Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The programme blends core engineering fundamentals, life‑science coursework and applied design. Early study emphasises mathematics (calculus and differential equations), physics, chemistry and introductory engineering science. Core biomedical engineering topics typically include biomechanics, biomaterials, systems physiology, biomedical instrumentation, biofluid mechanics, and biomolecular engineering.

Hands‑on learning is integral: students take laboratory courses, programming and data analysis, electronics and circuits, and participate in term‑long design projects. The curriculum culminates in a senior capstone or thesis project that applies engineering methods to a real biomedical challenge, often in collaboration with clinicians or faculty in the biological sciences.

• Mathematics for engineers (calculus, linear algebra, differential equations)
• Fundamental sciences (physics, chemistry, molecular and cellular biology)
• Core engineering courses (statics/dynamics, materials, circuits, systems)
• Biomedical specialisms (biomechanics, biomaterials, biomedical instrumentation, physiological systems)
• Programming, signal processing and data analysis for biological data
• Laboratory techniques, experimental design and ethics in biomedical research
• Team design projects, entrepreneurship and translational pathways

Entry requirements

Admission to Dartmouth is selective and based on academic achievement, personal qualities and fit with the college’s liberal‑arts plus engineering approach. Typical preparation includes a high school diploma or equivalent with strong performance in mathematics (including calculus where available), physics and chemistry; background in biology is highly recommended. Applicants are expected to demonstrate quantitative ability and problem‑solving skills through transcripts and standardised or internal testing where applicable.

Successful candidates generally present a strong academic record, teacher or counsellor recommendations, and written responses that convey intellectual curiosity and collaborative potential. International students must demonstrate comparable secondary‑school preparation and English language proficiency according to Dartmouth’s admissions policies. Transfer applicants should show university coursework in foundational STEM subjects and availability of faculty sponsors for advanced work.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of careers across healthcare, industry and research. Common immediate roles include biomedical/device engineering, product development, quality and regulatory affairs, clinical engineering and applications engineering within medical‑device and biotechnology firms. Others work in software and data science roles focused on health‑care analytics, imaging or diagnostics.

The programme also provides strong preparation for graduate and professional schools: many graduates pursue master’s degrees in engineering, bioengineering, or related fields, PhDs in biomedical research, or professional degrees such as medicine or business. Entrepreneurship opportunities exist for those who wish to found startups or develop translational projects in collaboration with clinical partners.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers a distinctive combination of a liberal‑arts education and an engineering programme that emphasises close faculty mentoring, small‑group instruction and experiential learning. The Thayer School of Engineering’s integration with undergraduate teaching means students benefit from project‑based courses, access to laboratories and prototyping facilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration with biological and medical researchers.

Students can draw on institutional links with clinical and research partners to pursue internships, independent projects and translational work. The college’s residential and advising environment supports personalised academic pathways, enabling students to combine biomedical engineering with complementary studies in the natural sciences, computer science, economics or policy.