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Engineering dual-degree programs

Do both: Earn two degrees — liberal arts and engineering — in five years.

Skidmore College offers motivated students the opportunity to apply for dual degrees in liberal arts and engineering through competitive cooperative programs with Dartmouth College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). These programs are designed for students with strong preparation in math and physical sciences — and a desire to turn problem-solving into impact.

How it works:

If accepted into the program, you'll spend your first years at Skidmore building a strong academic foundation in the liberal arts while completing required STEM coursework. Then, you'll transfer to a partner institution to complete your engineering degree — graduating with:

  • A Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College
  • A Bachelor of Engineering (Dartmouth) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering (RPI)

The total time to earn both degrees is typically five years.

Students must complete a set of prerequisite courses before transferring to a partner school. Most students work closely with the Engineering Advisory Committee and the engineering coordinator, Professor Evan Halstead, to plan their course schedule and prepare a competitive application. We recommend declaring interest in applying early — ideally during your first year at Skidmore.

Our programs:

DarTmouth dual-degree program

In partnership with the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, students typically follow the 2-1-1-1 model:

  • Years 1–2: Study at Skidmore
  • Year 3: Study at Dartmouth
  • Year 4: Return to Skidmore to complete B.A.
  • Year 5: Return to Dartmouth to complete B.E.

An alternative 3+2 option may be available in special circumstances. Dartmouth courses may also count toward Skidmore major requirements. Students may pursue a Master of Engineering Management or Master of Science from Dartmouth with additional coursework.

Learn more about the Dartmouth program

 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute dual-degree program

Through our cooperative agreement with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), students earn a B.A. from Skidmore and a B.S. in engineering from RPI in five years, following either the 2-1-1-1 or 3+2 path.

RPI offers traditional engineering majors — allowing you to specialize in a specific discipline.

Learn more about the RPI program

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the details on prerequisites, partner schools, applications, financial aid, and how Skidmore’s dual-degree program can launch your engineering career.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Learn more

Connect with Professor Evan Halstead early to plan your path.
Email Evan Halstead