About the College 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—ranking among the best for undergraduate and graduate education and research impact. With a focus on strengthening the capacity to serve Pennsylvania and the world, the college prioritizes recruiting world-class faculty, expanding access for talented students regardless of financial means, and accelerating breakthrough research from laboratory to marketplace.
Led by Tonya L. Peeples, Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Engineering, the college network comprises more than 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students, more than 800 faculty and staff, and a global network of more than 106,000 alumni.
As the Penn State college with the most research expenditures ($238M in 2034-24), engineering is a pivotal contributor in powering the University priority of growing interdisciplinary research excellence. Over the past five years, externally funded research expenditures in the college have increased by more than 25 percent, with substantial growth from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy. Engineering faculty secure grants and pursue research across a vast spectrum of topics, including artificial intelligence, power generation and storage, smart building systems, robotics, sensors, biodevices, network and systems design, new materials, and countless other areas.
Undergraduates at Penn State University Park choose from more than a dozen engineering majors, along with additional options at Penn State Commonwealth campuses. Students leverage opportunities to participate in experiential learning, engineering research, and study abroad; work in career-building engineering internships and co-ops; network and gain leadership experiences via dozens of engineering-related student organizations; and explore rich educational possibilities that lay the groundwork for a lifetime of career success.
Graduate students choose from more than 40 programs that span 20-plus engineering disciplines, with multiple program types and delivery formats. Our master of science and doctoral offerings prepare students for research-focused roles in academia, industry, government, and other sectors. Residential master of engineering (M.Eng) and online M.Eng. and doctor of engineering programs—along with graduate minor and certificate offerings—help students gain technical and professional skills to enhance marketability to employers and accelerate career growth.
The Penn State College of Engineering combines the scale and resources of a world-class research institution with the accessibility and impact focus of the land-grant mission. Through translational research, the college enables tangible benefits for Pennsylvania and beyond through strategic industry partnerships, technology commercialization, and workforce development. With the combined support of a worldwide alumni network and dedicated industry partners and friends, the college is uniquely positioned to drive cutting-edge innovation and practical economic development, as well as developing versatile leaders who can navigate complexity, drive innovation across industries, and create solutions that matter.
