Education

The Dartmouth College undergraduate program offers a comprehensive and rigorous education grounded in a liberal arts tradition, designed to cultivate critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a broad spectrum of knowledge across multiple disciplines. Students participating in this program have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, fostering a well-rounded academic experience. The curriculum emphasizes active learning, close mentorship, and collaboration with faculty renowned for their research and expertise, creating an environment that encourages innovation, analytical reasoning, and thoughtful discourse. Dartmouth’s commitment to a personalized education means students can tailor their academic paths to align with their interests and career aspirations, supported by a wealth of resources including research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs. Small class sizes ensure meaningful engagement and mentorship, allowing students to develop strong relationships with faculty and peers alike. The program also focuses on developing essential skills such as effective communication, ethical reasoning, and leadership, preparing graduates to excel in a wide range of fields or pursue advanced studies. With its historic commitment to liberal arts education, Dartmouth College aims to foster lifelong learners who are thoughtful, ethical, and engaged citizens. The program’s emphasis on critical inquiry and experiential learning makes it an ideal choice for students seeking a transformative educational experience that challenges, inspires, and prepares them for successful careers and meaningful lives.

The Human Development and Education minor is focused on human development and learning considered from multiple perspectives. It is designed to help students to build and use an integrated, multilevel understanding of learning and development based on critical analysis of theory, policy, and empirical data from education, neuroscience, and psychology. The minor is composed of six courses: the introductory course EDUC 1 (The Learning Brain: Introduction to Child Development and Education), a culminating seminar numbered in the '80s: EDUC 85 (Independent Reading and Research), EDUC 86 (Independent Reading and Research: Research in the Schools), or EDUC 88 (Human Development and Education), and four courses excluding EDUC 41, EDUC 42, EDUC 43, EDUC 44, EDUC 45, EDUC 46, EDUC 47, and EDUC 48 (the student teaching pre-practicum and practicum courses). A summary of specific requirements is available in the Education Department office and on the department website. Students interested in establishing a minor in Education should talk with a member of the department in order to design a course of study that meets the minor requirements.

Through the certification program (Teacher Education Program), undergraduates have the opportunity to become certified as a teacher at the elementary or secondary level. Students interested in teaching certification should read the requirements for certification in particular teaching fields, as described in the handout available in the Education Department office and on the department website, and talk with a member of the department as early as possible in order to design a course of study that meets certification requirements. The Teacher Education Program at Dartmouth meets the beginning certification requirements for most states.

1.       SAT Reasoning or ACT (with Writing);

2.       2 SAT Subject Test Scores;

3.       The common application essay;

4.       Within the Common Application, Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write a brief response to one of the following supplemental essay prompts. Candidates choose one topic and respond;

5.       A counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. In addition, a peer recommendation is strongly encouraged;

6.       Resume;

7.       Brief abstract of an independent research project;

8.       IELTS or TOEFL (no minimum scores)

Dartmouth Scholarships are need-based and are given without expectation of repayment. Amounts range from $1,000 to over $50,000, depending on our determination of your eligibility. Some Dartmouth students will be selected as recipients of one or more of our over 750 endowed scholarship funds. These awards are not additional money, but indicate that the aid already awarded will come from a specific endowed fund. No separate application is required. Students who receive scholarships from external sources can use these funds to reduce the loan and/or job portions of their financial aid packages. Veteran's benefits are included as a resource in the determination of eligibility for Dartmouth scholarship awards. Dartmouth College currently participates at 100% in the Yellow Ribbon Program which supplements GI Bill benefits. For U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only form required to apply for Federal Financial Aid. The federal government provides Pell Grants to students who qualify on the basis of financial need as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded by the College to the most needy students. They vary in amount but do not exceed $4,000 a year. When you apply for financial aid, your parents' country of residence will determine which documents you need to submit. Parents living outside U.S. and Canada should provide income/benefits statement from employer.

The undergraduate program at Dartmouth College offers a diverse range of majors and minors that allow students to explore multiple disciplines and develop a broad-based education. Dartmouth's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and active engagement with complex ideas across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students have the opportunity to participate in rigorous coursework, research projects, and experiential learning, often through internships, study abroad programs, and community service initiatives. The college prides itself on small class sizes and close student-faculty interactions, fostering a personalized academic environment where students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary interests and innovative projects. The faculty members are renowned scholars dedicated to mentorship and academic excellence. Dartmouth’s approach integrates liberal arts education with practical experiences, preparing students for diverse careers and lifelong learning. The program also emphasizes the importance of global perspectives, social responsibility, and leadership skills. Students can choose from a variety of majors such as government, history, biology, economics, psychology, and more, with access to specialized resources, libraries, and research centers. Dartmouth College is committed to supporting student success through comprehensive advising, a vibrant campus community, and numerous extracurricular activities. Graduates of the program often go on to attend top graduate schools, become leaders in their fields, or contribute to their communities through innovative work and public service. The institution's rich history and commitment to academic integrity ensure a stimulating and enriching educational experience that prepares students to navigate an ever-changing world confidently and thoughtfully.