Top Engineering Schools in Delaware
1. University of Delaware – College of Engineering
Overview
The University of Delaware’s College of Engineering is one of the premier engineering schools in the region, known for its research excellence and strong industry connections. Founded in 1837, the college offers a wide array of programs in disciplines like chemical, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. With a heavy emphasis on innovation, the University of Delaware (UD) is home to leading research institutes like the Institute for Energy Conversion and the Center for Composite Materials. The university has strong connections to industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and energy, which provide students with ample internship opportunities. Faculty and students are actively involved in groundbreaking research in areas such as nanotechnology, clean energy, and biomechanics.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #47 in Best Engineering Schools (Graduate) by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 2,800 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 700 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Materials Science.
- Graduate: Master’s and PhD programs in a range of disciplines, including Chemical, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 30-40% (varies by program).
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 152
Famous Alumni
- Robert Gore – Inventor of Gore-Tex fabric, CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates.
- John M. Deutch – Former Director of the CIA, professor at MIT.
- Rick Silverman – Chemist and inventor of Lyrica, a drug used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
- Carl H. June – Immunologist and cancer researcher, pioneer of CAR-T therapy.
- Elizabeth Snyder – NASA engineer and researcher on human spaceflight systems.
2. Delaware State University – Department of Physics, Engineering, and Mathematics
Overview
Delaware State University (DSU), a historically Black college and university (HBCU), offers an engineering program through its Department of Physics, Engineering, and Mathematics. DSU focuses on providing students with hands-on experience, particularly in fields such as electrical and civil engineering. The program integrates theoretical learning with practical application, preparing students for careers in industries ranging from telecommunications to infrastructure development. Research at DSU includes work on renewable energy technologies, cybersecurity, and materials science. DSU’s engineering program is notable for its focus on diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, aiming to equip minority students with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive global economy.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: #24 in Regional Colleges South by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 300 students in engineering-related fields.
- Graduate Enrollment: Limited, with a small number of graduate students focused on research-based projects.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and related technical fields.
- Graduate: Master’s programs in Physics with engineering applications, with a growing focus on interdisciplinary research in areas like energy systems.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 45%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 148-153
- Verbal: 145-150
Famous Alumni
- Dr. Wilma Mishoe – Former President of Delaware State University, advocate for higher education.
- Wayne Gilchrest – Former U.S. Congressman, environmental advocate.
- Robert N. Clark – NASA scientist, known for his work in planetary science and space exploration.
- Cynthia Primo Martin – Founder of Trustees of Color, promoting diversity in board leadership.
- Norman Oliver – Former Delaware Secretary of Health and Social Services, healthcare advocate.
3. Wilmington University – College of Technology
Overview
Wilmington University, known for its flexible and career-focused education, offers an engineering-related program through its College of Technology. Although not a traditional engineering school, Wilmington University provides undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as software engineering, information technology, and systems engineering. The school’s programs are tailored to meet the needs of working professionals, with many courses offered online or in the evenings. Wilmington University’s focus on applied learning means students are often involved in real-world projects with local businesses and organizations. The College of Technology is also expanding its offerings to include interdisciplinary areas like cybersecurity and data science, which are in high demand.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Not ranked in engineering programs but ranked #293-381 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 1,500 students in technology-related programs.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 400 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Software Engineering, Information Systems, and related technical fields.
- Graduate: Master’s degrees in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Systems Engineering.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 60%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 145-150
- Verbal: 145-150
Famous Alumni
- John Carney – Current Governor of Delaware.
- Chris Coons – U.S. Senator for Delaware.
- Tariq Walker – Senior Engineer at JP Morgan Chase, specialized in cybersecurity.
- Stephanie Hansen – Delaware State Senator and environmental attorney.
- David Penrose – Founder of Penrose Environmental, a leading environmental consulting firm.
4. Goldey-Beacom College – Department of Information Technology and Business
Overview
Goldey-Beacom College, while traditionally known for its business programs, has begun to develop technology-focused degrees in response to growing demand for professionals with technical expertise. The Department of Information Technology offers programs in computer systems and network engineering. While not an engineering school in the traditional sense, Goldey-Beacom’s focus on IT infrastructure and systems management provides a strong foundation for students interested in the intersection of business and technology. The school’s small class sizes and career-focused curriculum ensure students are prepared for technical roles in sectors such as finance, cybersecurity, and telecommunications.
U.S. News Ranking
- Rank: Ranked #136-176 in Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Number of Students
- Undergraduate Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students.
- Graduate Enrollment: Around 200 students.
Degrees Offered
- Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Network Engineering.
- Graduate: Master’s in Information Technology and Business Analytics.
Acceptance Rate
- Undergraduate Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Graduate Acceptance Rate: 50%
Average GRE Score (Graduate)
- Quantitative: 145-150
- Verbal: 145-150
Famous Alumni
- Richard V. Pryor Jr. – President of Pryor Enterprises, IT consultancy.
- Stephanie Bolden – Delaware State Representative and advocate for educational reform.
- Franklin James – CTO of a major telecommunications company in the Northeast.
- Jill Singleton – Data scientist at a Fortune 500 company.
- Victor Galloway – Founder of Galloway Tech Solutions, specializing in network security.