Dartmouth Precollege Online Program — Engineering: Designing Solutions That Meet Real Needs
Every bridge, phone, and prosthetic hand started as a problem someone had to define. In this engineering course, taught by Dartmouth faculty, you’ll do the same, taking one real-world problem from a rough idea to a tested prototype. You’ll brainstorm competing solutions, run experiments to see what actually works, and weigh cost against performance and impact. Learn how engineers make those calls, and find out where this way of thinking could take you in college and beyond.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you:
2-week and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,895
Solve Real Problems the Way Engineers Do
Why the Right Problem Comes First
Learn why engineers must pin down exactly what problem they’re solving before designing anything. Translate user needs into testable specifications, from non-negotiable limits to quantifiable targets.
One Good Idea Isn’t Enough
Understand why engineers don’t run with the first workable idea. Explore how structured brainstorming and concept sketching push past obvious solutions to reveal a richer range of possible designs.
How Engineers Pick a Winner
Compare competing concepts in a weighted decision matrix, scoring each against the problem’s testable specifications. Examine how engineers balance cost, strength, and safety before committing to a design.
The Rough Prototype Advantage
Study how 2D and 3D sketches help engineers explore and communicate a design. Recognize why a rough prototype only needs to show how a design works, not look finished.
Let the Data Do the Talking
Trace how controlled experiments replace guesswork with valid, measurable data about a prototype’s performance. Interpret results to see how a design compares with existing solutions and where it falls short.
Is It Safe, Ethical, and Affordable?
Evaluate a design’s environmental impact across its life cycle, plus the ethical and safety questions it raises. Weigh what a prototype needs to become a real product, from cost to regulations.
How You Will Benefit
- Step into an engineer’s shoes and solve a real-world problem with guidance from Dartmouth faculty and industry experts.
- Weigh cost, environmental impact, and ethics as you test ideas and make real design choices.
- Build hands-on skills like brainstorming, prototyping, and testing used by engineers in every field.
- Explore engineering careers like mechanical, civil, and biomedical while discovering if engineering is right for you.
- Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Dartmouth.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
This course concludes with a final capstone project where you can:
- Solve a Real Problem: Take an engineering challenge from initial concept through design specifications, prototype development, and testing.
- Build and Refine: Create a works-like prototype and technical documentation, using data and iteration to improve your design.
- Present Your Solution: Pitch your engineering design to a non-technical audience, weighing environmental, economic, and ethical impacts.
Mentoring
Gain support from an expert mentor who’ll help answer questions and enrich your experience. Here’s what to expect:
- Expertise in the field of Engineering.
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed.
- Brainstorming to help you prepare for your final capstone project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Enjoy flexible, engaging video lessons that you can watch whenever it’s convenient for you.
- Multiple courses can be taken to maximize your learning experience.
- 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and activities per course, including multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Course Designed by Dartmouth Instructors
Vicki May, PhD
Professor and Associate Dean
Vicki May brings nearly three decades of teaching experience, top-tier academic expertise, and practical credentials as a registered Professional Engineer in both California and New Hampshire. Holding a Master’s and PhD in structural engineering from Stanford University, she is known for an interactive, hands-on teaching style that breaks down complex concepts and brings engineering to life through real-world building projects. Her passion for making science accessible has earned her top teaching honors, including Professor of the Year for both Dartmouth and the state of New Hampshire.
How To Apply:
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Admissions
Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? When do you find out if you're admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If you don't have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
