The 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings for graduate engineering programs have been released, and UConn’s College of Engineering (CoE) has seen significant rating increases in some areas, including civil engineering, environmental health, materials, and mechanical engineering. Overall, the program remained steady, ranked 63rd nationally.
Rankings are based on peer and recruiter assessments, faculty resources and credentials, articles published in industry journals, research activity, and research expenditures. Overall, the college was tied in the rankings with Brown, RIT, Stony Brook, and University of Arizona.
George Bollas is director of the Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering, the P&W Endowed Chair Professor in Advanced Systems Engineering with the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and was recently appointed associate dean of research with the College of Engineering at UConn. This acknowledgment, he says, is a testament to the significant strides UConn has made in both research and education.
“In the highly competitive field of engineering, rankings like these are not just numbers. They are a reflection of our commitment to excellence and innovation, as well as a result of our strong ties and partnership with world-leading industry partners,” Bollas says. “Our ascent in these rankings highlights the dedication of our faculty, the hard work of our students, and the ongoing support from our alumni and industry partners. We have invested heavily in cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art facilities, and fostering an environment that encourages groundbreaking discoveries. These efforts are designed to ensure that our graduates are not only well-prepared to meet the challenges of today’s engineering landscape but also are poised to be leaders in shaping the future.”
Among improved ratings, CoE’s civil engineering program metrics increased dramatically over the previous year’s standings. Marisa Chrysochoou, department head for civil and environmental engineering, adds that the improvement is a direct result of the College’s strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening its program.
“From enhancing our curriculum to investing in state-of-the-art facilities and fostering industry partnerships, every effort has been focused on elevating the quality and impact of our engineering education,” says Chrysochoou. “This achievement motivates us to continue striving for excellence and to push the boundaries of innovation and knowledge.”
Rankings continue to be an important measurement of a program’s success and competitiveness, stresses Aida Ghiaei, Graduate Outreach & Diversity director, and an important asset in attracting top faculty and new students.
“By achieving this ranking, we demonstrate that our efforts are yielding tangible results, positioning us as a competitive and respected institution in the engineering field,” Ghiaei says. “Being ranked alongside prestigious schools like Brown and the University of Arizona highlights our competitive edge and validates our strategic efforts to improve our program. This achievement not only boosts morale within our community but also ensures continued investment and growth, solidifying our position as a leader in engineering education and research.”
More information about the college’s graduate programs can be found online.
