“Three principles underpin the College of
Engineering’s philosophy. First, it provides
a rigorous technical curriculum to ground
students in the fundamentals. Second, it
incorporates a strong liberal arts component
so that students acquire a multidisciplinary
perspective. Finally, it fosters students’
development of leadership skills through
classroom and service learning.”
College of
engineering
Villanova’s College of Engineering educates students to
face and solve the technological challenges of a new century.
At the same time, it emphasizes values and ethical leadership,
recognizing that these future engineers will one day help
shape the world.
To remain at the forefront of engineering education, the
College developed a broad-based strategic plan during
2007–2008. Board of Trustees Chair and College of
Engineering alumnus John G. Drosdick ’65 has ensured
that the College will have the capacity to achieve the plan’s
vision through his leadership commitment to endow the
Dean of Engineering.
The College balances theory with hands-on work and
practical experience, as well as the undergraduate research
opportunities now integral to starting a career. With its
high national ranking, the College is one of the few
engineering schools in the country that connects students
to both a liberal arts college and a business school.
Integrated into the curriculum are well-established
service-learning opportunities. Students combine senior
design projects with service learning at the Amigos de
Jesús orphanage in Honduras and develop water systems for
villages in Nicaragua. An active student chapter of Engineers
Without Borders, an international, nonprofit organization
that partners with communities to improve their quality
of life, has designed and built sustainable engineering
projects in New Orleans, Thailand and the Philippines.
From the beginning of their studies, students work closely
with dedicated, knowledgeable faculty, who give them time
and mentoring well beyond the classroom setting. The
range and quality of the faculty’s research enhance the
state of the profession and bring students into contact
with the latest thinking in the field, expanding their
opportunities to collaborate on leading-edge research.
In addition, undergraduates work in laboratories with
master’s level students and Ph.D. candidates.
Such strong learning relationships, coupled with the
College’s emphasis on values, inspire Villanova engineering
students to lead a life of problem solving within an ethical
framework. As a result, they are well-prepared to become
leaders who will significantly impact the world.
