WNE College of Engineering has earned a Top 100 spot in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Undergraduate Engineering Program rankings. Programs are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence such as faculty credentials and training, expert opinion, student excellence, services and technologies, and engagement.
This achievement follows the College of Engineering’s reaccreditation by The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.
All the six engineering programs received reaccreditation; the newest program in construction management is in the process of applying for its first accreditation following the graduation of its first cohort in 2024.
“These recognitions reaffirm the strength and quality of our engineering programs at WNE,” said Dr. S. Hossein Cheraghi, dean of the College of Engineering. “They are a reflection of our faculty’s expertise and dedication to creating an environment where students can thrive. Our goal is to ensure that WNE graduates not only meet but exceed the demands of the engineering industry, fully prepared for leadership and success in their careers.”
WNE engineering graduates are working at the forefront of aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing, and are leading teams in communications, government, and a variety of other competitive industries. The College serves as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship offering opportunities for students to participate in team-based projects, presentations, and undergraduate research preparing them for leadership roles across various industries.
The institution offers undergraduate majors and graduate programs in various engineering disciplines, including construction management, biomedical, civil and environmental, electrical and computer, industrial engineering and engineering management, and mechanical engineering. With 93 sites for internships, a remarkable 100% internship placement rate, and 96% of 2023 graduates securing employment within six months of graduation, WNE is dedicated to ensuring its graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.
"Western New England University faculty are leaders in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation computing, manufacturing, healthcare and aerospace, fields that are major economic drivers for Massachusetts and that are critical to our state and nation’s future," said Dr. Maria Toyoda, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "Our faculty expertise combined with industry partnerships combine to prepare students for successful careers and reflect the hard work and dedication that define WNE."
Notable programs include the College of Engineering’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS), which is at the forefront of advancing robotic welding technologies. The program is supported by a $1.1 million investment from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a research and training cluster in advanced robotic welding technologies at WNE. This collaboration involves working alongside Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and local industry partners, aiming to enhance the advanced welding cluster and deliver new, highly skilled workers to the region's employers.
The College of Engineering also is recognized for its First Year Program, which engages students in engineering design and innovation from the beginning of their studies. The 10 credit course sequence includes the design and build of a robot prototype, training in use of the college's innovation studio, teamwork, a design competition, and data acquisition and processing. The program also incorporates alumni mentoring, faculty advising, and participation in the college's Emerging Engineers Exposition. The program is unusual in its depth and breadth across the student's entire first year. This early immersion in engineering quickly engages the students and achieves the college's goal of "Design, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking from day one."
“This national ranking is a clear reflection of our pursuit of innovation and excellence. It’s a testament to the passion and expertise of our faculty and staff, who ensure that WNE engineers are not only well-versed in technical skills but also ready to lead in an ever-evolving global landscape,” said University President Robert E. Johnson. “Our students are stepping into the future equipped with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and confidence to tackle the world's most complex challenges.”
