University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering: Programs, Rankings, and Opportunities

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Engineering has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing students with a quality education and preparing them for successful careers in various engineering fields. Established in 1909, the college has evolved from offering its first engineering course in 1877 to becoming a comprehensive institution encompassing facilities at the University of Nebraska Omaha since 1970.

A Historical Overview

The University of Nebraska established the Industrial College in 1872, introducing its first engineering course five years later, although initially, only one student enrolled. Early engineering programs shared Nebraska Hall with agricultural programs. The completion of Mechanical Arts Hall was followed by the construction of a dedicated building for the mechanical engineering department. Opened in 1910, the Mechanical Engineering Laboratories building featured woodworking and machine shops, a foundry, and laboratories, enabling more practical and specialized engineering courses. This building was later renamed for head architect C. R. Richards. The college established a chemical engineering department in 1958. The same year, it purchased a warehouse from the Elgin National Watch Company and remodeled it as Nebraska Hall. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln absorbed the Municipal University of Omaha (now the University of Nebraska Omaha) in the 1950s to form the University of Nebraska system. In 2020, the College of Engineering began construction on the $115-million Kiewit Hall, located just east of Nebraska Hall and the Scott Engineering Center.

Rankings and Recognition

The College of Engineering has achieved significant milestones in student enrollment and national rankings. The college improved 11 spots to No. 71 nationally among programs where the highest degree offered is a doctorate, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Lance C. Pérez, Fred Hunzeker Dean of Engineering, attributed this progress to a collective effort, including the $115 million raised for Kiewit Hall, expanded scholarship opportunities such as the Peter Kiewit Foundation Engineering Academy and the Kiewit Scholars programs, 68 new faculty hires in the last six years, increased research funding, and the career achievements of engineering graduates.

Enrollment and Student Demographics

The annual UNL student census showed an 8.1% increase in the college’s total enrollment, reaching 4,353, with a record undergraduate enrollment of 3,722 (a 9.1% increase). These totals include students from across the United States and Nebraska counties, contributing to the university’s overall enrollment of 23,992.

In 2022, the gender distribution among engineering bachelor's degree recipients was 85% men and 15% women. The majority of students in this major are white.

Academics and Programs

The College of Engineering offers a range of programs, including:

Biological / Agricultural
Biomedical / Bioengineering
Electrical / Electronic / Communications
Engineering Science and Engineering Physics
Environmental / Environmental Health
Master's Degree
Doctoral Degree

The college has 174 full-time faculty members.

Online Graduate Engineering Program

The University of Nebraska--Lincoln offers online labs, and all of the online classes are recorded and archived so students can access lecture material at their convenience. One hundred percent of students are employed when they enroll for online graduate engineering programs at University of Nebraska--Lincoln, and the application deadline is rolling.

Master of Engineering Management (MEM)

UNL’s Master of Engineering Management (MEM) is a fusion of technical skills and business acumen. Working professionals combine classroom interactions with workplace challenges to co-create their educational experience to learn and advance in their careers. Certified by the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM), the non-thesis program requires 30 credit hours and is 100% asynchronous. The faculty has engineering industry experience, and the program combines Engineering Management and MBA courses. Rated among the Most Affordable MEMs in the USA, the 8-week classes allow for completion in approximately two years.

Read also: Colby's Unique Engineering Program

The MEM program, offered in eight-week sessions, collaborates with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln online Master of Business Administration program and offers diverse courses in engineering management leading to a professional practice-oriented degree that combines business acumen with technical operational knowledge and skills to effectively lead engineering and technical people, projects and teams.

The web-based, 30-credit-hour program is offered 100 percent asynchronously online and ideal for working professionals in engineering, technology, and science industries, Asgarpoor said. The MEM is one of only 14 programs internationally certified by the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) for exceeding their rigorous standards, and for its excellence in program instruction, delivery, and administration, and a curriculum that is aligned with the Engineering Management Body of Knowledge.

The MEM program typically has about 100 active students at a time.

Admissions Requirements

Application Deadline: Rolling
Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.4
GRE: Accepted, not required
Letters of Recommendation: 3, preferably from professional contacts
Engineering-related Work Experience: Yes, always
Engineering-related Undergraduate Degree: Yes, with exceptions
Engineering-related Undergraduate Course Work: Yes, always
TOEFL iBT: Required for international students (minimum score of 79)
IELTS: Required for international students (minimum score of 6.5)

Academic and Non-Academic Factors Considered

Academic: Undergraduate institution, GPA, field of study, recommendations, standardized test scores
Non-Academic: Application essay, work experience, character/personal qualities, first-generation college student status, alumni relations, geographical residence, applicant's interest level

Research and Facilities

The College of Engineering is home to several research facilities, including the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, which focuses on highway design and safety. This facility evaluates existing barriers and develops new design concepts and technologies for public roadways. Crash tests are conducted at the Lincoln Airport using a quarter-mile stretch of runway.

The Holland Computing Center (HCC) provides advanced computing resources for researchers. Swan is HCC's most powerful supercomputer and is used as the primary computational resource for researchers across the University of Nebraska system. HCC operates three other supercomputers: Anvil, Attic, and Red.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition (Doctorate, Full-time): \$9,108 per year (in-state); \$24,750 per year (out-of-state)
Tuition (Doctorate, Part-time): \$3,036 per year (in-state); \$8,250 per year (out-of-state)
Application Fee: \$45 for U.S. residents and \$50 for international students

Financial aid is available to engineering students, including scholarships and other forms of assistance.

Career Paths and Salary Expectations

Graduates with an Engineering degree in Lincoln, NE, can expect competitive salaries across various engineering disciplines. For instance, a Mechanical Engineer earns an average annual wage of $100,820, translating to about $48.47 per hour. Electrical Engineers fare even better, with a mean annual wage of $114,050, or approximately $54.83 per hour. Civil Engineers, who play a crucial role in infrastructure development, earn an average annual salary of $97,380, which breaks down to about $46.82 per hour. Industrial Engineers, focusing on optimizing complex processes, have a mean annual wage of $98,560, or $47.39 per hour.

Engineers can find opportunities in:

Civil Engineering: Working on local infrastructure projects, designing and managing roads and bridges.
Information Technology: Roles as IT consultants, helping businesses streamline operations through technology.
Quality Management: Ensuring products meet industry standards.
Technical Writing: Creating user manuals and documentation for various industries.
Engineering Management: Overseeing projects and teams, enhancing operational efficiency.

What Engineering Degree Graduates Have to Say

Eric: "Studying Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was a transformative experience for me. The hands-on learning opportunities, especially in the labs, allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The faculty were incredibly supportive, always encouraging us to push our boundaries. I remember working late nights with my peers on projects that felt impossible at first, but we always found a way to succeed together. The sense of community here is unmatched, and I graduated not just with a degree, but with lifelong friendships and a network that has already opened doors in my career."

Adam: "My time at Southeast Community College was nothing short of amazing. The Engineering program is designed to be practical and relevant, which made my learning experience incredibly engaging. I appreciated the small class sizes that allowed for personalized attention from instructors who genuinely cared about our success. One of my favorite memories was participating in a local engineering competition where we designed a sustainable energy solution. It was exhilarating to see our ideas come to life and to know that we were making a difference in our community. I left SCC not only with a solid foundation in engineering principles but also with the confidence to tackle any challenge that comes my way."

Susan: "Attending Doane University for my Engineering degree was one of the best decisions of my life. The interdisciplinary approach of the program encouraged me to explore various fields, which enriched my understanding of engineering as a whole. The faculty were not just professors; they were mentors who inspired me to think critically and creatively. I particularly loved the collaborative projects that allowed us to work with local businesses, giving us a taste of real-world engineering challenges. The supportive environment fostered my growth, and I graduated feeling prepared and excited to contribute to the engineering field. Lincoln truly feels like home, and I’m proud to be part of its vibrant academic community."

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