Brief History
Engineering was one of the first programs offered at Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University) when the university was established in 1858. The first students who arrived in 1869 studied agriculture and mechanics. Soon after, several branches of engineering developed out of the mechanics course. When the first Iowa State class graduated in 1872, six of the 26 students graduated with engineering degrees – four in civil and two in mechanical. Read more about ISU engineering through the years on our history page.
Our Passion
Educating future engineering leaders, conducting research to address our greatest challenges, using technology to make a difference, celebrating diversity of thought and culture, and creating solutions to make Iowa and the world a better place.
Degree Programs
- 14 undergraduate degree programs
- 4 engineering minors
- 20 doctoral and 25 master degree programs
- Certificate program in engineering leadership
- Concurrent dual degree programs
- View the full list of engineering degrees
Enrollment
7,597 engineering students (fall 2021) – one of the largest undergraduate programs in the country
Quick Facts
- Average 95% placement rate six months after graduation with average starting salary of more than $70,000.
- More than 650 companies recruit our students every year—many of them participate in our career fairs that are among the largest in the nation.
- More than 70% of engineering students graduate with engineering work experience.
- Academic resources include dedicated advisors in each department, an academic success center, computer labs, disability resources, help room, tutoring services and other support programs.
- More than $105 million spent on externally sponsored research last year.
- 500+ faculty and staff dedicated to teaching, research and student achievement.
- Internships, learning communities, study abroad, 90+ engineering organizations and hands-on experience help shape student success.
- 85% of full-time, first-year engineering students are members of learning communities.
- The engineering college is consistently ranked a top 25 engineering program at public universities.
- The college provides statewide K-12 STEM outreach and training programs.
- Many groups and resources at the college and university geared toward inclusion – examples include the Society of Women Engineers, Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers, National Society for Black Engineers, the LGBTA Alliance and many more.
Iowa State University College of Engineering Deans
- 2019-present: W. Samuel Easterling
- 2019: Arun Somani (Interim)
- 2013-2019: Sarah Rajala
- 2012-2013: Mufit Akinc (Interim)
- 2009-2012: Jonathan Wickert
- 2008-2009: Jim Bernard (Interim)
- 2005-2008: Mark Kushner
- 2004: Charles Glatz (Interim)
- 1995-2004: Jim Melsa
- 1994-1995: George Burnet (Interim)
- 1988-1994: David Kao
- 1970-1988: David Boylan
- 1959-1970: George Town
- 1948-1959: J. F. Downie Smith
- 1947: L.O. Stewart (Interim)
- 1932-1946: Thomas Agg
- 1904-1932: Anson Marston
Points of Pride
Learn more about our engineering points of pride and significant achievements through the years at our college history page.
Iowa State University
Learn more about Iowa State at the university profile page.