<p>I have no connection to Smith, but know a bit about liberal arts degrees and engineering. Some thoughts:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Smith’s engineering program became accredited by ABET in 2005. This is the “gold standard” for engineering bachelor’s degrees. As such, a Smith engineering BS is a true professional degree; it has the same legal status as an engineering BS from (say) MIT or Berkeley. A Smith engineering BS would automatically meet the education requirements for professional licensure in all US states, as well as many foreign countries.</p></li>
<li><p>The Smith program is relatively small, and appears to offer a thorough grounding in fundamentals, rather than specialized training in specific disciplines. Thus, all Smith grads get the same degree (in “engineering science”), as opposed to degrees in civil, mechanical, electrical, etc. Swarthmore has a similar program. If the BS is your only degree, then this may initially be a disadvantage in the job market; some employers probably do prefer traditional, specialized BS degrees. Nonetheless, I would expect Smith grads to be quite employable, and to do just fine after they get their foot in the door.</p></li>
<li><p>I would bet that the Smith BS degree is very highly regarded by engineering grad schools. Probably business schools as well.</p></li>
</ul>