International Engineering Program
The International Engineering Program (also abbreviated IEP) at the University of Rhode Island is an interdisciplinary program, with the student studying engineering and a language of their choice. The program can be applied to any of the engineering disciplines available at the university. The current language tracks are French, Spanish, German, and Chinese.
Undergraduate Level
The undergraduate program is a five-year, dual-degree program. The student has a double major in an engineering discipline and a language. One of the five years is spent abroad, with a semester studying followed by a six-month paid internship. Upon graduation, the student will receive a bachelor's degree in engineering and a bachelor's degree in their language of choice.
There are no requirements for prior knowledge of a second language to enroll in the program. Any student can begin in basic classes.
The university has many partners worldwide, allowing it to place its students in many locations. Students have spent time abroad in countries such as Germany, Spain, France, China, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Graduate Level
A graduate program is also available for the German track. The Dual Master's Program allows a student to earn a Master of Science from the University of Rhode Island while also earning a Diplom from the Technische Universität Braunschweig, a German partner university. The Dual Doctoral Program follows similar principles, allowing the student to earn a PhD in Rhode Island and a Doktor der Ingenieurwissenschaften in Germany.
The Heidi Kirk Duffy Center for International Engineering Education
In 1998, renovations were finished on a former fraternity house to create the IEP House. The House has served as a home to approximately 40 students every year. In 2007, renovations were completed on a neighboring former fraternity house to create the Texas Instruments House. Both of these projects required substantial support from corporations and private donations. The houses have their own dining area and chef, and are self-governed.