

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree at an affiliated institution, students of the 4-2 Combined Plan Program for the B.A. & B.S. complete a two-year engineering program at Columbia leading to the B.S. degree.

4-2 Combined Plan Program for the B.A. & M.S.

The 4/2 Master of Science program provides the opportunity for students holding bachelor's degrees from affiliated liberal arts colleges with majors in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or certain other physical sciences to receive the M.S. degree after two years of study at Columbia. The application fee for this combined plan program is waived. Admission into this combined plan program is not guaranteed.