Upon successful completion of the program, the student is awarded the bachelor?of-arts degree from Gettysburg and the bachelor-of-science degree in an engineering discipline from one of the four affiliated universities. Since the student graduates with two degrees, all degree requirements from both institutions must be completed, including a major at each institution. The Gettysburg College major can be in any discipline provided the student completes the pre-engineering courses and the Gettysburg College curricular requirements before starting at the engineering school. The affiliation agreement between schools allows many courses to transfer so that the student can complete both degrees in 5 years. American students who qualify for financial aid at Gettysburg College will usually be eligible for similar aid at the engineering affiliate universities. International students who qualify for aid at Gettysburg are not guaranteed financial aid, although it is sometimes available.

In addition to their college advisor, candidates for this program are advised by the Engineering Advisor who is a member of the physics department. Normally, a student will be recommended to Columbia, RPI, Washington University, or Pitt during the fall semester of the junior year. Under the typical "3-2" option, students spend three years at Gettysburg and two at the partner institution.