About the College
Anthony Atchley, Acting Dean of Engineering
The Penn State College of Engineering has grown over its 125-plus-year history into the largest college at the University and one of the largest engineering colleges in the nation, ranked among the best for education and research and united in the common purpose of inspiring change and impacting tomorrow.
The college is strategically focused on growing a pervasive, welcoming, and inclusive culture and climate. Engineering graduate students are part of a community that is created and sustained by individuals from all backgrounds around the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives, experiences, and passions.
Committed to helping students engineer what’s next, the college delivers more than 40 programs that span 20-plus engineering disciplines, with multiple program types and delivery formats.
Master of science and doctoral offerings prepare students for research-focused roles in academia, industry, government, and other sectors. Graduate students in these programs are integral to an engineering research enterprise with more than $180 million in annual expenditures. Residential and online master and doctor of engineering programs – along with graduate certificate offerings – help graduate students gain technical and professional skills to enhance marketability to employers and accelerate career growth as part of a global engineering alumni network.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Accreditation
All College of Engineering baccalaureate majors at University Park, with the exception of Computer Science, are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc.
Departments and Schools
Department of Acoustics
The Graduate Program in Acoustics is an interdisciplinary program that applies broad academic offerings to a variety of scientific and technological fields. Personalize your education by selecting from an array of courses such as physical acoustics, underwater acoustics, signal processing, medical, aeroacoustics, vibrations, wave propagation, physiological acoustics, and more.
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment. The field has traditionally focused on problems related to atmospheric and space flight, with two major and overlapping branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering.
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Biological and agricultural engineering is the integration of engineering fundamentals with biological, agricultural, and environmental sciences. A holistic approach is taken in studying agricultural production, processing of food and other bio-based materials, and natural resource protection, then applied to grand engineering challenges such as providing safe food and clean water.
Department of Architectural Engineering
Architectural Engineering focuses on the scientific and engineering aspects of planning, designing, constructing, and analyzing buildings. Architectural engineers focus on building structure, stability, and systems, including: Planning, designing, and analyzing acoustics; building sustainability and safety aspects; construction management; heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems; and lighting and electrical systems.
Department of Biomedical Engineering
The Department of Biomedical Engineering is built upon the apex of engineering, medicine, healthcare policy and biological discovery. Biomedical engineering prepares students to become future leaders in the areas of medical device design, instrumentation, medical imaging, healthcare management, biomedical research and academia.
Department of Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering combines the principles of chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics to solve some of today's most pressing societal issues in human health, environmental sustainability, and energy.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil engineering educates future engineers through solid science and engineering principles by identifying engineering challenges, creating pioneering solutions, and leading the industry with research discoveries and design innovations. We tackle some of the major problems facing society today in order to advance the fields of civil and environmental engineering.
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) was created in 2015 to allow greater access to courses offered by both departments in exciting collaborative research in fields. EECS focuses on the convergence of technologies and disciplines to meet today's industrial demands.
Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics
The Penn State Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) is an internationally distinguished department that is recognized for its globally competitive excellence in engineering and scientific accomplishments, research, and educational leadership.
Our engineering science program is the official undergraduate honors program of the College of Engineering, attracting the University’s brightest engineering students. We also offer graduate degrees in ESM, engineering mechanics, engineering at the nano-scale, and an integrated undergraduate/graduate program.
Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Industrial engineers (IEs) design systems and processes to eliminate wastefulness and improve efficiencies. IEs are trained to be problem solvers that have an eye toward innovation and sustainability. They work in a variety of fields to develop solutions for challenges in management, manufacturing, logistics, health systems, retail, service, and ergonomics.
Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Mechanical engineering provides the foundation for almost all other engineering majors, designing everything from athletic equipment, medical devices, theme park rides, and personal computers to engines and powerplants. Nuclear engineers may apply skills to treat diseases, operate nuclear energy systems, develop regulations to ensure safety, or facilitate space exploration.
School of Engineering Design and Innovation
The School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI) delivers effective engineering education through active, collaborative, project-based, and professionally oriented classroom experiences. SEDI offers a variety of programs that partner faculty, students, and industry in the study of real-life engineering problems and solve them with innovative, humanitarian solutions.
Resources
Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion
The Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusion assists women and multicultural students in the pursuit of their degrees, through support and student programs, scholarships, professional development, and academic assistance.
Career Resources & Employer Relations
The Career Resources & Employer Relations provides career advising for all students within the College of Engineering. We also help connect students and employers at a wide variety of career events each academic year, including Career Fairs, information sessions, student envoys, eCareer, and more.
Global Engineering Engagement
Engineering students at Penn State have so many options available to them - from semester-long programs to global experiences embedded in classes. Student Study Abroad representatives offer students peer-to-peer information, advice, and insight on the study abroad experience.
Contact
Peter Butler
Associate Dean for Education and Graduate Professional Programs
102A Hammond Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3750
pjb28@psu.edu
George Lesieutre
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Research Programs
102B Hammond Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-0103
gal4@psu.edu
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
208 Hammond Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-1033
adviser@engr.psu.edu