Mechanical engineering students in the thermo fluid lab.

Engineers are in high demand, and the top-ranked University of the District of Columbia School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (SEAS) is producing well-educated graduates to meet the needs of the technology marketplace in research, government and private industry. The Engineering Program dates back to the University’s creation in 1976 and has grown in departments, corporate partnerships, grants, internships and research opportunities for students.

The Program now offers degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. levels.

The U.S. faces a shortage of qualified engineering and computer science talent to adapt to the next generation of technical advances and compete in the global economy.

UDC prepares SEAS graduates for high-demand engineering and computer science careers through individualized learning with small class sizes, mentoring and close collaboration with faculty and other students.

Students are exposed to research, design and discovery projects that address challenging real-world problems. The learning experience is reinforced by identifying essential solutions for the government and partner industries. Students are sought after for internship opportunities in research and at corporations matched to their area of interest.

SEAS students have been asked to present their research findings and are mentored by industry professionals. Last year, a SEAS team won first place and a $10,800 prize in the Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) Design Challenge.

Through the support of grants, students are given opportunities to participate in paid internships, conduct research at UDC and partner locations, and attend engineering conferences.

Graduates in SEAS are recruited by companies nationwide, and the alumni can be found in management and research leadership at many engineering corporations. Recent graduates have gone to work at Lockheed Martin, Google, Apple, Raytheon, Microsoft, the Department of Energy and Environment and Deloitte, as well as in the DC government.

“UDC students are gaining a first-class education,” said SEAS Dean Devdas Shetty. “Our curriculum is structured, so students get the needed theory and practice. They are being recruited, and our alumni are promoted to leadership roles. Our students work on projects and have real-life experiences before they graduate. Companies value the preparation they receive at UDC.”

UDC is one of only four universities in the nation’s capital offering Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited undergraduate degrees in engineering and computer science, as well as graduate degrees in selected areas. ABET programs meet the quality standard for the profession. It is a nonprofit, non-governmental agency that accredits applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology programs.

UDC’s Bachelor of Science ABET-accredited programs includes Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. The Computer Science program consists of a B.S. degree in Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity.

The Bachelor of Science program in Biomedical Engineering is the first among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to receive accreditation from ABET.

Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles and design concepts to solve medical-related problems affecting the human quality of life.

In addition to earning an ABET-accredited degree, UDC’s biomedical engineering students benefit from a unique ecosystem, including access to several world-renowned biomedical institutes near the University as they pursue professional careers in the field.

Students can also earn a master’s degree in Computer Science, and UDC now offers Ph.Ds. in Engineering and Computer Science with selected areas of specialization. The first cohort will graduate this spring.

In addition to high-quality programs, the University of the District of Columbia is a cost-effective choice for many District residents and its growing international population. UDC ranked number #1 as the best affordable mechanical engineering degree program in a recent survey by affordableschools.net, which produces reports on the best, high-quality, affordable online and traditional colleges and degree programs.

From study in nanotechnology, renewable energy and biomedical engineering, SEAS students are exposed to state-of-the-art technology. They can join professional engineering organizations, engage in the SEAS Research Center, earn a Public Contracting Certificate, and participate in intern opportunities at locations, including the National Security Agency.

“Many things are going on here at UDC,” Shetty said. “If students capitalize

on what we give them, they will succeed.”