Best Graduate Engineering Schools in USA

The 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best engineering programs in the United States highlighted the nation’s leading institutions in the field of engineering, showcasing universities that excel in both academic rigor and cutting-edge research. These rankings reflect the high standards and global recognition that these universities have achieved in advancing engineering disciplines. Below is an overview of the top engineering schools according to the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Cambridge, MA:

As the undisputed leader in engineering education, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) consistently ranks at the top across nearly every engineering discipline. MIT’s School of Engineering is renowned for its cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art laboratories, and the caliber of its faculty and students. With its commitment to solving global challenges, MIT has produced numerous innovations in fields like robotics, nanotechnology, aerospace engineering, and sustainable energy. The institute’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit makes it a leader in engineering education worldwide.

Stanford University - Stanford, CA:

Stanford University’s engineering programs have earned a reputation for their innovation and academic excellence. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford benefits from its proximity to the world’s largest technology companies, making it a hub for students aspiring to enter the tech industry. Stanford’s School of Engineering covers a broad spectrum of disciplines, including computer science, electrical engineering, bioengineering, and mechanical engineering, with strong ties to industries such as software development, biotechnology, and materials science. The university’s commitment to fostering creativity and entrepreneurship has resulted in groundbreaking advancements across multiple engineering fields.

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) - Berkeley, CA:

UC Berkeley is another institution consistently recognized for its engineering prowess. The College of Engineering at Berkeley is known for its world-class research facilities, distinguished faculty, and a strong focus on solving societal challenges. Berkeley’s engineering programs rank highly in several specialized areas, including civil engineering, electrical engineering, and environmental engineering. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration encourages students to explore solutions that bridge the gap between engineering and other fields, such as business, economics, and the sciences. UC Berkeley also has a strong track record of innovation and entrepreneurship, with many successful startups emerging from the campus.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) - Atlanta, GA:

The Georgia Institute of Technology, commonly known as Georgia Tech, ranks fourth in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report for engineering. Georgia Tech is known for its rigorous and highly ranked programs in various engineering fields, including aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The university emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and offers students a wide range of opportunities for internships and co-op experiences, thanks to its strong industry partnerships. Georgia Tech’s reputation for excellence in research and its significant contributions to advancing technology make it one of the top engineering schools in the United States.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) - Urbana-Champaign, IL:

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign consistently ranks among the top engineering schools in the U.S., known for its world-leading research and highly regarded faculty. The university’s College of Engineering has made significant contributions in areas such as electrical and computer engineering, materials science, and bioengineering. UIUC’s engineering programs are characterized by their depth of research, high academic standards, and strong ties to the tech industry. The university’s innovation and commitment to solving complex engineering challenges have made it a leader in many technical fields.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Pasadena, CA:

The California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, has long been recognized for its outstanding engineering programs, particularly in fields like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering. With a strong focus on research and development, Caltech provides students with access to cutting-edge technology and world-class laboratories. Its small student body allows for a highly personalized education, and its emphasis on innovation and problem-solving has led to significant advancements in fields such as space exploration, robotics, and materials science.

Carnegie Mellon University - Pittsburgh, PA:

Carnegie Mellon University is a powerhouse in the engineering world, known for its interdisciplinary approach to education and research. The College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon is highly regarded for its research initiatives in areas like robotics, cybersecurity, biomedical engineering, and electrical and computer engineering. The university’s focus on collaboration with industry and government agencies provides students with opportunities to work on real-world projects, making Carnegie Mellon a top choice for aspiring engineers who want to make an immediate impact in their field.

University of Southern California (USC) - Viterbi School of Engineering - Los Angeles, CA:

The University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering is consistently ranked among the best engineering schools in the U.S. USC’s engineering programs cover a broad range of disciplines, including aerospace engineering, computer science, civil engineering, and biomedical engineering. The Viterbi School is known for its strong focus on research, collaboration with the tech industry, and entrepreneurial spirit. USC’s location in Los Angeles, a global hub for technology and innovation, provides students with unparalleled opportunities for internships, networking, and professional growth.

Cornell University - Ithaca, NY:

Cornell University’s College of Engineering is renowned for its excellent programs in a wide array of engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and chemical engineering. Cornell’s engineering programs emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application, giving students the skills they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving engineering landscape. The university’s strong research output and commitment to fostering innovation in areas such as sustainability and energy have earned it a spot among the top engineering schools in the nation.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Ann Arbor, MI:

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is consistently ranked as one of the top engineering schools in the U.S. Known for its diverse and comprehensive engineering programs, the university’s College of Engineering offers a broad range of disciplines, including aerospace engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The University of Michigan places a strong emphasis on research, particularly in the fields of energy, robotics, and transportation. Its extensive resources and collaborations with industries make it a top choice for students seeking to make an impact in the field of engineering.

These institutions are known not only for their academic excellence but also for their contributions to advancing engineering research, solving global challenges, and preparing the next generation of engineers to lead in various industries. The 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings reflect the exceptional quality and rigor of these programs, which continue to shape the future of engineering education. With their highly regarded faculty, cutting-edge research, and robust industry connections, these universities provide a strong foundation for students pursuing careers in engineering and related fields.

2009 Top 60 Engineering programs in the USA:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA
2. Stanford University, CA
3. University of California-Berkeley, CA
4. Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA
5. University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, IL
6. California Institute of Technology Pasadena, CA
7. Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA
8. University of Southern California (Viterbi) Los Angeles, CA
9. Cornell University Ithaca, NY
9. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor MI
11. U of California-San Diego (Jacobs) La Jolla, CA
11. U of Texas-Austin (Cockrell), TX
13. Texas A&M Univ-College Station (Look), TX
13. U of California-Los Angeles (Samueli), CA
15. Purdue U-West Lafayette, IN
15. U of Wisconsin-Madison WI
17. U of Maryland-College Park (Clark), MD
18. Princeton Univ, NJ
19. U of California-Santa Barbara, CA
20. Northwestern Univ (Mcormick) Evanston, IL
21. Columbia Univ(Fu Foundation), NY
22. Harvard Uni Cambridge, MA
23. Pennsylvania State U (PA)
24. U of Florida Gainesville, FL
24. U of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
24. U of Washington Seattle, WA
27. Johns Hopkins Uni Baltimore, MD
28. Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA
29. Ohio State Uni Columbus, OH
30. North Carolina State Uni Raleigh, NC
30. U of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
32. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY
32. Uni of California-Davis (CA)
32. Uni of Rochester (NY)
35. Duke Uni Durham, NC
35. Rice Uni Houston, TX
37. U of California-Irvine (Samueli), CA
38. U of Virginia Charlottesville, VA
39. U of Colorado-Boulder, CO
39. Yale Uni New Haven, CT
41. Iowa State Univ Ames, IA
42. Lehigh Univ Bethlehem, PA
42. Vanderbilt Univ Nashville, TN
44. Boston Univ, MA
45. Arizona State Uni(Fulton) Tempe, AZ
46. U of Delaware Newark, DE
46. Washington Uni in St. Louis (server), MO
48. U of Pittsburgh, PA
49. Case Western Reserve Univ Cleveland, OH
49. U of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA
49. U of Notre Dame, IN
52. Brown Uni, RI
52. Drexel Uni, PA
52. Rutgers, the State Univ of New Jersey, NJ
52. U at Buffalo, NY
52. U of Arizona , AZ
57. Dartmouth College (Thayer) , NH
57. SUNY-Stony Brook , NY
57. Dartmouth College (Thayer) , NH
59. Michigan State U, MI
59. U of Utah, UT

Source: US News and World Report