Johns Hopkins University – Whiting School of Engineering

Overview

Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering is world-renowned for its excellence in research and innovation, particularly in fields such as biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, and robotics. As one of the top private research institutions globally, Johns Hopkins provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research opportunities. The school has a strong interdisciplinary focus, encouraging collaboration between engineering, medical, and scientific fields, which leads to impactful breakthroughs in various domains, from healthcare to technology.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #14 for undergraduate engineering, #16 for graduate engineering programs.
• Number of Students: 2,150+ engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Computer Engineering, and more.
• Acceptance Rate: 8%
• Average SAT Score: 1500–1560
• Average GRE Score: 163 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• Michael Bloomberg – Former Mayor of New York City, founder of Bloomberg L.P.
• Woodrow Wilson – 28th President of the United States.
• Peter Agre – Nobel Laureate in Chemistry.
• Rachel Carson – Marine biologist, author of Silent Spring.
• John Mather – Nobel Laureate in Physics.

Johns Hopkins is known for its strong engineering research, particularly in biomedical fields, and its partnerships with the medical and health sciences sectors.

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University of Maryland – A. James Clark School of Engineering

Overview

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, is one of the top public engineering schools in the U.S. The school is highly regarded for its research in fields such as aerospace, fire protection, and electrical engineering. UMD’s strategic location near Washington D.C. allows students to access internship and career opportunities with government agencies, defense contractors, and tech companies. The school offers a comprehensive engineering curriculum, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world applications through internships, research, and capstone projects.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #21 overall, #12 among public engineering schools.
• Number of Students: Over 4,000+ engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Aerospace, Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Fire Protection, and Computer Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 44%
• Average SAT Score: 1370–1510
• Average GRE Score: 159 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• Sergey Brin – Co-founder of Google.
• Kevin Plank – Founder and CEO of Under Armour.
• Patricia C. Dunn – Former CEO of HP.
• Charles Bennett – NASA scientist, leader of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP).
• Jeanette Epps – NASA astronaut.

UMD’s engineering school is known for its strong research programs and connections to industries like aerospace, cybersecurity, and energy.

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University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) – College of Engineering and Information Technology

Overview

UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology is a rising star in the field of engineering, offering strong programs in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Known for its focus on research and innovation, UMBC offers students hands-on learning experiences and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. The university is especially renowned for its work in cybersecurity and information technology, making it a great choice for students interested in computer engineering and related fields.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #99 for graduate engineering programs.
• Number of Students: Approximately 1,500+ engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, and Chemical Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Average SAT Score: 1210–1390
• Average GRE Score: 157 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• Katherine Johnson – NASA mathematician (featured in Hidden Figures).
• Carlton R. Sickles – Former U.S. Congressman.
• Timothy J. Ley – Renowned cancer researcher and scientist.
• Ted Chiang – Award-winning science fiction author.
• Julie Bowen – Actress (Modern Family).

UMBC’s engineering programs are particularly strong in information technology and cybersecurity, leveraging its proximity to government and tech hubs.

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United States Naval Academy – Department of Engineering & Weapons

Overview

The United States Naval Academy (USNA), located in Annapolis, offers one of the top undergraduate engineering programs in the country, particularly for those interested in serving in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. The academy focuses on preparing students for military service while providing a strong engineering education. USNA offers majors in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and ocean engineering, along with opportunities to engage in research in naval architecture and systems engineering.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: #5 for undergraduate engineering programs where doctorates are not offered.
• Number of Students: Approximately 4,500 students (total enrollment).
• Degrees Offered: B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Ocean Engineering, and Naval Architecture.
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Average SAT Score: 1240–1440
• Average GRE Score: Not applicable (undergraduate focus).

Notable Alumni

• Jimmy Carter – 39th President of the United States.
• John McCain – U.S. Senator and presidential candidate.
• Alan Shepard – NASA astronaut, first American in space.
• David Robinson – NBA Hall of Famer, served in the Navy.
• Jim Webb – Former U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Navy.

USNA offers a unique blend of engineering and leadership training, producing graduates who excel in both military and civilian engineering careers.

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Morgan State University – School of Engineering

Overview

Morgan State University, a historically Black university (HBCU) in Baltimore, offers robust engineering programs in civil, electrical, industrial, and transportation systems engineering. Known for its commitment to diversity in STEM fields, Morgan State provides students with extensive research opportunities and partnerships with government agencies and private companies. The school is focused on training engineers who are ready to tackle urban infrastructure challenges and is a leader in transportation systems and environmental engineering.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: #154 for undergraduate engineering programs.
• Number of Students: Around 700 engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Civil, Electrical, Industrial, and Transportation Systems Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 68%
• Average SAT Score: 900–1130
• Average GRE Score: 152 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• Kweisi Mfume – U.S. Congressman and former NAACP President.
• Hiram Whittle – First African American male admitted to the University of Maryland.
• Tawiah Modibo Ocran – Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
• Calvin Ball – First African American County Executive of Howard County, Maryland.
• Marc Clarke – Radio and media personality.

Morgan State’s engineering programs play a vital role in developing a diverse STEM workforce, with a focus on urban development and transportation.