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Building the engineering leaders of tomorrow
Building the engineering leaders of tomorrow
What if your graduate engineering degree could change the world – and you along with it? At Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering, that's the promise.
As one of the top-ranked engineering schools in the US, Vanderbilt brings together outstanding faculty, ambitious students, and a culture of close mentorship. Six departments span Biomedical, Chemical and Biomolecular, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer, and Mechanical Engineering, alongside the Division of Engineering Science and Management and the Interdisciplinary Materials Science program. Together, they give graduate students the depth of specialized study within a genuinely interdisciplinary environment.
Here, programs are rigorous and multidisciplinary, built around research that connects discovery to real-world impact. Faculty serve as mentors invested in your growth, working closely with you on cross-disciplinary projects tied to the challenges shaping industries today. A small student-to-faculty ratio gives you direct access to cutting-edge work and professional relationships that extend well beyond graduation.
US$1
billion in research expenditures in the most recent fiscal year.
92%
of graduates employed within three months of graduation.
6:1
graduate student-to-faculty ratio.
World-class graduate engineering programs
If you're drawn to the intersection of engineering and medicine, this program is for you. Over 30 credit hours, you'll build advanced skills in robotics, AI, imaging, and medical devices, with real clinical exposure throughout. Whether you're an engineer or a medical doctor, three specialized tracks – innovator, inventor, and visionary – let you shape your advanced training around exactly where you want to go.
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Surgery and Intervention
This program combines civil engineering foundations with the latest construction technologies and management best practices, while teaching you to make smarter decisions in the face of uncertainty. In just 12 months, you'll build interdisciplinary expertise that sharpens your thinking across safety, security, and quality. You'll move through core program foundations, cross-disciplinary electives, leadership and project management classes, and a hands-on capstone project.
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Risk, Reliability, and Resilience Engineering
This program grounds you in civil engineering fundamentals while keeping you up to date with the latest construction technologies and management principles. You'll tackle real-world industry challenges where planning, design, and construction are always deeply connected. Internships and project case studies further sharpen that understanding. Guest lecturers of global prominence add another layer of industry insight.
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Construction Management
Whether you opt for the research-oriented M.S. or the professionally focused M.Eng., Vanderbilt’s Mechanical Engineering program offers the opportunity to pursue specialization in areas such as surgical robotics, rehabilitation engineering, mechatronics, energy, fluids, and more. The M.S. requires 30 credit hours, including 24 hours of coursework and six hours of research, carefully tailored with your professor's guidance. Prefer a more flexible pace? Choose to progress part-time if you don’t want to study full-time.
Master of Science (M.S.)/Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Mechanical Engineering
This program combines advanced coursework and thesis research with the potential to impact everything from healthcare and education to defense and the environment. You'll explore focus areas like photonics, nanotechnology, robotics, medical imaging, and cyber-physical systems. Whether you're drawn to carbon nanotechnology, hybrid systems, or radiation reliability, your work here carries real potential to reshape virtually every human system.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hear from the students and graduate
“As an international student in the Construction Management program, I’ve found the experience to be both technically rigorous and incredibly forward-looking. The program does a great job blending real-world construction practices with emerging technologies like AI and data-driven decision-making, which has been a game-changer for me, as I can apply it in my job. The faculty are approachable and deeply connected to industry, and being at Vanderbilt opens doors to meaningful professional opportunities. Overall, the program has given me the tools and confidence to think bigger about the future of construction.”
Deep Shah, India
Master of Science (M.S.) in Construction Management, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Hear from the students and graduate
“I chose to complete my Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University due to its strong international research reputation, particularly in surgical robotics (my area of research). In my opinion, Vanderbilt is successful because groups such as the Department of Mechanical Engineering and VISE welcome top researchers from around the world. International Scholars and Student Services (ISSS) is also critical to supporting this mission and me through any questions I had in the visa and work permit process.”
Dr Daniel Esser from Canada
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
“I chose to complete my Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University due to its strong international research reputation, particularly in surgical robotics (my area of research). In my opinion, Vanderbilt is successful because groups such as the Department of Mechanical Engineering and VISE welcome top researchers from around the world. International Scholars and Student Services (ISSS) is also critical to supporting this mission and me through any questions I had in the visa and work permit process.”
Dr Daniel Esser from Canada
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering graduate
“I am in the final year of my doctoral studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I chose Vanderbilt University because it is an institution that adds distinction to one’s profile and helps one stand out. The recognition and funding secured by both its faculty and students create an environment where your work is taken seriously and your voice is heard. Even when one has the necessary skills and talent, being part of Vanderbilt University’s academic journey makes the path forward more accessible. On a personal level, Vanderbilt has provided me with exceptional collaborative opportunities, particularly in my doctoral research in High Performance Computing. My collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory is a direct outcome of the support and encouragement Vanderbilt extends to its students' excellence.”
Akhilesh Raj from India
MPh.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
"My decision to attend the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering for my graduate studies was driven by its unique collaborative environment, both across engineering departments and with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In my field of research in surgical robotics, the Vanderbilt Institute of Surgery and Engineering (VISE) bridges the gap between the research lab and the surgical operating room, allowing us to work alongside medical providers to solve real-world clinical challenges. This unique ecosystem ensures that our research and lab work doesn't just remain theoretical, but evolves into patented technologies and startups with the power to impact the lives of the millions who need them most.”
Ahmet Yildiz, from Turkey/Syria
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
“As an international student in the Construction Management program, I’ve found the experience to be both technically rigorous and incredibly forward-looking. The program does a great job blending real-world construction practices with emerging technologies like AI and data-driven decision-making, which has been a game-changer for me, as I can apply it in my job. The faculty are approachable and deeply connected to industry, and being at Vanderbilt opens doors to meaningful professional opportunities. Overall, the program has given me the tools and confidence to think bigger about the future of construction.”
Deep Shah from India
Master of Science (M.S.) in Construction Management, Civil & Environmental Engineering
“I chose to complete my Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University due to its strong international research reputation, particularly in surgical robotics (my area of research). In my opinion, Vanderbilt is successful because groups such as the Department of Mechanical Engineering and VISE welcome top researchers from around the world. International Scholars and Student Services (ISSS) is also critical to supporting this mission and me through any questions I had in the visa and work permit process.”
Dr Daniel Esser from Canada
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering graduate
“I am in the final year of my doctoral studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I chose Vanderbilt University because it is an institution that adds distinction to one’s profile and helps one stand out. The recognition and funding secured by both its faculty and students create an environment where your work is taken seriously and your voice is heard. Even when one has the necessary skills and talent, being part of Vanderbilt University’s academic journey makes the path forward more accessible. On a personal level, Vanderbilt has provided me with exceptional collaborative opportunities, particularly in my doctoral research in High Performance Computing. My collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory is a direct outcome of the support and encouragement Vanderbilt extends to its students' excellence.”
Robert Oates,
BA Hons in Asian Studies
Akhilesh Raj from India
MPh.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
"My decision to attend the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering for my graduate studies was driven by its unique collaborative environment, both across engineering departments and with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In my field of research in surgical robotics, the Vanderbilt Institute of Surgery and Engineering (VISE) bridges the gap between the research lab and the surgical operating room, allowing us to work alongside medical providers to solve real-world clinical challenges. This unique ecosystem ensures that our research and lab work doesn't just remain theoretical, but evolves into patented technologies and startups with the power to impact the lives of the millions who need them most.”
Ahmet Yildiz, from Turkey/Syria
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
“As an international student in the Construction Management program, I’ve found the experience to be both technically rigorous and incredibly forward-looking. The program does a great job blending real-world construction practices with emerging technologies like AI and data-driven decision-making, which has been a game-changer for me, as I can apply it in my job. The faculty are approachable and deeply connected to industry, and being at Vanderbilt opens doors to meaningful professional opportunities. Overall, the program has given me the tools and confidence to think bigger about the future of construction.”
Deep Shah from India
Master of Science (M.S.) in Construction Management, Civil & Environmental Engineering
“I chose to complete my Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University due to its strong international research reputation, particularly in surgical robotics (my area of research). In my opinion, Vanderbilt is successful because groups such as the Department of Mechanical Engineering and VISE welcome top researchers from around the world. International Scholars and Student Services (ISSS) is also critical to supporting this mission and me through any questions I had in the visa and work permit process.”
Dr Daniel Esser from Canada
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering graduate
“I am in the final year of my doctoral studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I chose Vanderbilt University because it is an institution that adds distinction to one’s profile and helps one stand out. The recognition and funding secured by both its faculty and students create an environment where your work is taken seriously and your voice is heard. Even when one has the necessary skills and talent, being part of Vanderbilt University’s academic journey makes the path forward more accessible. On a personal level, Vanderbilt has provided me with exceptional collaborative opportunities, particularly in my doctoral research in High Performance Computing. My collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory is a direct outcome of the support and encouragement Vanderbilt extends to its students' excellence.”
Akhilesh Raj from India
MPh.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
"My decision to attend the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering for my graduate studies was driven by its unique collaborative environment, both across engineering departments and with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In my field of research in surgical robotics, the Vanderbilt Institute of Surgery and Engineering (VISE) bridges the gap between the research lab and the surgical operating room, allowing us to work alongside medical providers to solve real-world clinical challenges. This unique ecosystem ensures that our research and lab work doesn't just remain theoretical, but evolves into patented technologies and startups with the power to impact the lives of the millions who need them most.”
Ahmet Yildiz, from Turkey/Syria
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
“As an international student in the Construction Management program, I’ve found the experience to be both technically rigorous and incredibly forward-looking. The program does a great job blending real-world construction practices with emerging technologies like AI and data-driven decision-making, which has been a game-changer for me, as I can apply it in my job. The faculty are approachable and deeply connected to industry, and being at Vanderbilt opens doors to meaningful professional opportunities. Overall, the program has given me the tools and confidence to think bigger about the future of construction.”
Deep Shah from India
Master of Science (M.S.) in Construction Management, Civil & Environmental Engineering
An innovative engineering education awaits at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering.
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