History and Overview

The College of Engineering was established in 1910 and has grown to become the third largest of the University of Florida’s 20 schools and colleges. The College of Engineering offers students the option of pursuing baccalaureate degrees in 15 disciplinary areas.

Engineers apply the sciences and mathematics to systems synthesis, creative design and construction, and research and development. Applying science and mathematics to better the quality of life, engineers manage people, finance, time, machines and materials. Engineering challenges the individual, stimulates ingenuity and resourcefulness and yields a rewarding sense of creative accomplishment.

Engineering requires a thorough knowledge of mathematics and the sciences, and an understanding of the legal, economic, environmental and social issues of contemporary society. Proficient oral and written communication skills are required as engineers deliver judgments, plans and decisions.

Undergraduate programs in the college are founded on mathematics and the physical sciences. Emphasis also is placed upon the humanities and social sciences to develop judgment, perspective and curiosity. Many students continue their education beyond the bachelor’s degree.

The mission of UF’s College of Engineering is to foster and provide world-class programs in engineering education, research, and service so as to enhance the economic and social well-being of the citizens of Florida, the nation, and the world.

• Prepare students to communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral formats with audiences ranging from technical to uninformed.
• Prepare students to be society-wise and technology-wise so they can function as effective partners with citizen and interest groups, industries, local, state, federal and international governing bodies, and others in formulating policies and plans for addressing the current and emerging problems of society.
• Prepare students to be effective engineering practitioners, with the ability to employ contemporary techniques, skills and engineering tools, emphasizing computer capability and the access and use of information resources.
• Prepare students to translate scientific, mathematical and engineering theories into practical applications to engineering problems through classroom presentations, laboratory and other experimentation, data analysis, employment opportunities such as those offered by CO-OP, internships, association with research projects, and other experiences.
• Prepare students to function as interdisciplinary team members and/or team leaders in addressing multi-dimensional engineering and social problems having ethical, public health, environmental, political, economic, international and/or other dimensions.
• Prepare students to recognize engineering problems, have the skills to develop strategies for solving such problems, be competent to carry out relevant design processes, recognize the need for considering alternative approaches to problem-solving, and to understand the realities of what society will and will not accept as feasible solutions.
• Prepare students to be responsible practitioners, having full understanding of the ethical and professional dimensions of good engineering practice and the need for lifelong learning.

Engineering programs in all departments are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Majors appear in the table below. All majors, with the exception of digital arts and sciences, interdisciplinary engineering studies, geomatics and nuclear engineering sciences, are accredited by the EAC. Geomatics is accredited by the Related Accreditation Commission (RAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.