DATE: August 16, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Melanie McDonald, director of public relations
PHONE: 574-284-4579
E-MAIL: mmcdonal@saintmarys.edu

Saint Mary's and Notre Dame Formalize Dual-Degree Program

NOTRE DAME, Ind.—Signed, sealed and delivered. Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame formalized a five-year, dual-degree engineering program for Saint Mary’s students, which takes effect immediately. The benefits are mutual, as Saint Mary’s does not offer an engineering major, and Notre Dame’s program seeks to attract more women.

For nearly 30 years, Saint Mary’s College students have enjoyed the opportunity to earn an engineering degree from Notre Dame in addition to their Saint Mary’s degree. This agreement, which was previously adhered to but never formally adopted as policy, spells out important considerations and processes.

• In the recent past, the dual-degree program was populated by chemistry majors interested in chemical engineering. Now, the program allows participation to expand to include all science and mathematics majors.

• Previously, Saint Mary’s students could not receive housing at Saint Mary’s during their fifth year of the program while an engineering student at Notre Dame. Those students may now extend their housing option at Saint Mary’s through that fifth year.

• The transfer process to Notre Dame following graduation at Saint Mary’s is now more streamlined. In the past, requirements included high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores and a personal statement. Now, the only transfer requirements are official college transcripts and the transfer application form.

Toni Barstis, the pre-engineering advisor and a chemistry professor at Saint Mary’s, says the dual-degree program broadens professional and post-graduate opportunities by enhancing students’ technical skills with the values and problem-solving skills developed through a women’s liberal arts education. “This is a strenuous program that will demand the best effort of well-prepared and highly motivated students,” says Barstis.

For more information on the dual-degree program at Saint Mary’s and Notre Dame, contact Toni Barstis at 574-284-4661, or tbarstis@saintmarys.edu.

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