Aspiring engineers looking for a US education are becoming more aware of their choices. High quality education at affordable rates and a high return on investment are key points on a student’s checklist when deciding to study abroad. Working relentlessly to fulfill student expectations, the University of Utah College of Engineering (also known as the U) offers an unparalleled combination of educational excellence, business opportunity and an exhilarating lifestyle.

University of Utah

Pic: University of Utah.

The College’s dedicated mission to prepare students for leadership positions and professional practices in academia, industry and government has earned it laurels in several rankings, including the latest report by the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE). The College of Engineering has been ranked 53 out of 334 schools for undergraduate enrolment by the prestigious organization and among the top 50 schools for BC degrees in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science. Utah Engineering is also ranked among the world’s top 100 Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences programs by the Academic Ranking of World Universities compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Such prestigious rankings boil down to the university’s network of interdisciplinary partnerships which extend to the University of Utah Health Sciences Center.

The university itself is located in Salt Lake City, Utah – a city ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the ‘Best States for Business’.  This flagship institution of higher learning in Utah that was founded in 1850 brings together more than 31,000 students from the US and across the world. Over 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including engineering, law and medicine prepare students to live and compete in the global workplace.

Academics
Utah Engineering boasts a rich and diverse student community of nearly 2,600 undergraduates and 950 graduate students. The School is not just ranked in the top 50 US engineering schools in enrollment, but also holds 37th spot in the number of PhD graduates per year. Having hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the campus reflects the heritage of this international city that fosters a welcoming community spirit to students from around the globe. It is also home to the Asia Center that serves as a hub for Asia-related activities at the U and is involved in teaching, research and community outreach.

The College of Engineering offers Undergraduate, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in the following areas:

Bioengineering - Preparing graduates to become the leaders of tomorrow in the integration of engineering, biology and medicine to detect and treat human disease and disability, the Department of Bioengineering at the U offers degree programs which are consistently ranked amongst the best in the US.

Chemical Engineering – Providing some of the most sought-after programs in chemical engineering, this department provides several scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Civil & Environmental Engineering – For those who have both vision and analytic skills, a career in civil and environmental engineering might be ideal. The U’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CvEEN) is one of the country’s most rapidly-growing departments. It is no wonder then that 80% of CvEEN students receive paid internship, scholarship and employment opportunities, helping them financially with living and tuition costs.

Computational Engineering & Science, Computer Science, Computing – The U’s SoC is recognised for its path-breaking research and innovative teaching techniques in the field of computer science and multi-disciplinary computing. The SoC also boasts of strong networks with industry and government bodies that its students take advantage of for potential internship and employment opportunities.

Electrical & Computer Engineering – This growing department at the U has one clear goal: to become one of the finest public electrical and computer engineering departments in the country. Relentless effort to materialize this goal is demonstrated by a climb of 20 positions in the US News & World Report in the past four years alone. The department offers a unique BS/MA program that allows current undergraduates from the department to undertake an accelerated MS degree at the Graduate School.

Materials Science & Engineering - This department prides itself on providing a stimulating environment for its students to hone their skills in technical and critical thinking, providing a well-thought out lifelong learning experience rather than concentration on textbooks only.

Mechanical Engineering - This popular department is recognised for its efforts towards cultivating an environment that fosters technical, critical thinking and communication skills, which would help students not just in their professional lives but could also be implemented towards their community-spirit. Students can apply for department, School or University scholarships on offer.

Nuclear Engineering - This department offers exciting programs in the field of nuclear engineering, and students who already possess BS degrees in engineering and science related fields can apply for Masters (ME and MS) and Doctoral (PhD) qualifications.

University of Utah Engineering Campus

University of Utah Engineering Campus. Pic: University of Utah.

Engineering students are not just encouraged to develop a global perspective through international exchange and study abroad programs at top universities throughout the world, they are also encouraged to participate in entrepreneurial activities across campus that includes competitions and challenges, business start-ups, and internships. While special exchange programs operate in collaboration with universities in Asia such as:  IIT Kharagpur in India, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Kyoto University, and National University of Singapore, the U holds the top spot in the US for creating start-up companies from university research, and its College of Engineering is responsible for 42 spin-off companies in the past four years alone.

Life at Utah
When not in the classroom or lab, students at this university enjoy convenient access to a wonderland of recreational outdoor activities that include seven ski resorts within a 40 minute drive. Whether it is exploring the world’s most scenic natural wonders in Zion’s National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, or concerts, museums, football games or any of the other myriad of exciting things to do every day in and around campus, the University of Utah offers something for every taste. Attractions include the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Kingsbury Hall, Pioneer Theatre, Red Butte Garden and the new Natural History Museum of Utah.

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