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- by Charlotte King
- In General, Courses, Universities, Study In USA
Posted July 24, 2023
Top 25 Engineering Universities in the USA
The United States has a long-standing tradition of excellence in engineering education and is home to many renowned universities and institutions that offer high-quality graduate engineering programs.
Here are some reasons why the United States is considered a favourable destination for studying engineering:
Prestigious institutions: the United States boasts several prestigious universities known for their strong engineering departments. Institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the University of California, Berkeley are globally renowned for their engineering programs.
Research opportunities: American universities offer extensive research opportunities for engineering students. Institutions have well-equipped laboratories and research centres, plus they often have collaborations with local industries, providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
Diverse specialisations: the US offers a wide range of engineering specialisations, allowing students to choose from various disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, computer engineering and many more. This diversity enables students to pursue specific interests and career goals.
Industry connections: studying engineering in the United States provides access to a vibrant industry ecosystem. Many universities have strong ties with industries, offering internships and networking opportunities that can enhance career prospects.
Global recognition: masters degrees earned from US universities hold global recognition and are highly regarded by employers worldwide. The reputation of American engineering programs often opens doors to diverse career opportunities both within the US and internationally.
Innovation and entrepreneurship: the US has a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship which is particularly advantageous for engineering students. The country provides an environment that encourages creativity, problem-solving and the development of new technologies and start-ups.
Top 25 engineering universities in the USA: summary
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 25 engineering universities in the USA for the year 2023, highlighting their unique study opportunities and areas of study. Ratings are based on the official QS World University Rankings for 2023.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is a prestigious institution that is renowned for encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, enabling students to collaborate across different fields. This fosters a well-rounded education that prepares engineers to tackle complex real-world challenges effectively.
MIT offers a wide range of postgraduate engineering programs, spanning various disciplines such as:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Aerospace Engineering
- And many more
Students who want to study a masters degree in engineering at MIT School of Engineering can apply directly to academic departments or to the interdisciplinary programs. There is no cap on the number of graduate students admitted.
2. Stanford University
Stanford University is located in the San Francisco Bay area of California. It is known for its interdisciplinary approach to postgraduate engineering programs as well as its state-of-the-art facilities that give students access to modern laboratories, equipment and resources, thereby providing hands-on learning and practical application of engineering concepts.
The nine departments within the School of Engineering, together with the Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering (ICME) offer dozens of graduate engineering programs, including:
- Chemical Engineering
- Sustainability
- Technology Entrepreneurship
- Petroleum Engineering
- And many more
3. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
Based in California, the University of California, Berkeley has produced a wealth of esteemed alumni including over 100 Nobel Laureates and over 30 Pulitzer Prize winners.
The College of Engineering at UCB is consistently ranked among the world’s top three engineering schools and offers students an interdisciplinary, hands-on education. It has an annual graduate enrolment of around 2,500 students.
Masters degrees in engineering on offer at UCB include:
- Materials & Science Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Bioengineering
- Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- And many more
4. Harvard University
Harvard University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a prestigious institution renowned for its exceptional engineering education. Harvard is ranked as one of the top universities in the USA, and consistently placed amongst the top five world universities.
Harvard University is well known for its distinguished faculty and academic excellence. It offers students a range of superb research opportunities enabling them to work on cutting-edge projects and advance in their chosen fields.
Harvard University offers a range of graduate engineering courses, including:
- Applied Mathematics
- Bioengineering
- Environmental Science & Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- And many more
5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech, in Pasadena, California, is a world-renowned science and engineering institute. It a small, private institution with a graduate student body (approx. 1,400) that outnumbers the undergraduate student body (approx. 9,800).
Graduate engineering courses available to study at Caltech include:
- Aeronautics
- Bioengineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Medical Engineering
- Environmental Science & Engineering
- And many more
6. Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university in Atlanta, Georgia. Due to its location in Atlanta, Georgia Tech has strong ties with various industries, including technology, aerospace, automotive and healthcare – making it a great place to study engineering.
There are several engineering schools within Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering, including Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
Graduate programs at Georgia Tech include:
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Nuclear & Radiological Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- And many more
7. Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is well known for its cross-disciplinary collaboration in research and is often highly ranked in prestigious US and global rankings. It is the largest college on the campus, making up over one third of the entire Carnegie student population. It has a living alumni total of almost 30,000.
Graduate engineering courses that can be studied at Carnegie Mellon University include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- And many more
8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA in California is a prestigious public research university with a reputation for academic excellence. The Samueli School of Engineering is known for its technological innovation with a distinguished faculty and a cross-disciplinary approach.
Based in the heart of Los Angeles, Samueli UCLA has strong ties with various industries including entertainment, technology, biomedical and aerospace sectors, and the UCLA Career Centre provides excellent support in helping engineering students secure internships, work experience and job opportunities.
The engineering courses available to study at UCLA include:
- Bioengineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Data Science Engineering
- Electromechanical Engineering
- And many more
9. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public research university that was founded in 1867. Based in Illinois, it has a student population of over 56,000 graduates and undergraduates.
Its Grainger College of Engineering offers some of the top engineering programs in the world and is known for its innovation, entrepreneurship, research and societal engagement.
Graduate engineering courses on offer include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Agricultural & Biological Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- And many more
10. University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a public research university based in Austin, Texas with a student population of over 50,000. Its Cockrell School of Engineering is highly ranked within the US and offers the number one engineering program in the state of Texas. The Cockrell School offers a variety of graduate engineering options, including weekend, dual and interdisciplinary programs.
Graduate engineering courses on offer include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Environmental & Water Resources Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Operations Research & Industrial Engineering
- And many more
11. Purdue University
Purdue University is a public research university based in West Lafayette, Indiana. Its College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the US and has a long history of academic excellence and research contributions. Its location in the heart of Indiana gives engineering students access to a variety of industries including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and technological.
Notable alumni from Purdue Engineering include the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong and the most last person to walk on the moon, Eugene Cernan.
Graduate engineering programs available to study at Purdue University include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science
- And many more
12. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a top ranked public university based in Ann Arbor, and is the largest university in the state of Michigan. Founded in 1817, it is also the oldest university in Michigan and its College of Engineering provides students with a rigorous and comprehensive engineering education.
Graduate engineering courses on offer at University of Michigan include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Civil Engineering Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- And many more
13. Princeton University
Princeton University is a private Ivy League university located in New Jersey. Founded in 1746, Princeton University is the fourth oldest HEI in the United States. Its School of Engineering and Applied Science provides students with a multidisciplinary learning environment that focuses on critical thinking, problem solving and the importance of technology.
Graduate engineering courses on offer include:
- Chemical & Biological Engineering
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- Operations Research & Financial Engineering
- Computer Science
- And many more
14. Cornell University
Cornell University is a private Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York. Cornell Engineering is one of the world’s leading engineering institutions and has a strong reputation in teaching excellence and ground-breaking research.
Graduate engineering courses on offer include:
- Systems Engineering
- Chemical & Bimolecular Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Operations Research & Information Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- And many more
15. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is based in the vibrant, coastal city of San Diego, a hub for technology, biotechnology and the defence industries. UCSD has strong ties with leading companies in the area, providing engineering students with ample opportunities for internships and networking with potential employers.
UCSD hosts several research institutes and centres that focus on specific engineering areas, such as the Qualcomm Institute for research in technology and the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine.
UCSD’s Jacobs School of Engineering offers graduate engineering courses in:
- Architecture-Based Enterprise Engineering Systems
- Bioengineering
- Bioinformatics
- Data Science and Engineering
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Nanoengineering
- And many more
16. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a well-respected public research university based in the heart of the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle. Its Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M is one of the largest engineering schools in the United States.
Graduate engineering courses on offer include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- And many more
17. Columbia University
Columbia University is based in the heart of Manhattan, New York City offering students a unique learning experience at an Ivy League institution. This city centre location provides students with excellent internship, work placement and networking opportunities. Columbia Engineering, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, started off in 1864 as a school devoted to metallurgy and mining. Over the years its faculty and students have made contributions to technological and social progress.
Graduate engineering programs on offer at Columbia University include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Earth & Environmental Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- And many more
18. University of Washington
The University of Washington is a public research institution based in Seattle, Washington on the west coast of the United States. The city of Seattle is a major technology and innovation hub with a thriving tech industry, and engineering students can benefit from the university’s strong ties with leading local companies, giving them exceptional networking opportunities and access to internships and work placements.
Graduate engineering programs at the University of Washington include:
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Earthquake Engineering
- Global Integrated Systems Engineering
- And many more
19. Yale University
Yale University is one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities in the United States and is based in Connecticut in New England. The School of Engineering & Applied Science at Yale offers engineering graduates a world-class education with a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and research.
Yale's engineering faculty consists of published researchers and experts in their respective fields, and students here have access to cutting-edge research opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities.
Graduate engineering programs on offer at Yale University include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical & Environmental Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science
- And many more
20. Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University is a large public university with campuses across the state of Pennsylvania and an alumni network of over 76,000 people. The College of Engineering is based in the main University Park campus in State College. This location provides students with access to various industries, including manufacturing, energy, technology and healthcare sectors.
Penn State offers a wide range of graduate engineering courses including professionally focused programs, research-based degrees, graduate minors and certificate options.
Graduate engineering specialisms on offer at Penn State University include:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- And many more
21. Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a prestigious private research university in Evanston, which is near Chicago in Illinois. Known for its academic rigor and excellence, Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a world-class education with a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and research.
It offers full-time and part-time masters degrees in engineering, with areas of study including:
- Energy & Sustainability
- Chemical & Biological Engineering
- Machine Learning & Data Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- And many more
22. University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a top-ranked public research university with a focus on hands-on learning and cutting-edge research. It is based in Wisconsin’s capital city of Madison, a hub for technology and manufacturing industries providing ideal opportunities for networking, work placements and internships for engineering students.
Graduate engineering courses available to study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical & Biological Engineering
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics
- And many more
23. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is an Ivy League institution based in Philadelphia, a city with a strong presence in technology, healthcare and other engineering-related industries. The School of Engineering and Applied Science at UPenn is commonly known as Penn Engineering and is one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering schools in the United States. Penn Engineering is known for its collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to work across different engineering fields and even with other disciplines such as business, medicine and design.
Penn Engineering offers a wide range of engineering disciplines, including:
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- And many more
24. University of Chicago
The University pf Chicago is based in the heart of Chicago, giving students access to vibrant cultural experiences and an active social life. Chicago is home to a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, finance and manufacturing, which means students can benefit from numerous opportunities for internships and industry collaborations.
The University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) integrates science and engineering, focusing on applying engineering principles to molecular-level systems. This leads to research and innovative solutions in areas like materials science, nanotechnology and biotechnology. PME’s Masters in Engineering program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in both entrepreneurship and in established industries. The specialisms available are:
- Bio- and Immunoengineering
- Materials for Sustainability and Health
- Computational Modelling of Materials
25. University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park is a large public research university based close to Washington DC. This location provides students with access to a vibrant metropolitan area with numerous opportunities for internships, networking and collaboration with government agencies, technology companies and research institutions.
The Graduate School at the University of Maryland offers a wide range of engineering disciplines, including:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Energy Systems
- Fire Protection Engineering
- Robotics
- And many more
Top US universities for engineering by type
Different US universities are known for excelling in different branches of engineering specialisms. Here are the top ten universities by type according to recent QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Chemical Engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
|
Stanford University |
Stanford, California |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
Berkeley, California |
|
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Pasadena, California |
|
Princeton University |
Princeton, New Jersey |
|
University of Minnesota Twin Cities |
Minneapolis, Minnesota |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Atlanta, Georgia |
|
University of Texas at Austin |
Austin, Texas |
|
University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Madison, Wisconsin |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Los Angeles, California |
Civil and Structural Engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
Berkeley, California |
|
Stanford University |
Stanford, California |
|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Champaign, Illinois |
|
University of Texas at Austin |
Austin, Texas |
|
Purdue University |
West Lafayette, Indiana |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Atlanta, Georgia |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Los Angeles, California |
|
Texas A&M University |
College Station, Texas |
|
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Pasadena, California |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
|
Stanford University |
Stanford, California |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
Berkeley, California |
|
Harvard University |
Boston, Massachusetts |
|
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Pasadena, California |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Atlanta, Georgia |
|
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Los Angeles, California |
|
Carnegie Mellon University |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Champaign, Illinois |
|
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor |
Ann Arbor, Michigan |
Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
|
Stanford University |
Stanford, California |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
Berkeley, California |
|
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor |
Ann Arbor, Michigan |
|
Harvard University |
Boston, Massachusetts |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
Atlanta, Georgia |
|
Purdue University |
West Lafayette, Indiana |
|
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Pasadena, California |
|
Texas A&M University |
College Station, Texas |
|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Champaign, Illinois |
Mineral and Mining Engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
Colorado School of Mines |
Golden, Colorado |
|
Pennsylvania State University |
University Park, Pennsylvania |
|
The University of Arizona |
Tucson, Arizona |
|
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
Blacksburg, Virginia |
|
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology |
Socorro, New Mexico |
|
University of Nevada–Reno |
Reno, Nevada |
|
University of Utah |
Salt Lake City, Utah |
|
Missouri University of Science and Technology |
Rolla, Missouri |
|
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Champaign, Illinois |
|
University of Kentucky |
Lexington, Kentucky |
Petroleum engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
University of Texas at Austin |
Austin, Texas |
|
Stanford University |
Stanford, California |
|
Texas A&M University |
College Station, Texas |
|
Colorado School of Mines |
Golden, Colorado |
|
Pennsylvania State University |
University Park, Pennsylvania |
|
University of Southern California |
Los Angeles, California |
|
University of Oklahoma |
Norman, Oklahoma |
|
Texas Tech University |
Lubbock, Texas |
|
Case Western Reserve University |
Cleveland, Ohio |
|
Louisiana State University |
Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
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