Dean's Message

Welcome to the University of Kansas School of Engineering

The University of Kansas is home to the oldest engineering program in Kansas, but if you think it's Old School, think again.

The outlook at KU is on the potential of the years to come. And with nationally recognized research centers, outstanding faculty and students and alumni who are among the world's top industry leaders, the KU School of Engineering will help clear the way.

The 10 accredited undergraduate degree programs, and 15 graduate degree disciplines the school offers let our students hone the technical and critical thinking skills they need to succeed. Our alumni prove that point time and again with the personal and professional successes they achieve. A quick look includes:

Sam Gilliland, electrical engineering '85, CEO and chairman of Sabre Holdings, a world leader in travel commerce and parent company of Travelocity.
Linda Zarda Cook, petroleum engineering '81, executive director of Shell Gas and Power and a member of the Shell Executive Committee. In 2005, the Wall Street Journal listed Cook among its "50 Women to Watch."
Alan Mulally, aerospace engineering '68 (B.S.) and '69 (M.S.), president and CEO of Ford Motor Co., who was named one of the top business leaders in 2005 by Business Week magazine.
Bob Kleist, electrical engineering '51, who started a business in his garage that grew to become Printronix, a $130 million a year firm that he still leads.
Maj. Gen. Joe Engle, aerospace engineering '55, Hall of Fame astronaut and NASA space shuttle commander. The 1981 two-person mission he piloted was the first time a manned space vehicle was re-flown into orbit.
Marge Franklin, aerospace engineering '56, co-owner of Franklin Associates and a leading authority on solid-waste processing.
Jim Adam, mechanical engineering '56, who served as chairman and CEO of the giant engineering design firm Black & Veatch.

And many, many more.

These talented men and women have had time to develop their dreams and test them on the world stage, but they all got their start right here, at the University of Kansas.

Studying at KU

The opportunity for student success is immense. KU's internationally known faculty conducts leading interdisciplinary research and helps KU students become the world's next generation of technical and industry leaders. KU is the only university in the state with faculty in the National Academy of Engineering. With two National Science Foundation research centers led by engineering faculty and based at KU, the school is a great place for students to develop their talents and excel. KU Engineering students continually make their presence known through national and international design competitions. The school's Engineering Career Center gives students from all academic levels and disciplines access to some of the nation's top employers and helps students prepare for success.

After Graduation

The curriculum in each of the engineering disciplines is demanding and prospective students should expect to study hard. Course work at KU is challenging and fellow students are among the best in the nation. But the payoff is great. Starting salaries for engineering graduates are the best in the nation and the career fields are rewarding.

While most KU Engineering students choose to enter the workforce upon graduating, some pursue a graduate degree in engineering and still others will seek a professional degree in medicine or law. KU's rigorous engineering programs prepare students to successfully compete for admission into the nation's top schools in their chosen field.

Your Turn

If you have questions about the engineering programs and opportunities at KU, or if you would like to schedule a personal visit, please call the Office of the Dean at (785) 864-3881, or send e-mail to kuengr@ku.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

-- Dean Stuart Bell