Programs Cited as Among Nation’s Best

Two University of Kansas School of Engineering graduate programs were identified as being among the top programs in the United States.

KU’s petroleum engineering and the aerospace engineering graduate degree programs both were singled out for recognition by U.S. News and World Report in its annual “America’s Best Graduate Schools” rankings.

“It’s wonderful to see the caliber of our programs acknowledged in this fashion,” said Stuart R. Bell, dean of engineering. “The faculty, students and staff are dedicated to their efforts, and they produce such important and creative results. I’m proud that others perceive the excellence found here.”

The petroleum engineering program, housed within the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, is seventh among public institutions. The petroleum engineering program at KU consistently has been ranked high by U.S. News and is the only program of its kind in Kansas.

Aerospace engineering was identified as the 28th best program among public institutions nationwide. The accolade adds to the Aerospace Engineering Department’s string of accomplishments. In January, two students — including a current graduate student — and a faculty member received top honors from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

“This has been an eventful academic year, not only for these programs, but for all School of Engineering programs,” Bell said. “We have new degree programs and faculty expertise that address growing demand from students and employers. Students at all levels are engaged with the faculty. Our enrollment and research figures are growing. At a time when this nation needs more engineers and computer scientists, this is truly good news.”