About the College of Science and Engineering

A tradition of excellence

Created in 1935, the College of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the Institute of Technology) brought together the University's programs in engineering, mining, architecture, and chemistry. Today, the college is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The college includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels.

Cutting-edge research

Researchers within the College of Science and Engineering are on the leading edge of finding ways to solve some of the world's greatest problems by developing new forms of environment-friendly energy, designing new medical devices, improving digital and electronic technologies, and developing a strong national infrastructure. The college has collaborations with the University of Minnesota’s world-renowned medical school, locally-based companies such as 3M and Medtronic, as well as universities around the globe.

The College of Science and Engineering oversees or is part of dozens of interdisciplinary research centers, including the Institute for Engineering in Medicine and the Minnesota Nano Center. From the retractable seat belt and the black box flight recorder to the supercomputer and the first heart pacemaker, science and engineering faculty and alumni have generated a legacy of breakthroughs that have changed the fabric of our lives.

World-class academic programs

The College of Science and Engineering offers students a rigorous, world-class education tailored to their interests and goals. Undergraduates can choose from among 20 undergraduate degrees. The college also offers a wide range of graduate programs, opportunities for postdoctoral study, online education programs, and continuing education for working professionals. Students at all levels enjoy the academic, cultural, and social opportunities of a major urban university located in one of the country's most vibrant metropolitan areas.

Business and industry connections

Partnerships with the private sector nurture the work of College of Science and Engineering faculty and students. Input from leading companies also helps shape the college's curriculum, ensuring that students' skills match industry needs. In return, the College of Science and Engineering offers a wealth of resources to help businesses succeed: faculty expertise, cutting-edge research, technology transfer, institutional collaborations, workforce education, and the most direct route to finding highly skilled prospective employees. In addition, companies founded by College of Science and Engineering alumni contribute more than $90 billion annually to our world economy.