Top Engineering Schools in Wisconsin

Top Engineering Schools in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison – College of Engineering

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering is one of the top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S., known for its research output, strong academic programs, and industry connections. Located in the state capital, the college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as mechanical, civil, chemical, biomedical, and computer engineering. UW-Madison’s engineering school has a strong reputation for its research in energy, materials science, and biomedical engineering, and it maintains close ties with Wisconsin’s robust manufacturing and healthcare industries. The college is also home to numerous research centers, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaboration with industry partners.

Key Information

  • U.S. News Ranking (2024): #14 for undergraduate engineering programs.
  • Number of Students: Approximately 4,500 engineering students.
  • Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Biomedical, Civil, and Environmental Engineering.
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Average SAT Score: 1310–1490
  • Average GRE Score: 162 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

  • John Bardeen – Nobel laureate and co-inventor of the transistor.
  • Joyce Meyer – Author and motivational speaker.
  • Tom Loftus – Former U.S. Ambassador to Norway.
  • Herb Kohler Jr. – CEO of Kohler Co., known for its innovative products.
  • Roy Plunkett – Chemist and inventor of Teflon.

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)

Overview

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a private institution focused exclusively on engineering, business, and nursing programs. MSOE is known for its hands-on, practical approach to engineering education, with small class sizes and a high faculty-to-student ratio. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including biomedical, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. MSOE maintains close ties with local industries, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare, which provide students with extensive internship and co-op opportunities. MSOE’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the workforce immediately upon graduation, making it a top choice for students looking for practical experience.

Key Information

  • U.S. News Ranking (2024): #10 for undergraduate engineering programs (non-doctorate).
  • Number of Students: Approximately 2,800 students.
  • Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S. in Biomedical, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Computer Engineering.
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Average SAT Score: 1260–1420
  • Average GRE Score: 158 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

  • Dean Amhaus – CEO of The Water Council, a nonprofit focused on freshwater technologies.
  • Jim Weber – CEO of Brooks Running.
  • James R. Ziegler – Former President of Johnson Controls.
  • John F. Schaefer – Founder of Rockwell Automation.
  • Mary J. Dowell – Former Vice President of Johnson Controls.

Marquette University – Opus College of Engineering

Overview

Marquette University’s Opus College of Engineering, located in Milwaukee, is a well-regarded engineering school offering a blend of technical training and a Jesuit liberal arts education. The Opus College focuses on developing ethical leaders in engineering who are capable of tackling global challenges. Marquette offers undergraduate and graduate programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, and biomedical engineering, with an emphasis on sustainability, urban infrastructure, and healthcare. The school encourages hands-on learning through internships and service-learning projects, allowing students to engage with local communities and industries.

Key Information

  • U.S. News Ranking (2024): #132 for undergraduate engineering programs.
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,500 engineering students.
  • Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Biomedical Engineering.
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Average SAT Score: 1180–1350
  • Average GRE Score: 155 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

  • David A. Straz Jr. – Philanthropist and banker.
  • Dan Walker – Former Governor of Illinois.
  • Joseph McCarthy – Former U.S. Senator (infamous for McCarthyism).
  • Gale Klappa – CEO of WEC Energy Group.
  • James P. Ryan – Former CEO of Grainger, Inc.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – College of Engineering and Applied Science

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s College of Engineering and Applied Science offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on innovation and research. The college emphasizes collaboration with industry, particularly in areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and environmental engineering. UW-Milwaukee is recognized for its strong research programs and partnerships with Milwaukee’s industrial and technology sectors, giving students numerous opportunities for internships and real-world projects.

Key Information

  • U.S. News Ranking (2024): #145 for undergraduate engineering programs.
  • Number of Students: Approximately 2,000 engineering students.
  • Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, and Environmental Engineering.
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Average SAT Score: 1050–1240
  • Average GRE Score: 153 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

  • Satya Nadella – CEO of Microsoft.
  • Donald Goerke – Inventor of Campbell’s SpaghettiOs.
  • James L. Ziemer – Former CEO of Harley-Davidson.
  • Wilbur Kohl – Founder of Kohl’s Corporation.
  • Daniel Burrus – Futurist and author on technology trends.

Lawrence University – Engineering Physics Program

Overview

Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a liberal arts college that offers an interdisciplinary engineering physics program. While not a traditional engineering school, Lawrence provides students with a strong foundation in physics and applied sciences, preparing them for careers in engineering, research, and technology. The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation, allowing students to pursue careers in engineering fields or continue their education in specialized engineering programs at other institutions.

Key Information

  • U.S. News Ranking (2024): #58 for National Liberal Arts Colleges.
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,500 students.
  • Degrees Offered: B.S. in Engineering Physics.
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Average SAT Score: 1250–1420
  • Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.

Notable Alumni

  • Terry Moran – Chief Foreign Correspondent for ABC News.
  • Thomas Steitz – Nobel Prize-winning chemist.
  • John B. Duff – Former President of Columbia College.
  • David Mulford – Former U.S. Ambassador to India.
  • Frances Ferguson – Literary critic and theorist.
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