Online MEng: Computer Engineering FAQs

You can take up to two courses simultaneously. Each course will require 15–17 hours of study per week, so two courses would be considered a full-time course load.

If you are not ready to enroll in the full degree program, Dartmouth Engineering offers several open courses in association with Coursera, such as the C Programming with Linux Specialization. These courses can help you build knowledge in the relevant subject areas and explore learning with Dartmouth Engineering and Coursera.

Yes. Both the online and the on-campus programs are designed, delivered, and assessed by the same Dartmouth Engineering faculty.

Yes. Students may book one-on-one appointments with instructors during scheduled office hours.

On a case-by-case basis, students may petition to switch from online to on-campus study or vice versa. Students may not switch between these modes more than once.

As an online student, you are welcome to visit the campus if you are in the area (local health requirements and restrictions permitting). Many on-campus resources will also be made available to you in an online format.

Yes! If you're unsure about your readiness, we still encourage you to apply to the online MEng in computer engineering program.

Some students may be offered conditional admission through Dartmouth's Performance Pathway, where you'll have the chance to take the first course—ENGG 408: Machine Learning—as a non-degree student. If you earn a satisfactory grade, you can then transition into the full degree program.

No separate application is required. Simply apply through the main online MEng in computer engineering application. During the admissions review, your academic background and experience will be assessed to determine your eligibility for the Performance Pathway track.

You will be fully immersed in the Dartmouth learning experience:

• Enroll as a non-degree student in ENGG 408: Machine Learning, with a seamless transition to full degree status upon meeting pathway requirements.
• Work on assignments and group projects alongside peers enrolled in the degree program.
• Meet the same academic standards and expectations as degree-track students.
• Gain a strong foundation in machine learning (ML), from the math that underlies ML algorithms to their implementation and application using Python.

As a Performance Pathway student, you will build confidence and momentum toward your degree:

• Earn Credit Toward Your Degree: Successfully complete ENGG 408: Machine Learning and apply the credit directly to your MEng degree.
• Preview the Dartmouth Experience: Become familiar with the academic resources, student services, and learning tools available to all online MEng students.
• Receive Academic Support: Collaborate with teaching assistants and connect with peers throughout the course.

• Tuition: The cost of the Machine Learning course is the same for both Performance Pathway and degree students. You pay only for the courses you take.
• Financial Aid: While financial aid is not available during the Performance Pathway phase due to your non-degree status, Dartmouth's flexible pay-as-you-go tuition model can help you manage costs. US citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for federal loans once they  transition into the full MEng program. You may also be able to seek tuition reimbursement through your employer.

• At the end of Sprint 3 (week 6) in ENGG 408: Machine Learning, and before registration for the subsequent term opens, teaching and program staff will meet to determine whether you are on track for a grade of Pass or higher in the course.
• If you are on track for a grade of Pass or higher at the end of Sprint 3, you will be converted into a regular online student for the next term (contingent on receiving a final grade of Pass or higher) and you will be allowed to register for classes for the following term when registration opens.
• If you are not on track for a grade of Pass or higher at the end of Sprint 3, you will not be allowed to register for classes the following term at that point. If you end the term with a grade of Pass or higher, you will then be converted to a regular online student and be allowed to register for classes and continue on in the program.
• If you do not end the term with a grade of Pass or higher, you will not be allowed to continue on in the program and would have to re-apply at a future time (with demonstration of additional preparation) in order to complete the degree requirements.

Yes, online students will have access to dedicated engineering career services through Dartmouth Engineering and to online services offered by Dartmouth’s Center for Professional Development.

There are currently no plans to offer internships through the program. However, online students have access to internship and job placement resources offered through our dedicated engineering-focused Career Services.

The degree conferred will be for the "Master of Engineering." Awarded by Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, the diplomas for online students are identical to those issued for students who completed their degree requirements on campus.

Yes. Online students who are nearing completion of the program will be invited to attend Investiture and Commencement ceremonies on the Dartmouth campus, pending completion of all degree requirements.

Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, along with Dartmouth, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a United States regional accreditor founded in 1885.