University Times

Pitt's School of Engineering and La Roche College have announced the formation of a joint, dual-degree program that will allow students to earn both a liberal arts degree from La Roche and an engineering degree from Pitt in five years.

Chancellor Mark Nordenberg noted that the program was an indication of the synergy possible among the high-quality colleges and universities in the region. "We are pleased to establish this new program which takes advantage of the complementary strengths of the University of Pittsburgh and La Roche College," Nordenberg said.

La Roche President William A. Kerr added, "La Roche College takes pride in this relationship with the University of Pittsburgh. There can be no substitute for academic excellence, and this cooperative undertaking will produce outstanding graduates, well prepared for challenging futures."

During their first three years, students will take a structured curriculum at La Roche to fulfill their liberal arts degree requirements, along with the required preparatory courses in mathematics and science for their engineering specialty. Students meeting admission requirements would then transfer to Pitt to complete the final two years of engineering classes and any remaining requirements toward their liberal arts degrees.

La Roche students entering Pitt as part of this agreement also will be eligible to participate in other education enhancement programs offered by Pitt's School of Engineering, including the Cooperative Education Program and the Engineering Study Abroad Program. Students also may choose to pursue either a minor or certificate in another engineering or arts and sciences area. Participation in these optional programs may require additional time to graduate.

Last spring, approximately 50 La Roche students inquired about the program, and officials at both institutions expect to see the first applications to the program this fall.