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Strength In Numbers

Concern over US global competitiveness has become a national priority, and with it, efforts to increase the number of US students seeking degrees in engineering and computer science. So important is the need that in August 2007, Congress passed the America COMPETES Act, authorizing $43.3 billion in federal spending in science, engineering, mathematics and technology research and education programs. Dubbed the Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science (or the America COMPETES Act), the bipartisan bill passed unanimously in the Senate, and by an overwhelming 367-57 margin in the House. President Bush signed in the bill into law on 9 August.

At the University of Utah, we have been focused on this issue for nearly a decade, leading a statewide effort to increase engineering and computer science degrees to support growth in the state, regional and national economies. Our efforts are paying off. In May 2007, the College awarded 607 degrees, the largest graduating class in college history. From 1999 to 2007, the total number of engineering and computer science degrees at the University of Utah increased by 65 percent, almost triple the national average.

College Rankings

The latest report by the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) ranks the University of Utah's College of Engineering 53 out of 331 schools for undergraduate enrollment. ASEE also ranks the Utah Engineering:

  • Among the top 50 schools for the number of PhDs
  • Among the top 50 schools for BS degrees in computer science, civil engineering, chemical engineering and electrical engineering
  • 44th out of 200 schools in research expenditures
  • 44th out of 323 schools for the number of teaching personnel

We are extremely proud of such progress and hope you are as well. Such success would not have been achieved without significant support from engineering alumni, corporate partners and friends. Your generosity enabled us to complete the John and Marva Warnock Engineering Building creating a new academic home for students. The building's study rooms, classrooms and gallery provide an inviting, modern environment for students and faculty.