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Applying to Grad School

Information and advice on applying to graduate school is available through Thayer Career Services as well as the Undergraduate Career Services office.

Identifying and Selecting Programs

Similar to the undergraduate admissions process, universities offering graduate-level engineering courses have unique deadlines, programs and admissions requirements. While there are several websites that allow you to search for graduate programs (Peterson's, Princeton Review, GradSchools.com), it is difficult to find comprehensive information on programs without paying a fee or looking at the websites of individual programs.

The Thayer Career Services Library has the following general directories to help you identify programs:

  • Peterson's Graduate Schools in the U.S. (2004 edition)
  • Peterson's Graduate Programs in Engineering and Computer Science (2007 edition)
  • America's Best Grad Schools, U.S. News and World Report (2006 Edition)

PhDs.org, originally created by Geoff Davis, a former Assistant Professor in Dartmouth's Math Department, contains an interactive graduate school ranking system

Note: In reading admissions requirements, you should know that a Thayer School Bachelor of Engineering degree is fully equivalent to the Bachelor of Science degree in engineering offered by other schools. Both degrees meet accreditation standards for engineering education set by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Click here for a list of ABET accredited programs.

Thayer faculty can be an invaluable source for recommendations on where to apply. U.S. News and World Report also releases rankings of engineering schools and specialty programs on an annual basis. (Note: we recommend that rankings should only be considered as one factor in the process of looking at programs.)

If you would like to reach out to Thayer graduates who are pursuing degrees outside of Thayer School please stop by our office (135c).

You may also find helpful: Graduate School Choices of Thayer School Students

Testing

Many graduate programs require test results for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The General GRE is offered in computer-based testing format only. The testing location center closest to Hanover is located at Lebanon College, and is offered six days a week. Call Lebanon College (603-448-2445) to register for testing; the best time to call is Monday through Saturday between 8 and 10 am.

We recommend that you take a practice test prior to taking the GRE. GRE review guides generally contain software that you'll need to take a practice test. These review guides are available at local bookstores and online.

Similar to the SAT, the GRE has both General and Subject tests. The Engineering subject test has been eliminated, and is, therefore, no longer required by for graduate programs in engineering. Subject tests are still offered in the Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics; you may have to take a subject test if you are applying for graduate school in one of those disciplines. Subject tests are paper-based and only offered on one date in November, December and April so you will need to plan ahead if programs that you are applying to require a subject tests. These must be registered for well in advance.

The following test preparation resources are available for checkout through our office:

  • Kaplan GRE & GMAT Math Workbook
  • Kaplan GRE Exam 2006 Edition
  • Princeton Review Cracking the GRE 2006 Edition

Applications

Dartmouth's Career Services office offers comprehensive assistance to undergraduates applying for graduate school. For an overview of services, click here.

Suggestions and Advice On Writing Personal Statements (from Dartmouth Career Services)

You may also want to see Don Asher's Graduate Admissions Essays: Write Your Way into the Graduate School of Your Choice, available in Thayer Career Services.

If You Plan to Continue Your Education at Thayer...

As graduate study at Thayer School is a popular course of study for many Dartmouth A.B. students, the following information is presented to assist you with your academic planning. Please do not take this information as "the final word" on this subject. As always, we recommend that you consult with your academic advisor and communicate with Daryl Laware and Candace Potter in the Admissions office regarding your plans.

Degrees Available

Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)

  • Admission to Thayer's B.E. program is automatic if you complete the Engineering Sciences major (regular or modified) with 2.0 GPA or higher. You must, however, fill out the appropriate paperwork to register for the program, and file this information with the Admissions office two terms before you plan to enroll formally as a B.E. candidate. (See "Timeline for Completing Thayer B.E. Program.")

  • A Thayer School Bachelor of Engineering degree is fully equivalent to the Bachelor of Science degree in engineering offered by other schools. Both degrees meet accreditation standards for engineering education set by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Click here for a list of ABET accredited programs.

Masters Degree Programs

Thayer School offers two graduate programs at the Masters degree level, the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M.)

  • Admission to both programs is competitive. If accepted into the program, you can also complete the B.E. degree concurrently.

  • Students with a 3.5 or higher GPA in the Engineering Sciences major will automatically be admitted into the Masters (M.E.M. or M.S.) program. Those wishing to pursue the M.S. should contact a faculty member (in their area of engineering interest) who would be willing to sponsor their research.

Master of Science (M.S.)

  • The degree requires a minimum of nine approved graduate-level courses after the A.B. and a research thesis. For those candidates who have previously completed an accredited B.E. or B.S. degree in engineering, the requirement is six rather than nine approved graduate level courses.

  • For additional information and advising, contact Professor Brian Pogue (Cummings Hall, Room 132).

Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M.)

  • For Dartmouth Undergraduates, 18 courses are required with 15 at the graduate level. Dartmouth A.B. and B.E. courses can be counted towards the M.E.M. Usually, Dartmouth Undergraduates take nine courses in addition to their A.B. and B.E. degrees.

  • For B.S. degree holders from other schools, 13 courses are required.

  • The degree consists of a mixture of engineering, design and management.

  • If you are interested, see Professor Robert Graves (Murdough 327).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

  • If you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D., please contact Professor Brian Pogue (Cummings Hall, Room 132) and the Admissions Office for additional information.

Information last updated January 2006. Special thanks to Matt Therian '05, Tia Hansen '05 BE '06, and Professor Eric Hansen for assistance.