Engineering Programs
Skidmore College offers qualified students the opportunity to earn dual degrees in liberal arts and engineering through cooperative programs with Dartmouth College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. These are challenging programs designed for the student who has strong preparation in mathematics and physical sciences, and above average problem solving skills.
Interested students should be aware that each program has prerequisite courses that must be completed at Skidmore or elsewhere before study may begin at the host institution. Scheduling of such courses is normally arranged with the assistance of Skidmore's Engineering Advisory Committee. Students should register their interests with the engineering coordinator, Professor Evan Halstead, at the earliest possible date.
Dual-Degree Program with Dartmouth College
Through a cooperative arrangement with the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College, students may earn both the bachelor of arts degree from Skidmore at the end of the fourth year and, at the end of the fifth year, the bachelor of engineering degree from Dartmouth. Normally, students spend their junior and fifth year at Dartmouth, returning to Skidmore in their senior year to finish their bachelor of arts degree requirements (2-1-1-1 option). In unusual circumstances, it may be possible to spend successive years at Dartmouth, beginning with the senior year (3+2 option; see the engineering coordinator for relevant details). In either case, some courses taken at Dartmouth may count toward major requirements at Skidmore.
An additional one or two years may lead to the master of engineering management or the master of science degree from Dartmouth. See Engineering Dual Degree Program with Dartmouth College for details.
Dual-degree Program with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
A cooperative agreement with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) allows students at Skidmore to obtain a bachelor of arts degree from Skidmore and a bachelor of science degree in engineering from RPI in five years of study, through either a 2-1-1-1 or a 3+2 option.
See Engineering Dual Degree Program with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for details.
FAQ
Which schools do you partner with?
We currently partner with Dartmouth and RPI. In either program, you will end up with two degrees at the end of five years. While Dartmouth offers courses in specific engineering disciplines, your final degree will be in "engineering." RPI is more traditional in that you will major in a specific sub-discipline of engineering.
What is the application process like?
In order to apply, you must complete seven prerequisite courses: Calculus I-III, PY 130, PY 140, CH 125, and CS 106. RPI has some additional requirements depending on the type of engineering. The application committee will consider your GPA, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Applications are due at the end of your third semester if you are applying for the 2-1-1-1 option and at the end of your fifth semester if you are applying for the 3-2 option.
How competitive is it?
The Dartmouth program is very competitive. While you need a 3.3 GPA to be considered, a higher GPA will improve your chances of being accepted. We have less data for the RPI program since not as many students apply, but based on past experience it is less competitive than the Dartmouth program. In addition, if you are not accepted the first time you apply, you may apply again the following year.
Can you apply to both programs?
Yes. RPI applications have a rolling deadline, so you may apply to both at the same time. Another option is to apply to Dartmouth first and wait to hear whether or not you are accepted before applying to RPI.
How will this affect my financial aid package?
Your first year at the other institution is treated as if you are on an exchange program, so your Skidmore financial aid still applies. In your second year, you will no longer be a Skidmore student, so financial aid is determined by the other institution.
Can I major in [X] while still participating in the dual degree program?
In principle you can major in anything at Skidmore while participating in the dual degree program. Most participants major in physics, math, or computer science due to the overlapping requirements. Other majors are possible but would require careful planning and advising.
What is the advantage of participating in this program over going to that school for four years?
At Skidmore, you will have access to small class sizes, close interactions with faculty, and access to research as soon as your second semester. At RPI/Dartmouth, you will have access to engineering resources that Skidmore doesn't have. Participating in the dual degree program gives you the best of both worlds.
Can I still go into engineering with only a Skidmore major?
Absolutely! Many Skidmore students with STEM degrees go on to engineering jobs or graduate school in engineering. In fact, some engineering Master's programs (like Dartmouth) explicitly invite applications from those who majored in the sciences.