As news begins to trickle in about the new college program, it is becoming clear that it is primarily a “linked” major that goes by the acronym IDEAS, (Integrated Design, Engineering, Arts and Society). A linked major is different from a double major in that it minimizes the number of additional courses required to fulfill both majors and apparently, one cannot graduate with a linked major alone. IDEAS is divided into tracks that match up with specific external or primary majors like Physics, Biology, Computer Science, Studio Art and Theater. Those tracks are:
Biomedical Engineering (linked with Biology)
Computation (linked with CS)
Electrical Engineering (linked with Physics)
Mechanical and Materials Engineering (Physics)
Object Design (linked with Studio Art)
Spatial Design (linked with Theater)
In addition, there is the Bachelors in Engineering track which curates the Wesleyan prerequisites for Dartmouth College’s dual degree, a five-year program, and the only track (at the moment) culminating in an ABET approved engineering degree. Here’s the link to a CC discussion related to the Dartmouth program: