US News Best Engineering Schools - MIT rated Top

In the 2011 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s "America’s Best Graduate Schools," the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) solidified its position as the top engineering school in the United States, continuing its legacy of academic excellence. MIT’s graduate engineering program has long been synonymous with innovation, research, and intellectual rigor, and its consistent top ranking reflects its leadership in shaping the future of engineering. The institution is widely recognized for its cutting-edge research, exceptional faculty, and commitment to producing world-class engineers who go on to make significant contributions in both academia and industry.

MIT's dominance in the field of engineering education is not just a reflection of its historical reputation but also of its continued investment in new technologies, interdisciplinary collaborations, and groundbreaking research initiatives. As the nation's preeminent engineering school, MIT offers a comprehensive range of graduate programs across numerous engineering disciplines, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, and civil engineering. Students at MIT are exposed to the most advanced concepts in their respective fields, often working on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible in technology, innovation, and problem-solving. The university’s commitment to excellence in research and its global network of alumni have helped MIT maintain its top spot in graduate engineering rankings year after year.

Georgia Tech, formally known as the Georgia Institute of Technology, also ranks as one of the nation’s premier engineering schools, placing 4th in the U.S. for graduate engineering programs in 2011. This ranking marks the sixth consecutive year that Georgia Tech has held this prestigious position, underscoring its long-standing reputation for excellence in engineering education. The College of Engineering at Georgia Tech is particularly well-regarded for its diverse range of programs, many of which are ranked among the top 10 in the nation.

Georgia Tech excels in a variety of engineering disciplines, with nine of its 11 programs placing in the top 10 for 2011. The industrial engineering program continues to be the crown jewel of Georgia Tech’s engineering offerings, maintaining its top ranking as the best industrial engineering program in the United States. Similarly, the biomedical engineering program ranks 2nd nationally, demonstrating Georgia Tech’s strength in integrating engineering with life sciences and healthcare applications. Other highly ranked programs include civil engineering (3rd), aerospace engineering (4th), environmental engineering (5th), electrical engineering (6th), mechanical engineering (6th), nuclear engineering (8th), and materials science (8th). This broad array of top-tier programs speaks to Georgia Tech’s comprehensive approach to engineering education and its commitment to producing graduates who are equipped to tackle a diverse set of challenges in industries ranging from healthcare and aerospace to energy and the environment.

Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, while not ranking quite as high as MIT or Georgia Tech, remains among the nation’s top engineering schools, placing 25th for graduate studies in 2011. This ranking is tied with other prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Ohio State University, highlighting Virginia Tech's strong academic reputation within the engineering field. As the highest-ranked engineering school in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Virginia Tech offers a wide range of graduate programs in fields such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering. The university's strong ties with industry, particularly in defense and technology sectors, provide students with ample opportunities for internships, cooperative education, and research projects that are directly applicable to real-world engineering challenges.

Virginia Tech’s success in graduate education is closely tied to its emphasis on research, collaboration, and practical application. The university’s faculty members are recognized experts in their respective fields, and their work often leads to significant contributions to both industry and academia. In addition to its strong academic programs, Virginia Tech is known for its state-of-the-art research facilities, including those dedicated to advanced manufacturing, robotics, and sustainability. The College of Engineering’s strong performance in the 2011 rankings reflects its commitment to providing a high-quality education while also fostering an environment of discovery and innovation.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, also has a prominent engineering school that continues to perform well in national rankings. In 2011, the College of Engineering at UT Knoxville was ranked 43rd among public universities and 73rd overall for its graduate programs. This ranking reflects the university’s continued growth and the increasing national and international recognition of its engineering programs. UT Knoxville has made substantial investments in its faculty, research infrastructure, and academic programs to enhance its standing among the nation’s top engineering schools.

A standout feature of the University of Tennessee’s engineering school is its nuclear engineering program, which was ranked 9th in the nation in 2011. This strong performance highlights UT Knoxville’s role as a leader in the field of nuclear energy and its commitment to advancing knowledge and technology in one of the most vital areas of modern engineering. As concerns about energy security and sustainability continue to rise globally, the university’s research in nuclear engineering, combined with its partnerships with industry and government agencies, positions it as a key player in shaping the future of energy production.

Texas Tech University, while not traditionally viewed as one of the top-tier engineering schools in the United States, has made significant strides in improving its graduate engineering programs. In 2011, the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering at Texas Tech University moved up to 99th place among 198 graduate engineering programs nationwide. Although Texas Tech is not yet ranked among the top 50 engineering schools, the university’s upward trajectory in the rankings reflects its ongoing commitment to improving its programs and increasing its research output.

Notably, Texas Tech’s Department of Industrial Engineering was ranked 29th in the Industrial/Manufacturing category, a strong performance that showcases the university’s expertise in this growing area of engineering. Additionally, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas Tech was ranked 66th in the Electrical/Electronic/Communications category, reflecting the university’s progress in expanding its research and academic offerings in these vital fields. The continued improvement of Texas Tech’s engineering programs speaks to the university’s broader commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering research excellence in the fields of engineering, technology, and applied sciences.

In conclusion, the 2011 rankings from U.S. News & World Report highlight the diversity and strength of the engineering schools in the United States, with Massachusetts Institute of Technology leading the charge as the top graduate engineering program in the nation. Institutions like Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, the University of Tennessee, and Texas Tech demonstrate the range of programs and specialties that make American engineering education so influential and highly regarded globally. These schools, with their diverse research initiatives, distinguished faculty, and strong industry connections, continue to shape the future of engineering and provide graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the complex challenges of tomorrow.

Best Engineering Schools 2011 - Graduate (Top 20 list):
1 MIT
2 Stanford University
3 University of California, Berkeley
4 Georgia Institute of Technology
5 University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
6 Carnegie Mellon University
7 California Institute of Technology
8 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
9 University of Texas-Austin
10 Cornell University
10 University of Southern California
12 Texas A&M University--College Station (Look)
13 Purdue University--West Lafayette
13 University of California--San Diego (Jacobs)
15 University of California--Los Angeles (Samueli)
15 University of Wisconsin--Madison
17 Princeton University
18 Columbia University (Fu Foundation)
19 Harvard University
19 University of California--Santa Barbara

Source: US News & World Report