The mission of the Dual Degree Engineering Program (DDEP) is to prepare declared pre-engineering majors, through a sequence of engineering courses and participation in collaborative, cutting-edge, and innovative research activities, for eligibility to enroll in an engineering program at a partner engineering institution and obtain degrees from both institutions upon completion of the program.
The vision of the Dual Degree Engineering Program is to produce diverse leaders and researchers in the fields of engineering and related disciplines by cultivating a culture of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship by providing DDE Scholars with opportunities to engage in real-world engineering problems, research, and development projects, and collaboration with industry partners.
The Dual Degree in Engineering Program (DDEP) at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) was created to address the under-representation of African Americans in the sciences and engineering fields and produce engineers who will become industry leaders and scientific researchers. The University partners with other universities, government, industry, and community stakeholders to provide DDE Scholars with a detailed pre-engineering foundation coupled with access to hands-on experience with real-life problems through capstone projects funded by industry stakeholders and research experience in state-of-the-art laboratories. The program also promotes an applied research orientation facilitating the technology transfer of basic scientific discoveries to marketable products and services.
As a joint sponsor of the Atlanta University Center DDEP, CAU DDE Scholars may take advantage of services offered through the Atlanta University Center Dual-Degree Engineering Program Office. Services include scholarships, internships, permanent placement, and career counseling.
The participating engineering institutions include Auburn University, Clarkson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Purdue University Indianapolis, North Carolina A&T State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Alabama Huntsville, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Northeastern University. Additional DDEP partner institutions will be added as the program progresses, and reviews of existing partners will be conducted based on collaborations that benefit both CAU and the DDEP partner institutions.
The Dual Degree Engineering Program (DDEP) offers Scholars a pre-engineering interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary curriculum with a strong background in the physical sciences and mathematics, proficiency in oral and written communications, and a thorough foundation in fundamental engineering principles.
During matriculation in the Dual Degree Engineering Program (DDEP), Scholars attend Clark Atlanta University for approximately three (3) years and then transfer to the participating engineering institution for two (2) years of additional study. Following the five-year period of study, Scholars are awarded two (2) degrees: a Bachelor of Science Degree from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Engineering Degree from the participating engineering institution. In some cases, Scholars may be awarded a graduate degree from the participating engineering institution.
To support its mission, the Dual Degree Engineering Program is committed to providing an academic environment that promotes the following objectives:
1. Delivering a Top-Tier Education: The program offers DDE Scholars a comprehensive liberal arts education and a strong pre-engineering foundation. This equips them with the knowledge, skills, and determined mindset necessary to excel as engineers and emerge as leaders in their respective industries.
2. Facilitating Cutting-Edge Research: DDE Scholars are provided with valuable opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories. This hands-on research experience is essential for preparing them for the challenges and demands of the engineering profession.
3. Providing Hands-On Experience: The program has cultivated valuable partnerships with private industry, government organizations, research laboratories, and institutions. These partnerships enable the program to offer summer undergraduate research experiences and internships, exposing DDE Scholars to real-world challenges and encouraging innovative thinking. Additionally, DDE Scholars have opportunities to participate in national competitions and sponsored capstone projects.
4. Encouraging Applied Research and Technology Transfer: The program actively promotes an applied research orientation, fostering the transformation of fundamental scientific discoveries into practical and marketable products and services. By doing so, it contributes not only to the advancement of scientific knowledge but also to economic growth and the overall well-being of society.
DDE Scholars in the Dual Degree Engineering Program who have completed coursework and have fulfilled all the requirements of the program will be able to:
1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to analyze and interpret data.
2. Design and conduct experiments in multi-disciplinary team projects.
3. Identify components and formulate processes to design systems.
4. Communicate effectively in oral and written formats the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.
5. Identify and use modern engineering tools, techniques, and skills to solve engineering problems.