Skip to content Skip to navigation
Vassar
Skip to global navigation Menu
Dean of Studies

Vassar College

Accelerated and Dual Degree Programs

Vassar-Dartmouth Thayer Dual Degree Program in Engineering

Information for Prospective Students ’23-’24

Information Session Recording '25

Vassar College offers qualified Vassar students the possibility of studying engineering through the Dartmouth-Thayer Dual Degree Program in Engineering. The Dartmouth School of Engineering offers science majors at other liberal arts colleges the possibility of obtaining a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in a specially designed program. If accepted into the dual-degree program, you spend your junior (or senior) year at Dartmouth College taking engineering courses not available at Vassar. You are also expected to take liberal arts courses during your year at Dartmouth, which can be applied toward requirements for your Vassar degree. You may earn up to 9.0 units of transfer credit including the engineering courses. You would then return to Vassar for your senior year to complete your Bachelor of Arts degree. If you are interested in completing the Bachelor of Engineering degree, you would apply to Dartmouth-Thayer for the fifth year of study. Successful completion of the B.E. degree would enable you to work in the field of engineering or apply to graduate school in engineering. 

Overview

The engineering degree is demanding, and taking six engineering courses in one year is extremely challenging. Before beginning your year at Dartmouth you should plan to complete the following courses: Calculus - multi variable calculus and linear algebra, Physics (two courses through mechanics and electromagnetism), one course in general chemistry, and one course in computer science. You should also take a biology course if you are interested in biotechnology or biochemical engineering. You should plan to have completed all of these courses before you begin your year at Dartmouth. Also, please be aware that applicants to the Dartmouth Thayer Dual-Degree Program should have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Required Courses:

The following Vassar courses (or equivalent) are required for the program. They must be completed prior to the end of the student’s sophomore year.

  • MATH 121, MATH 125, MATH 127 (0.5 credit) or the equivalent (advanced placement), and MATH 220
  • PHYS 113 and PHYS 114
  • CHEM 121 (or CHEM 125 if interested in Chemical or Biomedical Engineering)
  • CMPU 101
Recommended Courses:

Depending on the engineering area of concentration, certain additional Vassar courses are also recommended, as indicated below:

  • MATH 221 and MATH 228
  • PHYS 200 and PHYS 210
  • PHYS 240 (If interested in Electrical Engineering)
  • BIOL 107 and BIOL 108 (If interested in Biotechnology or Biomedical Engineering)
  • CHEM 244 and CHEM 245 (If interested in Chemical or Biomedical Engineering)
  • CMPU 102 and CMPU 145 (If interested in Computer Engineering)

To satisfy Dartmouth's pre requisites please make an appointment with the Vassar College Dual-Degree Engineering Advisor, Professor Juan Merlo.

Application sequence

  1. It is highly recommended that you meet with the Vassar College Dual-Degree Engineering Advisor, Professor Juan Merlo, for prerequisite advising.
  2. It is required that you declare your major prior to applying for the program.
  3. It is suggested that you meet with the Assistant Dean of Studies, Casey Trocino, to discuss the application process. 
  4. You are required to consult with your departmental advisor about your plans and to confirm you will be able to complete your major requirements if you attend Dartmouth. This is important since your advisor will receive a request for approval once you submit your application to the Committee on Leaves and Privileges.
  5. If the Committee on Leaves and Privileges approves your proposal to study at the Dartmouth Thayer Dual-Degree Program, you will next complete an application directly to Dartmouth Thayer. The application link will be provided to you upon your approval from Vassar. In addition to providing your transcript, you will be expected to write a statement and provide letters of recommendation as aspects of the application.

As questions arise during the application process, please email Casey Trocino or Professor Juan Merlo. 

Dartmouth Thayer Applications are due by the first Monday in December.

Apply for the Dartmouth Thayer Dual-Degree Program