The United States is a popular destination for international students pursuing many fields, including engineering. Because the USA is known for innovation and for many high-quality higher education institutions, it remains an excellent option for students interested in engineering programs.
The most recent Open Doors data reported nearly 1.2 million international students in U.S. higher education in 2024/25, and engineering remains a major STEM field for international students. U.S. universities and colleges continue to train graduates who contribute to research, industry, and technological development.
If you’re going to study engineering in the United States, which institution should you choose? In this article, let’s talk about several of the best universities for engineering in the United States. The schools below are strong options for engineering students, but the numbering reflects an editorial engineering ranking among the featured institutions.
Top Schools Offering Engineering Programs in the U.S.
The schools below are ranked in an editorial order among the institutions featured in this article, considering engineering program breadth, specialist strengths, and research opportunities. The order is a comparative recommendation rather than a reproduction of one published league table. Your preferred engineering discipline and degree level may lead to a different choice.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the leading universities for engineering in the United States. MIT ranked No. 1 globally in Engineering & Technology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
MIT’s School of Engineering was formally established in 1932 as one of the institute’s principal schools. Today, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs through eight core engineering departments, along with interdisciplinary programs and institutes.
Students can explore fields such as aeronautics and astronautics, biological engineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and nuclear science and engineering.
MIT Engineering is also known for its research-focused environment. Students work with faculty members, laboratories, centers, and industry partners on projects that connect engineering education with real-world innovation.
2. Stanford University
A private research university, Stanford University is known for its academic strength, research culture, and large 8,353-acre campus in California.
Stanford offers programs in many fields and is especially known for teaching and research in engineering, technology, and innovation. Stanford’s School of Engineering offers 16 defined undergraduate majors, along with the option for students to design their own program. Coterminal and graduate programs are offered in all engineering departments.
Stanford University’s School of Engineering has nine departments serving local and international students. These departments include areas such as aeronautics and astronautics, bioengineering, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, and mechanical engineering.
Stanford Engineering also has a strong research culture. Its students and faculty work across laboratories, departments, and interdisciplinary centers, preparing graduates to address complex challenges in engineering, technology, sustainability, health, and society.
3. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is an outstanding public university and one of the top educational institutions in the United States. Its programs are known for academic excellence and for producing graduates in many fields.
The university’s engineering programs are among its strongest offerings, and Berkeley Engineering, the university’s College of Engineering, is highly respected. The College of Engineering was formed in 1931 when the Colleges of Mechanics and Civil Engineering merged.
Berkeley Engineering currently includes departments in bioengineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical engineering and computer sciences, industrial engineering and operations research, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering. Its undergraduate and graduate programs also include additional options and professional pathways across engineering fields.
Berkeley Engineering also offers research laboratories, study centers, and academic resources for its students. These facilities support hands-on learning, interdisciplinary research, and advanced study for undergraduate and graduate engineering students.
4. California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, is a highly respected private institution known for science and engineering. Caltech-affiliated alumni, faculty, and postdocs have won dozens of Nobel Prizes, reflecting the institute’s long record of research achievement.
Caltech’s Division of Engineering and Applied Science places a strong emphasis on research and discovery. Engineering students learn in an environment that connects foundational science with advanced laboratories, research centers, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Division of Engineering and Applied Science is home to seven departments: Aerospace; Medical Engineering; Applied Physics and Materials Science; Computing and Mathematical Sciences; Electrical Engineering; Environmental Science and Engineering; and Mechanical and Civil Engineering. As a student here, you’ll be exposed to interdisciplinary learning and research that can help you build the skills needed for your engineering field.
5. Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a leading engineering university that combines theoretical study, research, and practical learning. Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering offers more than 50 degree tracks at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, including 11 undergraduate engineering majors and many graduate pathways.
According to Braulio Vera, a graduate student from Mexico, his decision to pursue a master’s at Georgia Tech was driven by a desire to fill “some gaps in my knowledge” from his professional experience. He specifically noted that he was unsure “how the software I used for the simulations worked in the background,” which motivated him to seek further education that would provide a more fundamental understanding of his field.
Georgia Tech’s programs are designed to connect academic research with real-world applications, creating an environment where students can pursue specialized interests. Braulio, who focused on rotorcraft aerodynamics, was able to build on his undergraduate work and publications. The institution’s strong academic culture and emphasis on hands-on learning can help students gain the expertise needed to become leaders in the engineering field.
6. University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego offers engineering education through its Jacobs School of Engineering in San Diego, California. Its academic model combines engineering fundamentals with design and research. The school’s Experience Engineering Initiative aims to provide undergraduate students with an experiential engineering course or laboratory each year.
Undergraduate options include engineering majors in chemical engineering, NanoEngineering, and structural engineering. These are separate majors: NanoEngineering focuses on engineering at small scales, while structural engineering has its own degree pathway. Engineering majors use selective or screened admission processes, so applicants should identify their intended major when applying. Eligible students can also pursue integrated five-year bachelor’s/master’s programs through participating departments, providing a route into advanced coursework and research.
Graduate options include MS degrees in bioengineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, NanoEngineering, and structural engineering, alongside a Master of Engineering in Bioengineering. The Jacobs School also offers PhD programs. Electrical engineering master’s specializations include photonics, communication systems, electronic devices, and robotics and control, allowing students to develop expertise within the broader degree.
The following account concerns theoretical and computational biophysics and provides related academic context alongside this university’s engineering profile.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of California, San Diego Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Related Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Anupam Anand Ojha
PhD in Theoretical and Computational Biophysics
Began doctoral studies in 2019 | Developed biomolecular simulation pipelines and worked on reproducible scientific software during his doctorate. He also presented research on advanced simulation methods for drug discovery and collaborated with researchers at the University of Freiburg. | Appreciated UC San Diego’s more relaxed pace and West Coast setting, which he associated with pursuing longer-term projects and campus sustainability and mentoring initiatives. |
7. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, offers engineering education through its College of Engineering. Its official degree directory separates bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral qualifications by discipline, allowing students to compare academic routes in fields ranging from aerospace and biomedical engineering to petroleum engineering.
Undergraduate choices include BS degrees in aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, and biological and agricultural engineering, among other disciplines. Students admitted to General Engineering begin with a common curriculum before applying through the Entry to a Major process. Placement considers academic performance, application content, and program capacity. This structure gives students time to explore engineering fields, although admission to General Engineering does not by itself establish placement in a preferred degree-granting major.
Graduate pathways include Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and PhD programs in disciplines such as aerospace and biomedical engineering. Biological and agricultural engineering also offers a Doctor of Engineering, while interdisciplinary engineering has an MS option. Aerospace study covers areas including aerodynamics, propulsion, and autonomous flight; petroleum engineering includes reservoir engineering, drilling, and production systems.
What Current Students / Alumni of Texas A&M University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Dr. Muhammad Ali Falak
PhD in Civil Engineering | Described his research focus as sustainable construction practices, particularly climate-responsive infrastructure, and connected his doctoral training with research in sustainable engineering. | — |
8. Harvard University
Established in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the country’s most recognized universities. It offers a strong academic environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Harvard University’s engineering school, the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, offers undergraduate programs, graduate programs, and master’s programs across engineering, applied sciences, computer science, applied mathematics, and related fields.
Because the school promotes interdisciplinary education, SEAS does not have traditional academic departments. Instead, students can study across fields and collaborate with faculty and researchers working on problems that connect engineering, applied science, technology, and society.
This top engineering university in the United States prepares students to build skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, technical communication, and applied research. Its interdisciplinary approach helps students develop solutions through engineering and applied science.
9. Columbia University
Columbia University is a strong engineering institution located in New York City. Columbia Engineering offers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and non-degree programs in engineering, applied science, and innovation.
As Zain Hussain, a graduate of the Master of Science program in Electrical Engineering, described, the university allowed him to specialize in Smart Electric Energy, which focused on renewable energy, increased electrification, and smart grids. Columbia’s Electrical Engineering Department also identifies Smart Electric Energy as a research area focused on the generation, conversion, distribution, and consumption of electric energy.
The university’s environment is suited for students who want to study in a major research university while benefiting from opportunities in New York City. Columbia Engineering’s programs help students pursue academic excellence, research, and innovation while preparing them to contribute to advancements in their field.
What Current Students / Alumni of Columbia University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Zain Hussain
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Specialization: Smart Electric Energy | His specialization covered renewable energy, smart grids, and increased electrification, including applications in buildings and electric vehicles. | — |
10. The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is located in Columbus, Ohio, and offers engineering education through its College of Engineering. Its academic structure includes conventional engineering disciplines alongside specialized fields such as welding engineering and food, agricultural, and biological engineering, creating several routes for students with different technical interests.
Undergraduate options include aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science and engineering, mechanical engineering, and welding engineering. Foundational study includes an engineering course sequence and calculus, with physics or chemistry required for most majors. The process for entering a major varies by program, making the distinction between university admission and major enrollment useful for applicants. Eligible students can also pursue approved combined BS/MS pathways that allow some advanced coursework to count toward both degrees.
The college lists MS and PhD programs across its engineering fields, including electrical and computer engineering, industrial and systems engineering, materials science and engineering, and welding engineering. Mechanical and aerospace engineering additionally administers nuclear engineering graduate study. These engineering qualifications are separate from the architecture and planning degrees housed within the college’s Knowlton School.
What Current Students / Alumni of The Ohio State University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Syed Murtaza Arshad
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Specialization: Medical Image Processing and Machine Learning | His doctoral research focuses on cardiac MRI reconstruction, drawing on signal processing, linear algebra, probability, statistics, and machine learning. | — |
11. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech, formally Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, is a public university in Blacksburg, Virginia. Its College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate study across conventional and specialized engineering disciplines, including mining, ocean engineering, biological systems, and construction engineering.
Undergraduate options include Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Ocean Engineering. First-time college students entering these programs begin in General Engineering through the Department of Engineering Education. This common starting point precedes progression into a degree-granting engineering major rather than functioning as a separate bachelor’s qualification.
Graduate programs provide master’s and doctoral routes across numerous engineering departments. Electrical and computer engineering offers MS, Master of Engineering, and PhD pathways. Civil engineering graduate study includes structures, transportation, geotechnical engineering, hydrosystems, and infrastructure. The college also offers accelerated graduate pathways that permit eligible coursework to contribute toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Biomedical engineering graduate education includes a joint program with Wake Forest University.
What Current Students / Alumni of Virginia Tech Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Musab Waqar
Graduate studies in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
Graduate Research Assistant | Develops advanced data-driven models to improve water-resource management and support sustainable agriculture across the Western United States. | — |
12. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and offers engineering education through its College of Engineering and affiliated departments. Its academic options cover established engineering disciplines alongside fields such as nuclear engineering, construction engineering, and materials science and engineering.
Undergraduate BS options include aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, and nuclear engineering. Biomedical engineering is offered through a joint program with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Students interested in manufacturing biological products can explore the biomanufacturing sciences concentration within chemical engineering. The Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center supports laboratory-intensive instruction using equipment such as bioreactors and purification systems; its minor and certificates are separate from full engineering degrees.
Graduate options include mechanical engineering master’s and doctoral study, as well as the Master of Industrial Engineering, MS in Industrial Engineering, and PhD in Industrial Engineering. Mechanical engineering research spans robotics, fluid dynamics, manufacturing, biomechanics, and energy systems. A distance-education Master of Engineering provides another route for students seeking interdisciplinary advanced coursework.
What Current Students / Alumni of North Carolina State University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
José Bardales
PhD in Civil Engineering
Concentration: Construction Engineering | Worked on optimization, energy-system modeling, simulation, programming, infrastructure decarbonization, and construction electrification. He valued the flexibility to combine these areas, while describing the demands of independent research, uncertainty, criticism, and repeated revision. | Reported receiving university guidance on immigration requirements, student status, administrative procedures, and adjustment to studying in the United States. |
13. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers engineering education through its Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, with programs distributed across campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Its degree directory distinguishes engineering disciplines from computing and technology programs and identifies the campus and delivery format for each option.
Undergraduate choices include Bachelor of Science in Engineering programs in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science and engineering. Aerospace students select concentrations in aeronautics, astronautics, or autonomous vehicle systems. Mechanical engineering offers concentrations in computational mechanics or energy and environment. The Engineering BSE at the Polytechnic campus has separate concentrations, including automotive systems, clean energy systems, and robotics; these are pathways within the degree rather than independent majors.
Graduate options include electrical engineering master’s programs, an MS in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, and an MSE in Sustainable Engineering. Doctoral degrees include aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and civil, environmental and sustainable engineering. Campus availability and online delivery differ by program, so students can compare individual degree listings when selecting a specialization.
What Current Students / Alumni of Arizona State University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Muhammad Bilal
Master’s in Electrical Engineering
2020–2022 | Conducted laboratory research applying machine learning to renewable electrical systems and published his first journal paper. He appreciated his thesis advisors’ explanations and professors’ availability during office hours, while noting that students needed to seek research opportunities proactively. | Enjoyed the large campus and frequent events. He found graduate-office staff responsive and international student communities helpful for navigating housing and everyday adjustment. |
14. University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a public university in Boulder, Colorado. Its College of Engineering and Applied Science offers engineering education across aerospace, infrastructure, electronics, manufacturing, and biological applications. Students can choose discipline-specific degrees rather than studying engineering solely through a general program.
Bachelor of Science options include Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Architectural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum includes a sequence of design courses, beginning with computer-aided design and culminating in senior design. This provides a practical example of how technical coursework develops into engineering project work.
Graduate options include master’s and doctoral programs in several engineering disciplines. Aerospace Engineering Sciences offers both research-oriented and professional master’s pathways, alongside a PhD. Mechanical Engineering also offers master’s and doctoral study, with a graduate design program incorporating hands-on learning and industry-sponsored projects. These pathways allow students to distinguish advanced professional preparation from research training when selecting a graduate program.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Colorado Boulder Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Erick Gatica Candia
PhD in Mechanical Engineering | His research focuses on laser-based sensors, optical diagnostics, and combustion systems for hydrogen and natural gas applications. He described daily interaction with fellow researchers as a source of motivation to keep developing his skills. | — |
15. Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is a private university in the St. Louis area of Missouri. Its McKelvey School of Engineering provides engineering education across biomedical systems, chemical processes, electronics, computing, and mechanical applications. The school’s program directory distinguishes undergraduate majors, graduate degrees, minors, and professional qualifications.
Undergraduate engineering options include Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Biomedical engineering combines engineering and biology to address human health, while chemical engineering provides training in the discipline’s fundamentals. The school also operates a dual-degree pathway for students from affiliated institutions, allowing them to combine study at their original college with an engineering qualification from WashU.
Graduate options include master’s and doctoral study in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, alongside other engineering fields. Biomedical engineering offers both a master’s degree and a Master of Engineering, as well as a PhD. Robotics is available through a professionally oriented Master of Engineering. These distinct qualifications allow students to compare preparation for engineering practice with research-focused graduate education and doctoral study.
What Current Students / Alumni of Washington University in St. Louis Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Vipul Garg
PhD in Materials Science & Engineering
Research: Nano-Neuro Interactions | Studies how nanoparticles bind to 2D and 3D neural models for targeted neuromodulation and neural stimulation. He valued collaboration between the university’s two campuses and access to proteomics and advanced imaging facilities required for his research. | Described the McDonnell Academy as a home away from home. Orientation, visa assistance, social events, and international-office support helped him integrate into the St. Louis community. |
16. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public university in Amherst, Massachusetts. Its Riccio College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate education through departments covering biomedical, chemical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, and mechanical and industrial engineering. Graduate materials science and engineering provides an additional interdisciplinary pathway.
Established bachelor’s options include Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The college also lists a newer undergraduate Environmental Engineering degree. Electrical and Computer Engineering offers separate BS degrees in its two disciplines, allowing students to choose between electronic and electrical systems or computer engineering rather than relying on a single combined undergraduate qualification.
Graduate options include an MS and PhD in Civil Engineering, a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, and doctoral programs in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. Materials Science and Engineering offers thesis and non-thesis master’s routes, an accelerated 4+1 MS, and a PhD. These distinctions help students compare advanced coursework, a research thesis, and longer-term doctoral research within their preferred engineering field.
The following account concerns food science and provides related academic context alongside this university’s engineering profile.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Massachusetts Amherst Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Related Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Paula DomÃnguez Lacueva
Six-month doctoral research stay in Food Science
2025–2026 academic year | Her research stay continued a doctoral project developing and characterizing ozonized olive oil-based products for therapeutic applications, including pressure-ulcer treatment. She described the host research environment as collaborative and valued access to facilities and expertise. | Found living abroad and meeting people from different backgrounds personally enriching. She reported support through orientation, visa assistance, and international student services. |
17. University of Houston
The University of Houston is a public university in Houston, Texas. Engineering programs are offered through the Cullen College of Engineering, which includes discipline-based engineering departments and a Technology Division. Its engineering degrees should be distinguished from separately named engineering technology qualifications when comparing programs.
Undergraduate engineering options include Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. The college identifies undergraduate research opportunities in its laboratories, centers, and industry consortiums. Qualified mechanical engineering students can also pursue an accelerated BS/MS pathway that applies approved graduate coursework toward their continuing education.
Graduate programs include master’s and PhD degrees in fields such as biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, and industrial engineering. Additional master’s options include Aerospace Engineering, Computer and Systems Engineering, and Engineering Management. Some departments offer professional master’s degrees alongside research-oriented MS programs. For example, chemical engineering lists both a Master of Chemical Engineering and an MS, as well as a PhD, giving applicants distinct routes for advanced technical preparation and research.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Houston Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Miguel Felipe Arévalo Castiblanco
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Research Assistant | Works as a research assistant on multi-agent robotic systems and autonomous decision-making. His research addresses distributed control and optimization for coordinating robots, vehicles, and sensors. | Reported strong support from the international student office, the Latino community, and fellow international scholars during his time there. |
18. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, Florida, and offers engineering programs through its College of Engineering and Computer Science. Its degree directory includes several engineering disciplines, while the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering provides clearly defined undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral pathways.
Undergraduate options include aerospace engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, construction engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering requires 128 credit hours. Electrical engineering includes tracks such as communication and signal processing or power and renewable energy; these are specializations within the bachelor’s degree. Qualified students can begin graduate coursework through accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathways while completing their undergraduate requirements.
The mechanical and aerospace engineering department offers MS degrees in aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, and mechanical engineering, as well as PhDs in all three fields. Biomedical engineering is therefore a verified graduate option in this department, while its undergraduate offerings are aerospace and mechanical engineering. UCF also describes engineering internship opportunities with nearby research organizations and industry partners, including NASA and major technology companies.
The following account concerns computer vision and provides related academic context alongside this university’s engineering profile.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Central Florida Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Related Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Yusra Ahmed
Master’s in Computer Vision | Reported working on developing intelligent systems during her Computer Vision studies. She valued the combination of coursework, active research, and access to faculty within the program supported by the Center for Research in Computer Vision. | Enjoyed campus events, student organizations, and cultural exchange with international peers. She particularly appreciated the Pakistani Student Association and Muslim Student Association for helping her stay connected to her culture and adjust to life in the United States. |
19. University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut is a public university whose main campus is in Storrs, Connecticut. Its College of Engineering combines undergraduate engineering education with graduate programs in areas ranging from biomedical and environmental engineering to materials, manufacturing, and electrical systems.
Undergraduate options include Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Most engineering majors lead to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Senior design projects provide opportunities to apply disciplinary knowledge, including through industry-supported teams. UConn also offers five-year dual-degree programs combining engineering with German, French, or Spanish.
Master of Science and PhD programs are available in disciplines including biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, materials, and mechanical engineering. A separate Master of Engineering offers concentrations such as Advanced Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Multidisciplinary Engineering. The multidisciplinary concentration requires 30 graduate credits. Applicants can therefore compare research degrees with a professionally focused engineering master’s rather than treating all graduate pathways as equivalent.
The following account concerns chemistry and provides related academic context alongside this university’s engineering profile.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Connecticut Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Related Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Maham Liaqat
PhD in Chemistry
Research: Artificial Enzymes and Protein–Metal Hybrid Catalysts | Designs protein–metal hybrid catalysts for stereoselective synthesis, CO₂ electroreduction, and renewable energy applications. She also contributed to an award-winning wastewater-to-bioenergy initiative. | — |
20. University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas is a public university in Richardson, within the Dallas metropolitan area. Its Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science offers engineering programs emphasizing electronic systems, computing, biomedical applications, materials, and mechanical systems. Engineering and computer science are housed together, but their degree titles remain distinct.
Bachelor’s engineering options include Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Software Engineering. Software Engineering is a separate undergraduate degree rather than simply a computer science concentration. Qualified students can use the school’s Fast Track pathway to begin approved master’s coursework during undergraduate study, supporting progression from a BS into advanced study in the same or an eligible related discipline.
The graduate catalog lists MS and PhD programs in biomedical, computer, electrical, materials science, mechanical, and software engineering. The MS in Electrical Engineering requires at least 30 semester credits, while the MS in Mechanical Engineering requires at least 33. Systems Engineering and Management is offered as a joint master’s with the management school. The catalog also identifies institutional partnerships associated with biomedical and mechanical engineering graduate education.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Texas at Dallas Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Jerónimo Martà Vértiz
Summer undergraduate research visit
Home program: Bioprocess Engineering | Worked on optimizing cell-spheroid culture and designed a microfluidic device prototype during a summer student research program. | — |
Shehryar Jafar
PhD in Electrical Engineering
Research: Quantum Optical Communication | Models how atmospheric turbulence in free-space optical links affects quantum communication performance. Participating in conferences and presenting ideas helped him refine his understanding of the field and his research direction. | — |
Muhammad Waleed Khan
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Research: Control Systems and Intelligent Transportation | Works on cooperative driving automation and vehicle simulation in his doctorate. During a separate summer 2026 research placement at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, he performed co-simulation and vehicle-in-the-loop testing before returning to UT Dallas. | — |
21. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a public university in Lincoln, Nebraska. Its College of Engineering operates across the City and East campuses in Lincoln and the Scott Campus in Omaha. Engineering applicants should consider the campus assigned to their specific program, particularly for architectural engineering and other offerings based in Omaha.
Undergraduate options include Agricultural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Construction Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The college describes a curriculum combining mathematics and physical sciences with engineering modeling, analysis, synthesis, and design. Architectural Engineering is identified specifically as an Omaha-based program, while several other disciplines have teaching or departmental activities across both cities.
Graduate programs include master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. Doctoral options include Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. Materials Engineering is offered as a specialization within a PhD in Engineering. Civil engineering graduate study includes areas such as structures, transportation, geotechnical engineering, and water resources.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Nebraska–Lincoln Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Sara Ben Lashihar
Research fellowship involving Building Information Modelling | Learned and mastered Building Information Modelling during her fellowship, gaining hands-on experience in 3D printing and coding. She reported that her postgraduate study in the United States was conducted in English. | — |
22. University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public university with its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas. Its School of Engineering offers programs spanning aircraft, buildings, infrastructure, energy, electronic systems, and manufacturing. Selected undergraduate and graduate offerings are also available at the Edwards Campus, making program location an important part of comparing options.
Undergraduate engineering majors include Aerospace Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. The school also lists Cybersecurity Engineering as a separate degree program. Mechanical Engineering requires 128 credit hours, illustrating the combination of engineering coursework and broader university requirements within a complete bachelor’s degree.
Master of Science options include Aerospace Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering. Doctoral study is also available, including a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. KU additionally offers professional graduate qualifications, including a Doctor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering. Applicants should distinguish these professional pathways from research doctorates when evaluating the purpose and structure of advanced study.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Kansas Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Julia Emilia Espinoza MejÃa
PhD in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering | Researches ionic liquids for sustainable refrigerant recovery through measurements of thermophysical and interfacial properties, vapor–liquid equilibrium, and thermodynamic modeling. She has presented her research and collaborated across chemical engineering, materials, and sustainability. | Valued the multicultural campus environment and administrative resources available to international students. Serving as vice president of the Graduate Engineering Association also motivated her to advocate for fellow graduate students. |
23. University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is a public university in Lexington, Kentucky. Engineering education is organized through the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. Its degree directory includes conventional engineering disciplines alongside programs addressing biological systems, human health, materials, and mineral resources.
Bachelor of Science programs include Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mining Engineering. Chemical engineering coursework includes thermodynamics, mass transfer, reactor design, and chemical process design. Biosystems Engineering combines principles from traditional engineering fields with agricultural, biological, and environmental applications, offering a distinct option for students interested in engineering living systems.
Master’s and PhD programs are listed in areas including aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, materials, mechanical, and mining engineering. Mechanical engineering also connects to an online MS in Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Qualified students can pursue accelerated master’s pathways that allow approved graduate credits to count toward both degrees, with selected routes designed for completion of bachelor’s and master’s study in five years.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Kentucky Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Dr. Neeraj Gupta
Postdoctoral research in Biomass Conversion | Developed green technologies for producing value-added chemicals and bioactive compounds, including efficient, non-toxic catalytic systems for converting glucose to 5-HMF and related molecules. | Found the university welcoming and supportive. Activities and excursions helped him understand the surrounding community, while the experience encouraged a healthier balance between research ambitions and personal life. |
24. Clarkson University
Clarkson University offers engineering education at its main campus in Potsdam, New York, through the Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Its programs combine engineering fundamentals with opportunities for research, professional experience, and projects that connect technical knowledge with practical applications.
The university lists nine ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering degrees, including BS programs in aerospace, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, mechanical, and software engineering, alongside engineering and management. Students who have not chosen a discipline can begin through Engineering Studies, an exploratory pathway into an engineering major. Internships, co-ops, undergraduate research, and student design teams provide additional ways to apply classroom learning. Concentrations and minors allow students to develop more specific interests alongside their main degree.
Master’s and PhD options include chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering. Clarkson also offers interdisciplinary Engineering Science graduate programs. The mechanical engineering MS has thesis-based and project-based tracks and is available on campus or online. Doctoral offerings additionally include materials science and engineering, expanding the options for research-focused study.
What Current Students / Alumni of Clarkson University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Joao Victor Franca Nunes
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering | Reported developing foundational knowledge and construction-industry connections through his program, particularly in transportation, construction management, vertical design construction, and environmental design. | — |
25. Wichita State University
Wichita State University is a public university in Wichita, Kansas. Its College of Engineering offers programs in aerospace, biomedical, electrical and computer, industrial and manufacturing, and mechanical engineering. Aerospace engineering is a longstanding part of the university’s academic identity and connects its teaching and research to aircraft-related engineering applications.
Bachelor of Science options include Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering. Students must also satisfy Engineering+ requirements by completing at least three approved activities. Options include undergraduate research, cooperative education or internships, global learning, service learning, leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation, and multidisciplinary education, adding structured experiential components to the degree.
Master’s programs include Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. A separate Master of Engineering Management is also available. Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering each offer PhD programs. Aerospace graduate specializations include aerodynamics and fluid mechanics, structures and solid mechanics, flight dynamics and control, and multidisciplinary design, analysis, and optimization.
What Current Students / Alumni of Wichita State University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Tuo Sern (Adrian)
Undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering
Minor: Mathematics | Identified Materials Engineering and Industrial Ergonomics as courses that helped prepare him for later graduate study in textile engineering. His undergraduate studies included at least 60 credit hours taught in English. | Served as vice president of the university badminton club and described learning about American culture during his undergraduate years. |
26. West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public university in Morgantown, West Virginia. Its Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources offers engineering programs covering aircraft, infrastructure, biomedical systems, manufacturing, and energy extraction. These Morgantown programs should be distinguished from offerings at the separate WVU Institute of Technology campus.
Undergraduate options include Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. Students encounter engineering disciplines through the Fundamentals of Engineering program. The college identifies experiential opportunities including senior design, research, service learning, competitions, internships, and cooperative education, with availability depending on the student’s program and chosen activities.
Master’s options include Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. Doctoral programs are also available, including Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Aerospace master’s study includes topics such as propulsion, flight dynamics, aerodynamics, and computational mechanics. Selected disciplines offer accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathways; industrial engineering identifies a five-year combined route compared with separate four-year undergraduate and two-year master’s timelines.
What Current Students / Alumni of West Virginia University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Yasir Alkalby
Master’s in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
January 2023–August 2024 | Researched artificial intelligence methods for forecasting shale-well production and improving engineering decisions. He valued approachable faculty and the opportunity to combine petroleum engineering coursework with data analytics and machine learning. | Built lasting friendships and enjoyed cultural exchange with people from different countries. He found the university community welcoming and its orientation and administrative services helpful for adjustment. |
27. San Jose State University
San José State University is located in San Jose, California, within Silicon Valley. Its Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering offers undergraduate and master’s education across several engineering disciplines. The computer engineering department, for example, combines theoretical foundations with hands-on learning at both degree levels.
Undergraduate BS options include aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, materials, mechanical, software, and industrial and systems engineering. The college also lists a BS in Interdisciplinary Engineering for students pursuing a broader engineering curriculum. These degrees are distinct from its Engineering Technology and Aviation programs. Students can supplement their engineering major with options such as a robotics minor or engineering management minor, without treating those additions as separate engineering degrees.
Master’s options include MS programs in aerospace, biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, materials, mechanical, and software engineering. The mechanical engineering MS requires 30 semester units and offers thesis or project completion routes. The current university doctoral directory lists programs in education and health-related fields; an engineering doctorate was not verified. Accordingly, the engineering degree levels listed here are bachelor’s and master’s.
What Current Students / Alumni of San Jose State University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Pranav Abhyankar
BS in Computer Engineering Technology
Concentration: Computer Networks and Systems Management
Graduated May 2026 | Completed four professional internships spanning software engineering, wireless systems engineering, IT infrastructure, and project management. He also reported that several classes connected directly with professional certifications. | Found the international student office particularly helpful with visa status and work authorization. Building relationships with its staff helped him navigate his transition after graduation. |
28. University of Tulsa
The University of Tulsa is a private university in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its College of Engineering and Computer Science includes engineering programs with connections to mechanical systems, chemical processes, and petroleum production. These fields provide distinct academic routes for students interested in engineering design, manufacturing, or energy-related applications.
Undergraduate options include Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering. Mechanical engineering education is grounded in mathematics and science and emphasizes analytical reasoning, design, communication, and professional ethics. Chemical engineering addresses design problems through the fundamentals of engineering and science across industrial applications. These are full engineering programs; adjacent minors and other supplementary study should be considered separately when comparing undergraduate qualifications.
Graduate study includes master’s and doctoral pathways in Mechanical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering. The McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering provides advanced education focused on the petroleum industry, while mechanical engineering offers further study of engineering principles and applications. The university’s energy-related research environment includes industry-supported projects involving fluid flow, paraffin deposition, and artificial lift. Students interested in these topics can use departmental research activity to identify potential graduate supervisors.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Tulsa Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Alexander Valdelamar
Master’s in Electrical Engineering | Worked as a teaching assistant for Digital Circuits, strengthening his technical knowledge while supporting other students. He appreciated opportunities to discuss engineering research and practical applications directly with professors. | Built meaningful friendships with people from different backgrounds. Events, informal activities, and help navigating transportation and campus resources eased his adjustment to Tulsa. |
29. Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Its undergraduate Department of Engineering is located at Wake Downtown in the city’s Innovation Quarter. The department offers an engineering education grounded in the liberal arts, with project-based learning and design integrated into the curriculum.
The undergraduate qualification is a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Students follow a broad engineering curriculum rather than receiving separate bachelor’s degrees in each conventional discipline. The curriculum includes engineering sciences, design, and modern engineering tools, with opportunities for research, independent study, and study abroad. Departmental graduate profiles identify concentrations such as biomedical, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering; these remain concentrations within the BS in Engineering.
Engineering master’s and doctoral options are available in Biomedical Engineering through the joint Virginia Tech–Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. This graduate partnership connects engineering with biomedical science and medical applications. It is separate from Wake Forest’s undergraduate-only engineering department. Research opportunities include injury biomechanics and medical technologies, making the joint program particularly relevant to applicants seeking engineering research focused on human health.
What Current Students / Alumni of Wake Forest University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Manish Ghimire
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Wake Forest University School of Medicine | Pursues computational biomedical research applying machine learning to clinical problems. Contacting professors before applying and discussing research alignment with his principal investigator helped him identify a suitable doctoral placement. | — |
30. The Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America is located in Washington, D.C., where its College of Engineering, Physics, and Computing offers engineering programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. Its undergraduate curricula combine mathematics and science, liberal arts, and technical coursework specific to each engineering discipline.
Degree options include the Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering. The mechanical engineering program requires 130 credit hours and offers an aerospace engineering concentration. Students can also pursue a five-year architecture and civil engineering pathway leading to two bachelor’s degrees. Engineering programs share similar coursework during the first two years, providing flexibility for students considering a change of discipline.
Graduate examples include the MS in Civil Engineering and the MS in Mechanical Engineering. The mechanical engineering master’s requires 30 credits, with coursework-only and thesis routes; its pre-doctoral route requires a thesis. Doctoral options include electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering research areas include robotics and mechatronics, acoustics, clean energy, and computational methods.
The following account concerns microbiology and cell biology and provides related academic context alongside this university’s engineering profile.
What Current Students / Alumni of The Catholic University of America Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Related Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Jarin Taslem Mourosi
PhD studies focused on Microbiology and Cell Biology
Bacteriophage Medical Research Center | Her doctoral research involves CRISPR engineering of T4 bacteriophages to develop vaccines against Dengue and Zika viruses. | — |
It is no wonder that engineering is a highly sought-after field because of the many career and research opportunities it can offer students in the future. If you want to study engineering at a top institution with strong academic resources and research opportunities, consider the universities we have recommended.
We hope this article encourages you to study engineering in the USA. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
