Why Valpo Engineering
Employers seek out Valpo engineers for both their practical knowledge and soft skills, such as clear writing and confident public speaking. Valpo’s College of Engineering is the only Lutheran institution with four-year, ABET-accredited degree programs in civil, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering.
REPUTATION
Valparaiso University’s College of Engineering continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s finest engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report. Based on a survey of engineering deans and faculty members throughout the country, the College of Engineering is ranked 13th in the nation’s 220 institutions where the highest degree awarded is a bachelor’s or master’s.
Placement rates for graduates average 97% over last 10 years.
RESEARCH
Valpo engineering students have the opportunity to work with faculty on myriad research projects. Examples of projects include:
- Solar electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Biomechanics
- Materials
- Alternative energy
- Soils testing
- Transportation – Roundabouts
- Visualization
EXPERIENCE
At Valpo, students do more than learn engineering. Valpo students receive opportunities to experience engineering. Beginning in the first semester, students will begin to build their professional network with engineering professionals. Students lead projects, conduct research, and develop skills to serve the greater community. And, along the way, professors mentor students to guide them toward opportunities that will best fit the individual’s personality, interests, and career aspirations. The practical experience leads to the internships, conference presentations, and overseas ventures that then open the door for top-tier engineering jobs.
Experience is not limited to engineering. Valpo engineers participate in campus life as athletes, musicians, student leaders, and enjoy cultural experiences.
INNOVATION
At Valparaiso University, students and faculty from various engineering disciplines interact with each other daily to examine the engineering principles that lead to discoveries. The Donald V. Fites Engineering Innovation Center — a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certified building — creates the perfect setting for students and faculty to achieve innovation.
Valparaiso University is the only undergraduate institute in the United States to house a solar furnace. The James S. Markiewicz Solar Energy Research Facility allows for extraordinary solar energy engineering.
The College of Engineering stays on the cutting edge, so its students will be prepared to lead innovative futures.
SERVICE
Valparaiso University engineering students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of service activities. Examples of service-oriented projects include:
- Traveling to Nicaragua as members of Engineers Without Borders to assist local communities with engineering projects.
- Traveling to Haiti to install solar panels on an orphanage.
- Developing a Braille press for Lutheran Braille Workers to produce and freely distribute Christian Braille print material.
- Producing equipment to assist adults with disabilities in their job functions.
VALUE
The College of Engineering is affordable compared to other private and public institutions based on the average student financial aid award. In the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings, Valpo was named a “best value” university among national doctoral/professional universities.