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Engineering Your Future at Dickinson

Dickinson's engineering program offers a unique opportunity to combine a liberal-arts education with engineering preparation.

Through our innovative 3+2 program, you can earn two degrees in just five years—one from Dickinson and another from one of our esteemed partner institutions: Case Western Reserve University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. And our pre-engineering program will prepare you for any graduate engineering program in the country.

Why Choose Dickinson's Pre-Engineering Program?

Choosing Dickinson means gaining flexibility in your academic journey, with our advising staff helping guide you through the 3+2 process, choosing a career, getting a job and/or applying to grad school. You can decide on your engineering focus later in your studies while benefiting from a broad perspective that combines scientific rigor with critical thinking skills.

Dickinson provides an exceptional foundation for your engineering journey:

  • Rigorous academics: Our challenging science curriculum prepares you for the intellectual rigor of engineering school.
  • Expert faculty: Learn from dedicated professors who are passionate about their fields and committed to student success.
  • Holistic education: A liberal-arts education develops critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills—essential qualities for successful engineers.
  • Experiential learning: Gain practical experience through research, internships and study abroad opportunities.

Pick Your Path

Dickinson offers two distinct pathways to a successful engineering career:

3+2 Program

Combine the best of both worlds. Spend three years immersed in Dickinson's liberal-arts experience, then seamlessly transition to Case Western Reserve University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for two years of engineering coursework. You’ll graduate with both a bachelor of science from Dickinson and a bachelor of science in engineering from your chosen partner institution.

3+2 Pathway to Success

The pathway to success in our 3+2 pre-engineering program is straightforward:

  • Complete 3 years at Dickinson.
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Apply to a partner engineering school.
  • Complete 2 years of specialized engineering studies.
  • Graduate with dual degrees.
Master's Program

Build a strong foundation in science and mathematics through a Dickinson major, where you’ll become equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in graduate engineering programs. Dickinson students with 3.0 or higher GPA are generally admitted to high-quality engineering schools. Most students can complete the requirements for an M.S. degree in two years after completing the Dickinson degree.


Key Benefits of the Dickinson Approach

The Dickinson advantage lies in our commitment to providing a well-rounded education, essential for success in engineering.

  • Liberal-arts foundation: Develops critical thinking skills and communication proficiency.
  • Engineering preparation: Focuses on advanced mathematics, physics and computer science.
  • Career readiness: You'll stand out to employers with a unique educational background.

Engineering Programs Available

Our partner institutions offer a diverse range of engineering specializations, including:


  • Aeronautical Engineering (RPI)
  • Biomedical Engineering (RPI, Case)
  • Chemical Engineering (RPI, Case)
  • Civil Engineering (RPI, Case)
  • Computer Engineering (Case)
  • Electric Power Engineering (RPI)
  • Electrical Engineering (RPI, Case)
  • Engineering Science (RPI)
  • Environmental Engineering (RPI)
  • Fluid and Thermal Sciences (Case)
  • Management Engineering (RPI)
  • Mechanical Engineering (RPI, Case)
  • Metallurgy and Materials Science (RPI, Case)
  • Nuclear Engineering (RPI)
  • Polymer Science (Case)
  • System and Control Engineering (Case)

Key Course Requirements

To prepare for engineering studies, you will complete essential coursework, including:

  • Mathematics: Calculus I & II, Calculus III, Linear Algebra
  • Physics: Introductory Physics, Relativistic and Quantum Physics
  • Chemistry: Accelerated General Chemistry, Thermodynamics and Kinetics
  • Computer Science: Introduction to Computing

Contact Us

Are you ready to engineer your future? Contact Professor of Physics Hans Pfister to discuss your path in the pre-engineering program.

Get Started Today

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