From bioengineering and sustainability to nanotechnology and product innovation, the school is dedicated to developing solutions that create a better future. The faculty and staff at the Swanson School are committed to supporting students by providing excellent educational programs, conducting leading-edge research, and creating innovative industrial partnerships. As such, the Swanson School of Engineering is a place where students can learn, innovate, and make a real impact on the world around them.

Guiding Values and Mission

The Swanson School is guided by a set of core values that reflect its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. The school’s leaders are dedicated to promoting scholarship and creativity, encouraging open-mindedness and collegiality, and ensuring student satisfaction with their university experience. The school also places a high value on diversity in its staff, faculty, and student body, recognizing the importance of different perspectives in fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

In addition to these values, the Swanson School holds itself accountable for its performance, striving for quality in both teaching and research. The school recognizes the importance of academic freedom and shared governance, fostering an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration that encourages the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of new knowledge. Together, these values define the Swanson School of Engineering as an institution that is committed to promoting excellence, innovation, and social responsibility and to preparing its students for successful careers as leaders in their fields.

A Diverse Range of Interdisciplinary Programs

The Swanson School offers a diverse range of programs and courses that reflect its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The school’s departments include Bioengineering, Chemical and Petroleum, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer, Industrial, and Mechanical and Materials Science, each of which offers a wide range of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Bioengineering department, for example, offers programs in biomechanics and biomaterials, bioimaging and bioinformatics, and biotechnology and regenerative medicine, among others. The Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering explores an array of fields from energy and sustainability to computational modeling, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers programs in civil engineering, environmental engineering, structural engineering, transportation, and infrastructure, among others.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers programs in those areas as well as robotics, power and energy, and, while the Industrial Department offers programs in safety engineering, operations research, machine learning, healthcare optimization, and supply chain management. Finally, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science expertise includes cyber-physical systems, mechatronics, metallurgy, soft matter biomechanics, nuclear engineering, quantum computing, computational fluid dynamics, and much more.

In addition to these departmental programs, the Swanson School offers interdisciplinary programs in areas such as Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Nanomaterials, and Sustainability. These programs reflect the school’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation and provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Individual Attention and Support to Students

The Swanson School is committed to each student’s academic success and support. Firstly, all students are admitted to the First-Year Engineering Program as undecided majors. This allows students to take core classes that are required for all engineering disciplines, form study groups, and learn to work in teams, which are essential skills required in their future majors.

Additionally, first-year engineering students are assigned advisors who are knowledgeable about the curriculum and requirements and are focused on helping the student transition from high school to college and achieve goals that set them on the path of a successful college student. The advisors provide guidance and support to help students make informed decisions about their major, coursework, and career paths.

Furthermore, the Swanson School offers a range of resources to ensure student success, including tutoring services, study groups, academic workshops, and counseling services. These resources are available to all students and the faculty and staff is committed to providing personalized attention to help students overcome academic challenges and achieve their goals.

Creating a Culture of Inclusion

The University’s Office of Inclusion and Belonging (OIB) is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, especially those who come from traditionally excluded identities, cultures, and communities. The OIB team works collaboratively to provide holistic student development, programming, and co-curricular engagement and advising to explore and bridge the need for equity in three main areas of the student experience that impact their sense of belonging: student journey, student identity, and student worldview.

Through the OIB, students can find resources and support to help them navigate the challenges of college life, build community, and connect with others who share similar experiences and identities. The OIB also offers opportunities for students to participate in cross-cultural programming and events, engage in meaningful dialogue, and develop intercultural competence.

Additionally, the Swanson School strives to maintain a diverse student body, faculty, and staff and recognizes the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. The school offers various resources and initiatives to support diversity and inclusion, such as diversity scholarships, mentorship programs, and student organizations focused on underrepresented groups in engineering.

Enhancing College Experience through Extracurricular Activities and Resources

Students have many opportunities to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities and resources for students to enhance their college experience. The Engineering Student Council oversees several student chapters of national engineering organizations, allowing students to network with professionals and develops their skills beyond the classroom. The school also offers Living Learning Communities (LLCs), specialized living environments that connect students inside and outside the classroom experiences, and access to intentional events and programs. In addition, students can participate in research opportunities, internships, and co-op experiences, giving them real-world experience and exposure to potential career paths.

Empowering with Latest Technologies

The Swanson School of Engineering recognizes the importance of leveraging the latest technologies for students’ benefit. Pitt IT provides a wide variety of software titles to students through the university’s agreements with software vendors, ensuring that students have access to the latest tools and technologies to support their learning and research. The institute also provides maker spaces equipped with 3D printers and other tools for design projects, allowing students to experiment and bring their ideas to life.

Additionally, students have access to lab equipment for research, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to conduct cutting-edge research in their respective fields. By providing access to the latest software, equipment, and tools, the institute empowers students to become proficient in the latest technologies, preparing them for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Career Opportunities and Professional Development

The Swanson School of Engineering provides its students with several career opportunities upon graduation. The co-op and internship programs through the Office of Experiential Learning and Professional Engagement are designed to provide students with real-world experience in their respective fields, which often translates to job offers upon graduation. The program helps students gain practical experience and develop their professional skills, making them more marketable to potential employers.

Additionally, student engineering professional chapters organize their own job fairs for students, giving them access to potential employers in their respective fields. The institute also hosts a career fair each year, where students have the opportunity to meet with representatives from various engineering firms and companies. This career fair helps students connect with potential employers, explore career options, and develop a professional network.

Also Read: The 10 Elite Engineering Colleges of 2024

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PSB Academy, a private education institution in Singapore, offers STEM education to equip students with such skills. As a trusted education provider, PSB Academy is committed to providing accessible quality education to nurture and shape individuals and enable them to achieve their personal and professional goals.

‘The Future Academy’

PSB Academy’s beginnings date back to 1964. A small Productivity Unit was set up in Singapore which later developed as the National Productivity Centre under the purview of the Economic Development Board. In 1972, the National Productivity Board (NPB) was established, at a time when productivity was key to Singapore’s growth. NPB’s mandate was enhanced in 1986 to implement a total approach to productivity and in 1987, it moved into a new purpose-built NPB Building. With the expansion of responsibilities and enhanced facilities, the Management Services Supervisory Development Division was formalized to become a full-fledged institution known as the Institute for Productivity Training (IPT) in 1988.

In 1996, the NPB and Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research (SISIR) merged to form the Singapore Productivity and Standards Board (PSB). The IPT changed its name to the PSB Institute of Productivity Training (PSB-IPT), which went on to play a critical role in building a world-class workforce in Singapore. In 2001, PSB was corporatized, and IPT-PSB was renamed to PSB Academy. The Academy was then privatized in 2006. Till date, PSB Academy has produced over 200,000 learners.

PSB Academy is presently known as “The Future Academy”—with an approach to education focusing on performance in the New Economy. The Academy was conferred with the National Business Award in Education by the Singapore Business Review for the third time in 2021. It has also been honored with the title of “Best Educational Institute – Singapore” by APAC Insider in 2019. Currently, it hosts over 12,000 students of diverse nationalities.

Constructive Academic Programs

PSB Academy offers over 80 courses including diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate programs across 16 disciplines.

PSB Academy’s STEM degrees are offered by renowned overseas universities. These include Australia’s La Trobe University, Edith Cowan University, and The University of Newcastle, Australia, as well as the UK’s Coventry University and Edinburgh Napier University. Students are able to delve into the fundamentals of five specific disciplines— Life Sciences, Sports Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and IT & Computer Science.

PSB Academy’s STEM courses cater to a variety of academic levels. For students who are interested in engineering, PSB Academy offers a Foundation Certificate until postgraduate level. However, those who are keen to pursue life sciences and sports science can get started with a foundation diploma and certificate respectively.

Guided by Experienced Leaders

At the heart of PSB Academy’s STEM Education, Dr. Charles Ong (Head of School of Life and Physical Sciences) and Dr. Balamurugan Karuppiah (Head of School of Engineering and Technology) ensure that the Academy strives and continues providing quality education and delivering excellence.

Dr. Charles spent twenty years as an educator at Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s School of Life Sciences and Chemical Technology. Later, he took on the role of deputy director, overseeing all academic matters including staff and student development. Being at the helm of PSB Academy’s School of Life and Physical Sciences, Dr. Charles provides academic leadership to his team to ensure that students receive high-quality learning experiences. He strongly believes in the holistic development of the students and the importance of industry engagement during their academic journey.

Dr. Balamurugan has approximately 27 years of experience in the academic world, out of which 17 years were spent in Singapore teaching and managing in private education institutes and researching as a postdoctoral fellow at National University of Singapore. Leading the School of Engineering and Technology, he ensures quality teaching, up-to-date curriculum and programs, and a holistic learning experience for the students.

Incorporating STEM Education

Remarking on the importance of STEM, Dr. Charles quotes, “STEM subjects are disciplines that can bring about huge impact and lasting improvement to humankind.” Similarly, Dr. Balamurugan Karuppiah agrees that there are plenty of career options for graduates of STEM courses. He adds, “These can range from newer technology fields such as cybersecurity and data science to more traditional fields of manufacturing and banking and finance.”

PSB Academy works closely with its overseas university partners to ensure that it provides industry-relevant knowledge and skills. Dedicated to prioritizing STEM education, PSB Academy established a STEM Campus in 2018 so as to provide a dedicated, practical space for students to learn and study. The campus is equipped with various learning facilities.

These include facilities for theory-based learning (classrooms and lecture theatre) and labs for hands-on learning (engineering labs, computer labs, sports science lab with 3D sports motion analysis, chemistry, and life science labs).

Engaging Student Experience

PSB Academy has a Student Affairs and Industry Engagement department that focuses on programs aimed at the holistic development of its students. It promotes a vibrant culture and bonding among students through leadership development via Student Clubs and other student activities. The Academy also provides learning support and pastoral care to students through mental health resources and personal counseling.

Through a dedicated Career Services and Engagement team, PSB Academy prepares its students for the working world through various career development opportunities. These include a suite of career workshops, recruitment, and networking events as well as industry engagement opportunities.

Vibrant Campus Life

PSB Academy offers a series of activities and events planned by its student leaders throughout the year. It constitutes 13 student clubs/chapters as well as community interest groups which allow students to expand their community of friends while building their leadership skills.

Additionally, students can also receive several student support services. These include buddy programs, career mentoring, and hostel accommodations to ensure that their needs are well attended to during their academic journey with PSB Academy.

Adapting to Changes

When Singapore went into a circuit breaker last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PSB Academy ensured a smooth transition to online learning. Students were able to continue their studies via an online learning management system and access pre-recorded lessons at their convenience. It also allowed them to put forth their queries related to the lectures through email. PSB Academy also provided support for the academic staff to enable them to deliver online lessons.

Prepared for the Future

PSB Academy continues to adapt its learning deliveries based on Singapore’s safety guidelines. The Academy has allowed students back on campus for face-to-face learning, while adhering to safe management measures such as frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, daily disinfection of premises and safe distancing on campus. These measures are in place to ensure learning can still continue while keeping students and staff safe.

Also Read: The 10 Most Admired Schools, 2024

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The establishment of Riga Technical University (RTU) dates back to the middle of the 19^th century. Founded in 1862, RTU is the oldest technical university in the Baltics and was initially known as ‘Riga Polytechnical Institute’ or ‘Riga Polytechnicum’. At the time of its inception, there were numerous economic and political changes due to the industrial revolution that further accelerated the growth and development of the university. 14^th October 1862 is the day when students for the first time enrolled for their studies and is celebrated as RTU’s birthday every year.

The institute played a major role in the revolution of Riga city at the initial stage of the 20^th century as its professors and graduates contributed their efforts in developing and implementing gas and electricity supply systems, tramcar transport systems, and building brick houses. Apart from this, many RTU professionals have worked in several prestigious projects including construction of the Panama Canal, Trans-Siberian Railway, and co-inventing three-phase electrical systems.

Declared as one of the largest higher education institutions in Latvia, the polytechnic institute was renamed Riga Technical University by March 1990. Gradually, RTU implemented a three-level system for higher education consisting of Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral levels. Many prominent scientists have worked at the institute including August Toepler, Etienne Laspeyres, George Armitstead, Wilhelm Ritter, Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky, Engelbert Arnold, Paul Walden, and Wilhelm Ostwald (the only Nobel Prize Laureate from the Baltic States and one of the pioneers in Physical Chemistry).

Itineraries of Courses

The RTU offers various academic programs/courses at each degree level including undergraduate, master, and doctoral.

Undergraduate students have a variety of courses to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

• Aviation Transport: This program aims at providing professional education to students related to the maintenance of aircraft mechanisms and avionics systems along with analyzing and designing the operation of systems.
• Chemistry and Chemical Technology: The course provides theoretical knowledge, research skills, and proficiency in chemistry and chemical engineering.
• Telecommunication Technologies and Data Transmission Engineering: The course aims at preparing students to venture into the fields of telecommunication, information communication technology, mobile computing, and computer networking and security.
• Computer Systems: The aim of the course is to enable students to become computer professionals by providing knowledge in software engineering, computer systems development, systems analysis, database technologies, and artificial intelligence.

Some other undergraduate courses offered to students include Clothing and Textile Technology, Economics, Electrical Engineering (Adaptronics), Engineering Technology, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Management, Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, Management of International Economic Relations, etc.

Master degree options available for students are:

• Cybersecurity Engineering: This program enables students to acquire knowledge and skills in the field of cybersecurity engineering including design, implementation, improvement, and management of IT security systems, and understand professional ethics and socially responsible management.
• Business Finance: The program has been designed for students interested in quantitative analysis of economic, financial, and business processes, and has strong analytical abilities.
• Business Informatics: There are three types of courses involved in the program including ICT courses (Advanced Data Technologies), Business courses (Business Ethics), and Integrated courses (Business Process Management and Engineering).
• Telecommunication Technologies and Network Management: The program delivers both theoretical and practical knowledge from electrical engineering and computer science.

Other exclusive master degree courses offered by the RTU are Entrepreneurship and Management, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Management of International Economic Relations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, etc.

The RTU also provides both part-time (5-year program) and full-time (4-year program) courses for Doctoral studies with 21 accredited Doctoral study programs in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, social, and service sciences.

In addition to these three professional courses, RTU also organizes short-term summer/winter courses providing additional educational opportunities to students. These courses enable students to acquire new knowledge, practical skills, and experience and develop self-confidence and independent learning skills.

Promoting Diversity

With the intent to promote diversity and provide opportunities to students from all over the world, RTU offers various scholarship programs to International students including the Latvian Government and the RTU Global Outreach scholarship program. In addition to these scholarship programs, the university also initiates the ‘Erasmus Exchange Program’ for international students to participate.

This program enables its participants to pursue higher studies in Europe in at least two different EU higher education institutions. Furthermore, to enhance technical and development skills and incorporate the overall personality development of its students, RTU has also introduced numerous vertical integrated projects. These projects will enable the students to learn new skills apart from their specialization and be involved in the development of a new product.

Supplementary Initiatives

RTU not only focuses on the academic development of the students but also encourages them to pursue other leisure activities by offering additional benefits and programs. There are professional teams for different sports categories that students can pursue for leisure. In addition to this, students also have the option to join various interest groups including music, band, acting, and other creative fields. RTU offers Latvian History and Culture courses to all its students along with the opportunity to learn the Latvian language for one semester.

The RTU Design Factory is another initiative by the university that brings together research, education, and the industry, and creates a new hands-on learning culture and opportunities. The platform offers a wide range of technologies including laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing and scanning, high-speed CNC machining, and post-processing allowing students and researchers to create new and complex solutions.

The researchers of the design factory team possess a variety of skills in mechanical engineering, robotics, creative thinking & methodologies, electronics, product development, design, and business. Some of its most recent prestigious projects include a hockey puck shooter that uses AI, a type of water treatment system, a training device for brass instruments, and customized equipment for researchers testing composite materials.

Career Prospects

RTU has its own career center through which they organize activities and services for the career development of its students. The activities are organized based on 3 objectives that include:

• Integrating universities, students, employers, and RTU graduates
• Developing professional careers of students
• Providing career and psychological support

RTU prepares students for various work and internship programs through a practice vacancy portal, suggestions for building a professional CV, motivational letter, as well as placement of jobs and internships. RTU provides psychological support to students by providing free consultations of a psychologist assisting them in resolving issues related to their personality, relations, study motivation, stress management, and emotional well-being.

For students with disabilities or other special needs, the university provides a full-fledged study process. In addition to all these programs, RTU also organizes numerous projects and seminars for its students to encourage and promote career and self-development. Moreover, it organizes the ‘RTU Career Day’ every year. It is one of the largest events devoted to student career and practice-related issues in Latvia that has helped students over the years to start and develop their professional careers.

Digital Transition

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions caused a massive transition from classroom teaching to digital teaching. The university adopted the digital transition and purchased a range of licenses for students to enable them to access online teaching/learning resources. These licenses include Coursera, online webinars, and meeting platforms such as Zoom, Teams, and WebEx. To maintain stability and uncompromised learning, classrooms of RTU were equipped with video conferencing options. In the near future, RTU will continue to promote diversity and give every student the opportunity to learn along with hosting USA study for abroad students.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Software Training Institutes to look for 2023

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Located in Southeast Tennessee along the Tennessee River, the city of Chattanooga is surrounded by Signal Mountain to its north, Lookout Mountain to its south, Racoon Mountain to its west, and Missionary Ridge to its east. For its beauty, Chattanooga is known as the Scenic City and rated one of the best mid-size cities for people to live in the country.

The university was established in 1886 as a private school, staying private until 1969 when it became part of the University of Tennessee system and was renamed the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1969. Home of the Mocs, it offers over 800 undergraduate and master’s degree and Ph.D. programs with over 11,000 students from across the U.S. and the world.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) at UTC is highly recognized for its education and training in engineering, management, and computer science. The college, first envisioned by Drs. Lynn Russell, Terry Carney, Bob Wynn, and Ron Cox, came into existence in 1969, with the support of community leaders and elected officials. Initially, the primary focus of the program was industrial manufacturing, which turned out to be a strong economic driver in the Tennessee Valley Corridor. The name of the college changed in 1977 when the engineering and computer science departments joined forces.

CECS aims to discover new knowledge while engaging with communities through scholarships, service with leadership, distinction, and economic development. The college focuses on cultivating excellence in teaching and learning, enhancing research capabilities, and enriching student experience.

“We are dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the region through strategic partnerships and community involvement,” said Dr. Daniel J. Pack, Dean of College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Extensive Approach to Technical Education

The college was founded to train and educate the future technical workforce. In a little over 40 years of its existence, CECS has produced over 5,000 engineers, engineering managers, computer scientists, and technologists. Presently, it enrolls over 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students in 13 disciplinary-specific programs. The college currently offers fully accredited degrees in seven undergraduate programs (one new program is to be reviewed for accreditation this year), four master’s degrees, and Ph.D. degrees.

Faculty and staff at the institution work with a common vision of making a pre-eminent college of engineering and computer science. The college is made of five departments—Civil and Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management and Technology, and Mechanical Engineering. The college continues to seek ways to enhance the learning experience of its students using both conventional and innovative methods. After the recent shift to remote learning, CECS now offers a variety of online courses.  The Engineering Management online program ranked among the Top 20 nationwide by Intelligent.com, an education website.

The faculty of the college also is actively involved in research in areas of urban science (Smart Cities), energy and networked systems, data analytics, infrastructure engineering, information security, quality control, robotics, fluid dynamics, and automotive systems, just to name a few. CECS students—both undergraduate and graduate—have ample opportunities to work with faculty members on real-world research problems which result in discovering technologies, finding solutions to difficult problems, and optimizing operational costs of companies and governmental organizations.

A Holistic Model of Learning

CECS offers more than just a diploma to its students on graduation. Being at UTC provides an opportunity to gain an applicable and practical education. Students participate in various, innovative research and boost their knowledge with exclusive internship experiences. With the limited class size, students benefit from robust mentorships with faculty and reach their full potential. Further, strong partnerships of the college with local, national, and global organizations help students build a sustainable career.

“Our faculty takes pride in building close mentor-mentee relationships with our students in small-size classes with attention given to individual student success,” said Dr. Pack.

At CECS, students are active in a variety of classroom, laboratory, community, and extracurricular activities. They annually participate in national student contests such as the Steel Bridge competition, the Concrete Canoe competition, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Robotics competition, the SAE Collegiate Design contest, the Chemical Car competition, and more.

With more than 28 student organizations, competition teams, and clubs available, students will find activities that fit their interests, such as the Rocket Mocs team, which won the national championship in 2019 and broke a world record in 2020 after launching a rocket that reached 17,267 feet or about 3.3 miles.

Additionally, students also serve the communities through activities and projects with organizations such as Engineers Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, Erlanger Health System, and Hamilton County Department of Education. Students at the college are highly involved in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education of the region through sponsoring LEGO robotics competitions, ACT preparation workshops, science fairs, and mathematics competitions.

Paving Career Paths

The CECS Center for Student Success bridges the gap between academics and careers after graduation. Through early engagement, individualized academic advising, career development, and experiential learning opportunities, students are guided toward the best academic paths and are supported to apply the acquired academic experiences in the real world. The Center works to engage all engineering, engineering management, and computer science students with quality academic advising, job search techniques, and professional development workshops.

In addition, working with over 500 regional and national companies and organizations, the Center seeks student internship opportunities, hosts professional development skills series such as resume writing, elevator pitches, dress for success, and mock interviews. It also hosts two career fairs per year. Students benefit by learning about an array of companies that visit each career fair while the companies benefit by procuring high-potential candidates who may join their teams in positions such as internships, co-ops, or full-time employees.

The Center provides support for all students through its tutoring and supplemental instruction. It also provides programs and services to promote student success along with supporting the university’s overall mission. The dedicated staff at the Center reflects the college’s quality programs and commitment to enrich students’ experiences and enhance success.

“We are proud that all our students receive hands-on, application-oriented education, making the demand of our graduates by industry extremely high,” said Dr. Pack.

Also Read: The 10 Elite Engineering Colleges of 2024

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