Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts & Sciences

Lehigh's Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts and Sciences (IDEAS) provides students with a unique opportunity to explore a thematic degree in a four-year college experience by combining concentrations in engineering and in arts & sciences. Graduates of the program thrive in a variety of fields and industries aligned with their specific interests and strengths.

Why IDEAS?

• Because you want to study diverse but complementary fields, such as bioengineering and religion, computer science and graphic design, industrial & systems engineering and international relations, bioengineering and molecular biology, and music and computer science

• Because you're interested in the intersection of ideas across traditional college boundaries

• Because you don't want to choose a specific major but rather want the autonomy to build your own program based on your strengths and interests

What sets us apart

Jointly administered by the College of Arts and Sciences and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, IDEAS is a four-year honors program that allows students to earn a bachelor's degree with concentrations in both colleges. In close collaboration with IDEAS advisors and faculty directors, students admitted to this highly selective honors program develop an individualized academic plan tailored to their interests.

IDEAS allows students to study diverse interests such as bioengineering and religion, computer science and graphic design, industrial engineering and international relations, bioengineering and molecular biology, and music and computer science. Key features of the program include:

• Rigorous honors program: Each year, IDEAS accepts 30-40 highly qualified first-year student candidates who have indicated an interest in the program. Students must maintain a 3.25 grade point average to continue.
• Communication as key to bridging disciplines: IDEAS courses are writing-intensive and presentation-oriented. Participation in the program substitutes for some first-year courses in both colleges.
• Individualized development of an IDEAS theme.  Students work with faculty advisors on creating, refining, and exploring their IDEAS theme during their four-year program.

IDEAS graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree, conferred by both colleges. Students interested in pursuing a professionally accredited degree in their selected engineering disciplines may choose to do so in an optional fifth year of study. Some programs of study in the College of Arts and Sciences, mainly in the sciences, may also require further study to complete certification.

For more, visit the program's Web site at lehigh.edu/ideas.