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Dartmouth Master of Engineering (MEng)

Elevate your career with the MEng degree.

Whether you're an aspiring engineer or want to add depth to your expertise, Dartmouth's Master of Engineering (MEng) degree program will help you achieve your goals. Our MEng degree covers both foundational science and practical problem-solving, so you have the skills you need to move forward in your career. Our on-campus program allows you to customize your master's with a choice of six specialized tracks to best fit your goals—no thesis required. Our online master's degree in computer engineering focuses on this rapidly evolving and high-impact field.

Do you hold a STEM degree in a non-engineering field? 

You may qualify for Launch into Engineering, a 10-week summer preparation designed to enhance your skills and get you ready for the MEng program.

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MEng Degree at a Glance

  • Program type: Course-based master's degree, no thesis required
  • On-campus tracks: Biological/Chemical; Biomedical; Electrical/Computer; Energy; Materials Science; Mechanical/Operations/Systems
  • Online track: Computer Engineering
  • Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field
  • Time to degree: Finish full-time in as little as nine months (on-campus tracks) or 15 months (online computer engineering master's degree)
  • Contact information: engineering.admissions@dartmouth.edu (on campus) online.engineering@dartmouth.edu (online)

Student Testimonial

Jonathan Allen Th'24 | Ship Design Engineer, MEYER WERFT GmbH & Co. KG

"Coming to Dartmouth and having an energy engineering degree just gives you that level up of specialization and differentiation from other [job] applicants. That degree combined with my [undergraduate] degree has allowed me to get my dream job."

Degree Options

On-Campus Master of Engineering with Six Tracks

Dartmouth's on-campus MEng program immerses you in a vibrant academic community where collaboration with renowned faculty and peers enhances your learning experience. You benefit from hands-on projects, state-of-the-art facilities, extensive research opportunities (including a one-course research project as part of your electives), and the ability to choose from six specialized tracks that allow you to customize your academic journey. This program equips you with advanced engineering skills and fosters professional growth through networking events and career services, all on the beautiful and inspiring Dartmouth campus. 

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Online Computer Engineering Master's Degree

Dartmouth's online MEng program provides you with unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to advance your engineering career without disrupting your job or personal commitments. Delivered 100% online through Coursera, this master's degree focused specifically on computer engineering offers the same advanced curriculum as the on-campus MEng option, with the convenience of accessing coursework and engaging with Dartmouth Engineering faculty from anywhere in the world. You'll gain specialized knowledge and practical skills through interactive online platforms, ensuring you remain connected with the Dartmouth community and benefit from its resources, all while managing your own schedule. You'll take core courses like Advanced Computer Architecture and Embedded Systems, mastering the intricacies of digital design, operating systems, and cybersecurity. Electives such as Machine Learning and Network Systems will expand your expertise so you emerge as a well-rounded and highly-skilled computer engineering professional.

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Why Dartmouth for Your Master's in Engineering?

With our program, you get a personalized education while being part of a highly-collaborative community where you can develop the skills and drive to innovate with impact. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, a network of industry leaders, and individualized support from dedicated and passionate faculty, you'll be well-equipped to advance your engineering career and drive meaningful change.

Learning outcomes: 

  • An ability to identify, specify, and formulate complex engineering problems beyond those typical of undergraduate academic training;
  • An ability to solve complex engineering problems by using advanced engineering methods and techniques;
  • An ability to assess the quality of solutions for complex engineering problems against technical, economic, and/or societal requirements/impacts;
  • An ability to analyze complex engineering problems and their solutions to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement by employing advanced engineering processes and tools.

Leaders in innovation

Learn from industry pioneers in a community that fosters innovation and leadership. With small class sizes, you'll receive personalized attention from Dartmouth Engineering faculty. Over 50% of our faculty have founded start-ups and more than two-thirds hold patents, providing current, relevant insights. Their mentorship ensures your path to career advancement.

Flexible MEng curriculum

No matter your track, your master's in engineering balances core courses and electives to align with your goals, and offers an inspiring and personalized learning experience, including peer learning opportunities. You can customize your studies with interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on projects that fit your specific interests.

Learning beyond the classroom

At Dartmouth, theory meets practice. You'll engage in hands-on projects relevant to real-world challenges, ensuring you're not just learning but applying your knowledge in impactful ways. You'll also have numerous other hands-on learning opportunities that allow you to work directly on industry-relevant problems and innovative solutions.

Freedom to change career paths

Tailor your master's of engineering to fit your evolving career aspirations. Whether you aim to enter the industry with cutting-edge skills or pursue a PhD for a future in research and academia, Dartmouth provides the resources and support to help you achieve your goals. This adaptability ensures you have the freedom to change your engineering career path. 

Focus Your Career with a Master of Engineering Specialization

Tailor your on-campus master of engineering to your interests with one of six specialized tracks or our online computer engineering master's degree. 

Magnified cells from a biological and chemical engineering lab.

Biological & Chemical Engineering Track

Address challenges in medicine, agriculture, industry, and the environment with a degree that combines engineering with the biological and chemical sciences. You'll learn to model, design, and optimize biological and chemical systems, preparing you to tackle key unmet needs across various sectors. If you want to specialize in the intersection of biology and chemistry, then this is the path for you. 

Learn more about the biological and chemical engineering track (on campus)
Xrays aid in biomedical Engineering.

Biomedical Engineering Track

Use an interdisciplinary approach to solve medical problems and innovate in healthcare. You'll gain specialized knowledge in designing, building, testing, and analyzing biomedical systems, diagnostics, and treatment modalities. If you aim to improve lives through engineering solutions in the medical field, then this is the path for you. 

Learn more about the biomedical engineering track (on-campus)
Circuit board used in electrical and computer engineering

Electrical & Computer Engineering Track

Advance today's emerging technologies, from semiconductor devices to smart cities. This specialization allows you to focus on areas such as communication networks, self-powered sensors, and cognitive medical imaging. If you want to be at the forefront of computing and electronics innovation, then this is the path for you.

Learn more about the electrical/computer engineering track (on-campus

Learn more about the online computer engineering master's degree

Electrical power lines are part of energy engineering.

Energy Engineering Track

Tackle global energy challenges by increasing efficiency and promoting sustainable energy sources. You'll delve into energy technologies and systems and their societal impacts, preparing you to contribute to a sustainable future. If you're passionate about transforming the energy landscape, then this is the path for you.

Learn more about the energy engineering track (on-campus)
A magnified alloy with overlapping bursts of spikes radiating out from their centers created in a materials science engineering lab

Materials Science & Engineering Track

Understand and create advanced materials with applications in all areas of science and engineering. You'll explore the properties and internal architecture of materials that drive innovation in high-impact fields. If you want to be an engineer who develops life-changing, revolutionary materials, then this is the path for you.

Learn more about the materials science and engineering track (on-campus)
A frostyboy created with mechanical engineering expertise travels over a vast plain of snow.

Mechanical, Operations & Systems Engineering Track

Leverage principles of physics, economics, human behavior, and computing to innovate across multiple domains. From climate change solutions to advanced infrastructure, this specialization prepares you for diverse engineering challenges. If you seek to lead in mechanical, operations, and systems engineering, then this is the path for you.

Learn more about the mechanical, operations, and systems engineering track (on campus)

Degree Requirements

You must meet the following requirements to obtain the master of engineering degree from Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth:

  • Prerequisites

    As an MEng candidate, you're required to hold a bachelor-level degree in engineering or a scientific field such as physics, chemistry, or computer science from an accredited institution. If your degree is from a non-accredited institution, you may be required to take the necessary prerequisite courses, in addition to courses for the MEng, to fulfill degree requirements.

    Wondering what prerequisite engineering knowledge you may need? Discover how Dartmouth's Launch into Engineering summer-long preparation, tailored for STEM students from non-engineering backgrounds, can boost your engineering skills and prepare you for success in the MEng program.

    Explore Launch into Engineering

  • On-campus MEng degree requirements

    The program consists of nine courses in one of the six specialized tracks—five of which should be from the list of core courses. The remaining four electives can consist of any graduate-level engineering or science courses at Dartmouth. If you do not have an engineering background, additional courses may be required. 

    If you earned the Bachelor of Engineering (BE) at Dartmouth, you may count up to six graduate courses toward the requirements for both the BE and MEng programs. The courses you count cannot have been used to fulfill the AB requirements. 

    You may count up to three graduate-level electives toward both MEng and Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degrees and complete both degrees in as little as two years.

    For a one-course research experience, you can elect ENGG 192: Independent or Group Study in Engineering Sciences. With the exception of ENGM 191: Product Design and Development which must be selected as part of the MEng Design Project, you may not take "ENGM" courses for credit.

  • Online MEng in computer engineering degree requirements 

    Dartmouth's online MEng in computer engineering requires you to complete nine courses over 15–27 months, depending on your desired pace. The coursework focuses on intelligent systems, which are foundational for AI, virtual, and augmented reality, as well as autonomous technologies.

    Learn more about the online computer engineering master's degree.

  • Research elective and design elective options (on-campus MEng only)

    The MEng program provides unique pathways for you to engage in elective coursework focusing on either research or product design. 

    Research elective

    You can apply for a one-course research project aligned with Dartmouth Engineering's ongoing research initiatives and collaborate closely with a faculty mentor. The MEng director publishes a list of active research projects before the beginning of each year.

    Design elective options 

    For hands-on experience in product design, elective options cover the entire product life cycle, including market research, development, design research, and prototyping. The appropriate design option will depend on your prior experience and coursework, with each option requiring different prerequisites. You will work with the graduate academic advising director to determine your options.

    Design elective option 1: Product Design and Development (1 course)

    • Course: ENGM 191
    • Term: Fall
    • Focus: Student teams conceive, design, and prototype a physical product.
    • Ideal for: Students who are new to the realm of design and have an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or other STEM field such as physics or math.

    Design elective option 2: Engineering Design Methodology Project Initiation & Completion (2-course sequence)

    • Courses: ENGS 190 and ENGS 290
    • Terms: Fall and Winter
    • Focus: Student teams define, develop, and evaluate a solution to a problem sourced from various industrial and non-profit organizations. Students are assigned to multidisciplinary teams and matched to a project based on the collective skills and experience of the team and the requirements of available projects for the year. Completion of both courses is required.
    • Ideal for:
      • Students with an undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or other applied sciences that include training in design methodology.
      • Students with an undergraduate degree in STEM fields such as physics, chemistry, math, and biology, who have also taken at least 6 courses in applied science or design.
      • Students with undergraduate degrees in adjacent fields and significant post-graduate experience in applied science or design may also be considered.
  • Residency and program duration

    You may pursue the MEng degree at a pace that best fits your professional schedule. If you're enrolled full-time in the on-campus program, you may complete the program in three terms (nine months) by taking three courses at a time. If you're a Dartmouth student pursuing the BE and MEng degrees simultaneously, you must have at least one term of residency solely as an MEng student. 

    You must complete the MEng program within six years of initial enrollment. If you're enrolled in the online MEng: CE program, you may complete the program in five to seven terms (15–27 months), taking two courses at a time. If you attend either program part-time, you may take one or more courses over additional terms.

    International students enrolled in Online MEng: CE

    International students living abroad may pursue the online MEng: Computer Engineering track entirely from their home country and would not be sponsored on a work visa. With sponsorship regulations, international students currently in the United States would need to pursue an in-person option.

  • Transition to/from MS or PhD program

    You may be allowed to transition to either the MS or PhD degree programs with the approval of the MS-PhD Committee, and at the invitation of a faculty sponsor. If you're enrolled in either the MS or PhD programs, you can only transition to the MEng upon request from your faculty advisor.

  • Master of Engineering faculty advisors

    Your faculty advisor will aid you in developing your course of study, which is submitted to and approved by the MEng director during the student's first term enrolled in the degree program.

Meet MEng Director Gene Santos Jr.

Dartmouth Engineering Professor Eugene Santos Jr. discusses his research focusing on human behavior and intention, and how modeling such information can help determine the reasoning behind human decision-making.

Meet the Dartmouth Engineering Faculty

Engineering Careers with the Dartmouth Master of Engineering

Graduates of Dartmouth's MEng program are highly sought after by leading companies across various sectors. Recent alumni have secured engineering jobs at top firms such as Amazon, Apple, Boeing, and Google. With an average starting salary of $92k for the Class of 2024 and a 98% job placement rate within six months of graduation, our master of engineering program sets you up for your immediate and long-term engineering career goals. 

The Dartmouth MEng degree also serves as a stepping stone for advanced study. Many of our graduates transition seamlessly into Dartmouth's engineering PhDPhD-Innovation (PhD-I) ProgramMedical Physics Education Program, or joint degrees with the Tuck School of Business or the Geisel School of Medicine

You can leverage the technical knowledge, leadership skills, and interdisciplinary approach of the Dartmouth MEng program for advanced roles, such as:

  • Design engineer
  • Engineering manager
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • Process engineer
  • Product development engineer
  • Project engineer
  • Quality assurance engineer
  • Research and development engineer
  • Systems engineer
  • Technical consultant

Learn more about graduate degree outcomes

FAQs about the Dartmouth Master of Engineering

  • What is an MEng degree?

    A Master of Engineering (MEng) is a graduate degree designed to strengthen and expand your knowledge and skills to advance your engineering career. 

  • Should I invest in a master's in engineering?

    You may be wondering if a master of engineering degree is worth it. The answer is, it depends on your personal and professional goals. If you're looking to advance your career, an engineering master's can help make you more competitive, particularly for upper-level leadership roles. With the MEng degree at Dartmouth Engineering, you can choose a track to develop specialized knowledge and skills for more advanced roles. 

    You're also likely to attract a higher salary with a master of engineering degree. For example, by earning a master's at Dartmouth with a concentration in mechanical engineering, you could earn a median annual salary of $99,510, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A master's with a concentration in electrical engineering could earn you $117,680, according to the BLS. 

  • What are the admissions requirements for the MEng program?

    Although the admissions requirements differ slightly between the online and on-campus programs, either way, you should describe in your application materials how your educational background and professional experience will set you on a path for success. Please note that GRE scores are optional, and if you choose to include them, self-reported scores are accepted initially with official scores required, if admitted. 

    Please review the requirements below for your degree path:

    On-campus students: You must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a scientific field such as physics, chemistry, or computer science from an accredited institution. If admitted with a degree from a non-accredited institution, you may need to take prerequisite courses in addition to your MEng courses. 

    Online students: You must have a bachelor's degree before starting the online MEng in computer engineering. The admissions team considers applicants holistically, welcoming those with a variety of STEM-related educational backgrounds and professional experiences. With an accredited bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field like computer science or physics, you should be well-prepared for the program. Even with an accredited bachelor's degree outside of engineering, your relevant STEM experience and skills make you eligible, though additional prerequisite coursework may be required. Demonstrating knowledge in areas such as linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, basic programming (eg. C, Python), digital logic, and analog circuit fundamentals will benefit you in the program.

    Non-US citizens must submit language proficiency test scores, unless you have earned a degree from institutions in the US or Canada, or you are from one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Slovenia, Sweden, or the United Kingdom. Dartmouth Engineering accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo tests, with self-reported scores acceptable during the application process, but official scores required upon admission. 

  • Is the MEng program available online?

    Dartmouth offers an online computer engineering master's degree through Coursera. The other six specialized engineering tracks are offered exclusively on the Dartmouth campus.

  • How long does it take to complete the MEng program?

    By attending Dartmouth full time, you can earn the on-campus master of engineering in nine months and the online computer engineering degree in 15 months. If you take classes part-time, you must complete the engineering master's program within six years.

  • What are the learning outcomes for the MEng degree? 

    Learning outcomes for the master's in engineering:

    • An ability to identify, specify, and formulate complex engineering problems beyond those typical of undergraduate academic training;
    • An ability to solve complex engineering problems by using advanced engineering methods and techniques;
    • An ability to assess the quality of solutions for complex engineering problems against technical, economic, and/or societal requirements/impacts;
    • An ability to analyze complex engineering problems and their solutions to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement by employing advanced engineering processes and tools.
  • Can I transition to a PhD program after completing the MEng degree? 

    The master of engineering program provides opportunities to engage in research, which can pave the way for you to transition to Dartmouth's engineering PhD, the PhD-Innovation (PhD-I) Program, the PhD in Medical Physics, or joint degrees with the Tuck School of Business or the Geisel School of Medicine.

  • What financial aid options are available for my MEng degree?

    Need-based financial aid that can cover up to 40% of your tuition is available to all eligible full-time engineering master's students, both domestic and international. To be considered, you must request financial aid while submitting your application and complete the necessary forms, including the CSS Profile (Dartmouth CSS Code: 3351) and the FAFSA (for US citizens). Learn more about financial aid options and how to apply. 

    Note: MEng online students are not eligible to apply for need-based aid. 

    Questions? Contact Candace Potter, associate director of admissions and financial aid, at engineering.admissions@dartmouth.edu.

  • Do any of my BE courses also count toward completing the MEng degree? 

    With advance planning, Dartmouth's Bachelor of Engineering (BE) students can pursue the MEng, significantly shortening the time required to achieve dual credentials.

    Students pursuing the BE at Dartmouth may count up to six graduate courses towards the requirements for both the BE and MEng programs. The courses must not have been taken to fulfill the requirements for the AB. Dartmouth students pursuing the BE and MEng degrees simultaneously must have at least one term of residency solely as an MEng student. Students should discuss their plans to satisfy both program requirements with the MEng program director.

    Note for BE students interested in the online MEng: CE: There are only two courses that are eligible for credit in both the BE and the online MEng:

  • What career support does Dartmouth provide for engineering master's students?

    By earning your master's in engineering degree at Dartmouth, you'll receive robust support from a dedicated engineering career services office as well as through academic advising, professional development workshops, and more. MEng graduates benefit from an extensive Dartmouth Engineering alumni network and a high job placement rate.

Ready to Pursue Your Master of Engineering at Dartmouth?

Achieve your academic and career goals with a master's in engineering from Dartmouth. Explore Dartmouth Engineering graduate admissions to learn more about applying and contact us if you have questions: engineering.admissions@dartmouth.edu.