Complete Two Programs in One
Through this five-year program, you’ll earn a BS in mechanical engineering and a BA in French. An integrated curriculum will prepare you for a leadership role with a global organization.
Dual Degree
International Engineering (BA/BS)
Gain the international perspective and real-world experience you need to launch a career in global engineering.
Program Overview
The global engineering industry demands global engineers. Through Widener's international engineering program, you'll gain the hands-on experience needed to meet the demand.
In this program, you'll simultaneously study mechanical engineering and French with the ability to pair your classroom experience with a paid internship in French-speaking Quebec, Canada. This international perspective will put you on the inside track to a career in global engineering.
The mechanical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. See recent enrollment and graduation data.
International Engineering Dual Degree Program Options
Year 1
- Fall and spring: Take courses at Widener University.
- Summer: Attend an optional language program at Université Laval in Quebec City, Quebec.
Year 2
- Fall and spring: Take courses at Widener University.
- Summer: Complete a flexible engineering internship in the Philadelphia area or near your home.
Year 3
- Fall and spring: Take courses at Widener University.
- Summer: Intern in the Philadelphia area with a company headquartered in Quebec (or a U.S. company that conducts business in Quebec).
Year 4
- Fall: Take courses at Widener University.
- Spring: Take courses at Université Laval in Quebec
- Summer: Intern in Quebec with the same company you interned with the year prior.
Year 5
- Fall and spring: Take courses at Widener University and complete your senior research engineering capstone project.
In addition to our honors program in general education, you may qualify to join an honors program in engineering and French to enrich your education with advanced honors courses, an honors seminar, and leadership development opportunities.
Learn more about our engineering and French honors programs.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the entrance requirements for a mechanical engineering degree or a French degree, international engineering students must meet one or more of the following placement requirements for both math and French.
Math:
- SAT math score of 690 or higher.
- Widener math assessment level 5 (waived with math SAT score of 690 or higher).
- Dual-enrollment credit for Calculus with grade C or higher.
- Advancement Placement score of 3 on Calculus AB.
French:
- Dual-enrollment equivalent of FREN 202 with grade B or higher.
- Advanced Placement score of 4 or higher on either the French language or French literature exam.
- International baccalaureate: bilingual diploma or score of French HL (5 or higher).
- Baccalaureate degree from a French-speaking country.
- European language standards: CEFR receptive reading/listening A2; productive writing/speaking B1.2.
- Heritage or native speakers can apply for an interview and submit a writing sample.
Prepare for rapid advancement in the global engineering industry by applying to Widener for free. To get started, apply to either mechanical engineering or French as your primary program. Once admitted, you'll work with your academic advisor to declare your international engineering track.
International Engineering Dual Degree Program Highlights
Your path to a global engineering career starts here. Through hands-on experience and international study, you'll graduate ready for your first job (and your fifth).
Pursue Three Paid Internships
As part of the curriculum, you’ll take on three summer internships, including two internships with the same multi-national company: one in a French speaking country, the other in the United States. You’ll walk away with an understanding of how an international company functions—and how different perspectives influence business success.
Study at a French-Language University
Spend a semester abroad in Quebec City, Quebec at Université Laval, the oldest French-language university in North America. You’ll join a group of students known for conducting breakthrough research and solving community challenges.
Establish a Lasting Network & Create a Diverse Portfolio
Through a partnership with the Quebec Trade Office and the French American Chamber of Commerce, you’ll establish a network of industry insiders. Along the way, you’ll build a French mechanical engineering portfolio that will prepare you for your first job and beyond.
Engineering Living Learning Community
The Engineering LLC provides first-year engineering students a unique opportunity to live and learn together through a variety of co-curricular activities and social events. This peer support system eases the transition to college.
Faculty
Our professors invest in your success through close mentoring and continual feedback. Get to know our French and mechanical engineering faculty.
Professor of French
"I believe that studying French should not be an end in itself, but rather a means to connecting with others around the world. Studying language, literature, and culture requires a willingness to grow as both student and instructor seek to understand people from other countries and from other times."
Assistant Professor
"I believe that being a "teacher" is an integral part of my vocation. That is why I consider my contributions to the education of students not merely as a duty or a job to be done, but as a part of my life."
Visiting Assistant Professor
My goal is to provide students with the same tools, skills, professionalism, and academic integrity that was instilled upon me nearly a decade ago as a student at Widener. I want students to have the highest chance of success for both their current academic career and their future professional career.
Your Inside Track to Success
Your Inside Track to Success
Equipped with global insight, training in mechanical engineering, and fluency in French language and culture, you'll prepare for a powerful career in a prestigious field.
Corporate Partners* & Industry Connections
- Sartomer/Arkema*
- Quebec Trade Office
- French American Chamber of Commerce
Outlook & Outcomes
Get in Touch
Stephanie Schechner
Professor of French
-
Freedom Hall
Room 221 - (610) 499-4346
- saschechner@widener.edu
Mark A. Nicosia
Associate Dean of the School of Engineering
-
Kirkbride Hall
Room 101 - (610) 499-4192
- manicosia@widener.edu