What majors and programs are Dartmouth known for?
I'm looking into Dartmouth and I'm trying to get a sense of what they’re really strong at academically. I know it’s part of the Ivy League, but I don’t hear as much about their specific programs compared to places like Harvard or Princeton.
If anyone knows which majors at Dartmouth have especially good reputations or are super popular on campus, I’d appreciate your input. Are there departments that stand out, like Government, Economics, or Engineering? Any unique interdisciplinary programs people rave about? I’m still undecided on my major, so I’d love to hear about a range of options.
Would also be cool to know if certain majors at Dartmouth give you an edge for jobs or grad school applications!
If anyone knows which majors at Dartmouth have especially good reputations or are super popular on campus, I’d appreciate your input. Are there departments that stand out, like Government, Economics, or Engineering? Any unique interdisciplinary programs people rave about? I’m still undecided on my major, so I’d love to hear about a range of options.
Would also be cool to know if certain majors at Dartmouth give you an edge for jobs or grad school applications!
6 months ago
•
99 views
Grayce Gibbs
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Dartmouth has a reputation for both its strong sense of community and some standout academic programs, even if it isn’t always as talked about as a few of its Ivy peers. Here’s a quick rundown of areas where Dartmouth really shines:
Economics and Government are among the largest and most respected majors at Dartmouth. Many students aiming for careers in finance, consulting, policy, and law flock to these departments, which have a strong alumni network and excellent recruiting connections. For example, Dartmouth’s Economics Department regularly sends grads to top investment banks, consulting firms, and law schools.
Engineering is another highlight, thanks to the Thayer School of Engineering. It’s unique for its flexibility—you can get a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences or a Bachelor of Engineering. The program is hands-on, with a major focus on real-world problem solving and entrepreneurship. For those interested in interdisciplinary work, engineering students often collaborate with other departments, like computer science or environmental studies.
The Environmental Studies and Geography programs punch above their weight in terms of faculty expertise and student engagement. Dartmouth’s rural New Hampshire location makes it an excellent base for fieldwork or outdoor research. Geography, in particular, is renowned for its global learning experiences and access to research opportunities.
Dartmouth is also known for its creative writing and English departments. The Creative Writing Program attracts notable authors, poets, and journalists as visiting professors, and their alumni include best-selling writers. If you’re artistically inclined, Studio Art and Film & Media Studies are well-regarded too, with access to strong resources and hands-on experiences.
Interdisciplinary programs like the Quantitative Social Science (QSS) major are growing in popularity. QSS merges statistics, data analysis, and social impact work, and grads often head to data science roles or policy research positions. Dartmouth also supports self-designed majors, so students who want to blend multiple interests find a lot of flexibility.
For career outcomes, Dartmouth’s alumni network is famously strong—graduates from almost any major find solid opportunities in consulting, finance, tech, med/law school, and more. The school’s quarter system also gives students chances to do internships during different parts of the year, which can give you an edge for jobs or grad programs.
If you’re undecided, Dartmouth’s liberal arts curriculum lets you explore. The first-year seminar program and the "D-Plan" (their unique academic calendar) are also loved by students who want academic flexibility and off-campus experiences like study abroad, research, or internships.
If you want a specific example, one student interested in public health combined coursework in Biology, Anthropology, and Global Health through a custom major—eventually landing a research position at a top medical institute. This kind of flexibility and faculty guidance is a Dartmouth hallmark.
Economics and Government are among the largest and most respected majors at Dartmouth. Many students aiming for careers in finance, consulting, policy, and law flock to these departments, which have a strong alumni network and excellent recruiting connections. For example, Dartmouth’s Economics Department regularly sends grads to top investment banks, consulting firms, and law schools.
Engineering is another highlight, thanks to the Thayer School of Engineering. It’s unique for its flexibility—you can get a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering Sciences or a Bachelor of Engineering. The program is hands-on, with a major focus on real-world problem solving and entrepreneurship. For those interested in interdisciplinary work, engineering students often collaborate with other departments, like computer science or environmental studies.
The Environmental Studies and Geography programs punch above their weight in terms of faculty expertise and student engagement. Dartmouth’s rural New Hampshire location makes it an excellent base for fieldwork or outdoor research. Geography, in particular, is renowned for its global learning experiences and access to research opportunities.
Dartmouth is also known for its creative writing and English departments. The Creative Writing Program attracts notable authors, poets, and journalists as visiting professors, and their alumni include best-selling writers. If you’re artistically inclined, Studio Art and Film & Media Studies are well-regarded too, with access to strong resources and hands-on experiences.
Interdisciplinary programs like the Quantitative Social Science (QSS) major are growing in popularity. QSS merges statistics, data analysis, and social impact work, and grads often head to data science roles or policy research positions. Dartmouth also supports self-designed majors, so students who want to blend multiple interests find a lot of flexibility.
For career outcomes, Dartmouth’s alumni network is famously strong—graduates from almost any major find solid opportunities in consulting, finance, tech, med/law school, and more. The school’s quarter system also gives students chances to do internships during different parts of the year, which can give you an edge for jobs or grad programs.
If you’re undecided, Dartmouth’s liberal arts curriculum lets you explore. The first-year seminar program and the "D-Plan" (their unique academic calendar) are also loved by students who want academic flexibility and off-campus experiences like study abroad, research, or internships.
If you want a specific example, one student interested in public health combined coursework in Biology, Anthropology, and Global Health through a custom major—eventually landing a research position at a top medical institute. This kind of flexibility and faculty guidance is a Dartmouth hallmark.
Grayce Gibbs
Denver, CO
Dartmouth College (AB); Colorado School of Mines (MS)
Experience
4 years