Should Engineering Majors Consider Liberal Arts Colleges?

Many students assume that if they want to study engineering, they must attend a large research university. It is a common belief and an understandable one. Big schools often have well known engineering programs, big labs, and name recognition. But here is the part most students do not realize. You can major in engineering at a small liberal arts college too. In fact, there are some real advantages to doing so. 

We will walk through how engineering works at smaller colleges, what programs look like, who might thrive in this environment, and how to know if it is the right match for you. 

Yes. Engineering at a liberal arts college is a real option. 

Many liberal arts colleges offer full four year engineering programs. Others offer 3 plus 2 or 4 plus 1 dual degree programs with partner universities. That means you can spend the first three or four years at a small college, then complete the remaining year or two at a larger engineering school and graduate with two degrees. Schools like Smith, Swarthmore, Bucknell, Trinity, and Lafayette are well known for this. So are dual programs like Columbia plus Barnard, Dartmouth plus many LAC partners, and the Five College Consortium in Massachusetts. 

At liberal arts colleges, you can expect smaller class sizes, a more personal connection with professors, and a strong sense of community. There is also more room to explore subjects outside engineering. Students who love writing, music, political science, or philosophy often enjoy blending these interests into their engineering studies. That is something the liberal arts model does really well. 

What engineering looks like at smaller schools 

A liberal arts engineering experience often feels more hands on. You might work directly with professors on projects instead of just joining big lab groups. You might be able to start research earlier in your college career. You will probably know your classmates by name and collaborate with them frequently. 

Classes often include design thinking, applied creativity, communication, and ethics. You learn to solve problems and consider human impact, not just equations and code. Employers love engineers who can write clearly, present confidently, and understand multiple perspectives. Liberal arts students often stand out for this reason. 

A typical week may include calculus, physics, or computer science, plus something you chose simply because it interests you. Could be studio art. Could be international relations. Could be a psychology seminar about perception. This is where many students find unexpected inspiration. 

The benefits of studying engineering in a liberal arts environment 

Here are some real advantages students do not discover until they visit a campus. 

• Small classes mean you get more feedback and more individualized support. Professors notice when you improve or when you are struggling and can step in early. 

• You build close relationships with peers. Group projects feel collaborative instead of anonymous. 

• You learn to communicate your ideas clearly in writing and speech. This is a major advantage in internships, interviews, and leadership roles. 

• There is more curricular flexibility. If you love engineering but also want to minor in English or music or economics, a liberal arts college may make that far easier. 

• You can explore academic interests more widely. Good engineers need creativity, context, and the ability to think across disciplines. 
• These benefits matter more than many applicants expect. Engineering is not only technical. It is human centered problem solving. Liberal arts students often bring that perspective naturally. 

Dual degree programs explained simply 

Dual degree programs give you the best of both worlds. You spend three or four years at the liberal arts college where you get strong advising and time to explore. Then you move to the partner university for intensive engineering coursework. 

Examples include Columbia Engineering and Dartmouth Engineering which partner with many LACs nationwide. You usually need to maintain certain grades and complete required courses to transfer into the partner program. Students who like a close community but want the scale of a large university later often enjoy this pathway. You may graduate with two degrees. One from the liberal arts college and one from the engineering school. That can look strong to employers and graduate programs if you take advantage of opportunities at both. 

Who might be a good fit for this route? 

This path works well for students who are curious thinkers. They enjoy math and science but also want room for creativity and exploration. They are excited by innovation but do not want to disappear inside a 300 person lecture hall. They like discussion based classes. They like knowing their professors. They want flexibility. 

If you are very set on mechanical engineering research at a top ranked facility and want immediate access to advanced labs, a large research university might be a better match. But if you want to grow intellectually across fields and develop as a communicator and leader while studying engineering, a liberal arts setting can be a great option. 

Questions to ask on a campus visit 

• How much undergraduate research is available and how early can you get involved? 

• Are project based courses common? 

• How easy is it to take classes outside the engineering program? 

• Do they support internships and co ops? 

• What graduate or job outcomes do engineering students achieve? 

• Speaking to current students and attending an engineering class can give you a real feel for the culture. 

FAQ 

Do liberal arts colleges offer ABET accredited engineering programs? 

Some do and some do not. Many have accredited programs while others offer pre engineering tracks leading into dual programs.  

Will I have access to research if the school is smaller? 

Usually yes. You may even have more access because fewer graduate students compete for lab spots. 

Is the workload lighter? 

Engineering is demanding anywhere. The difference is the environment and support structure, not the rigor.  

Do employers respect engineering degrees from liberal arts schools? 

Yes, when programs are strong and you build a solid portfolio of projects, internships, and skills. 

Final Thoughts 

Engineering does not only belong inside huge lecture halls and research towers. Small colleges can prepare you just as well and sometimes better depending on the learning environment you want. You can solve problems and build things and innovate while also becoming a thoughtful thinker who understands the world. 

If you want help exploring which engineering programs or liberal arts colleges are the right fit for your goals, PathIvy counselors can guide you through college research, list building, and essay strategy. Reach out when you are ready.