Engineering and Hamilton

Pathways to Engineering

Hamilton students interested in engineering as a career have three primary pathways. Many choose to complete their full four-year Bachelor of Arts in Physics before applying directly to master's or doctoral engineering programs. Sticking around for all four years allows students to fully engage with upper-level physics coursework and complete a dedicated senior research thesis. This intensive capstone research experience fosters significant growth as a scientist and consistently makes our graduates exceptionally strong, well-prepared candidates for top-tier graduate engineering programs.

Alternatively, students may choose to transition early through one of our cooperative dual-degree programs, earning both a B.A. from Hamilton and a B.S. or B.E. from a partner engineering institution.

As a third possibility, some of our graduates pursue careers in engineering on the strength of their Hamilton B.A. alone.

Cooperative Engineering Programs (Dual Degree)

The cooperative program leads to an engineering degree in either a 3-2 or 2-1-1-1 plan. Liberal arts-engineering (3-2) plans are in effect with Columbia University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). After completing three years of study at Hamilton and then two years at the cooperating engineering school, the student earns a B.A. from Hamilton and a B.S. from the engineering school. Students in a 3-2 program who wish to major in physics at Hamilton are expected to complete the first three years of the major, requiring a minimum of 8 courses in physics.

Since the 2003-2004 academic year we have offered a combined plan at the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. This program is on a 2-1-1-1 schedule. The student completes 2 years at Hamilton, spends their junior year at Dartmouth, returns to Hamilton to complete their senior year and earn the B.A., and finally returns to Dartmouth for a second year of engineering studies to receive their engineering degree. Admission to all of these programs is based on performance in coursework, recommendation by science and mathematics faculty, and the positive recommendation of the engineering advisor.

Web sites related to the combined plans for the various schools are (click on these addresses or copy and paste them into your browser):

See here for advice on how to begin your Hamilton studies.

There are many possible options in pre-engineering programs, and because of their complexity beyond the first year, interested students should consult the engineering advisor, Professor Gordon Jones.

Recent Graduates (Dual Degree Programs)

At Columbia University

At Dartmouth College

At Notre Dame University

At Washington University

Graduate Engineering Programs (M.S., M.Eng., Ph.D.)

Last updated: July 2026

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