Skip to main content

Who we are

Visitors pose for pictures with an inflatable replica of the Statue of Liberty on frozen and snow-covered Lake Mendota near the shoreline of the Memorial Union Terrace

What sets us apart

We are a thriving, top-ranked college in Madison, Wisconsin—one of the best cities in the country. We think boldly and act confidently, not only as engineers, but as engaged citizens.

As an engineering community, we value unique perspectives, foster respect and inclusivity, and work together to bring new ideas to life. Building on a heritage of impact, we develop the leaders, knowledge and technologies that improve lives now and create a better future. Underlying all of our efforts is the strength of one of the top research universities in the world.

student doing hands-on work

Our approach to research, education and service to society reflects not only our history, but also a tremendous opportunity.

Where others see obstacles, we see the potential for innovation and an ability to make a difference with solutions that matter.

Our faculty have strong support structures for collaborating across disciplinary boundaries—and as a result, they accomplish great things. Our college plays a major role in UW-Madison’s consistently high national ranking for research expenditures, as well as the number of patents filed through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), one of the oldest university technology-transfer offices in the nation.

We are key drivers of economic and social progress. Through WARF, and other endeavors like spin-off companies and industry partnerships, the fruits of our research extend into businesses and industries worldwide.

Learn more about the College of Engineering dean, associate deans and assistant deans and their roles within the college.
students working in the makerspace

We admit top students—and their experiences empower and enable them to grow as thinkers, doers, professionals and leaders.

100% of students learn engineering by actually doing it—whether in state-of-the art classrooms or laboratories, through internships and co-operative work experiences, study abroad, student organizations, volunteer work, creative projects they realize in their free time in facilities such as our TEAM Lab or makerspace, or in other ways beyond the classroom.

They also learn from top researchers who enjoy teaching and strive to be the best they can be. These faculty and staff weave their research into their teaching, creating a learning environment rich with context, discourse and new ideas that benefit and inspire everyone. Businesses and organizations value our well-rounded graduates, and annually, more than 3,700 employers recruit our students.

graduating student at commencement

Our alumni base is more than 50,000 strong.

Among our alumni are leaders whose job titles not only include the word “engineer,” but also range from astronaut to CEO to entrepreneur and many, many, many more. They are deeply proud of their engineering education and the opportunities it has presented them.

College of Engineering alumni are part of the past, present and future of making a difference beyond our campus, and through them, our college has influenced some of the greatest achievements in the world—including advances in health, energy, smart technologies, computing power and more.