University of Toledo College of Engineering: Complete Guide to Programs, Admissions, and Careers 2026

Why Choose the University of Toledo College of Engineering

The University of Toledo College of Engineering has established itself as one of Ohio’s premier engineering education institutions, combining rigorous academics with hands-on professional experience through its distinctive mandatory cooperative education program. With a mission to “achieve prominence as a student-focused college that educates engineers of recognized quality to be leaders in engineering disciplines, technology and society,” UToledo engineering delivers on its promise through comprehensive programs, world-class faculty, and innovative research.

What makes the University of Toledo College of Engineering particularly compelling is the breadth and depth of its offerings. The college houses seven ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Engineering programs, four Engineering Technology programs, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — providing prospective students with a wide range of pathways into the engineering profession. Each program benefits from the college’s emphasis on experiential learning, with mandatory co-op rotations that give students three or more semesters of career-related work experience before they even graduate.

The college’s five academic departments — Bioengineering, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering — cover virtually every major engineering discipline. Add to this the Department of Engineering Technology, and you have a college that serves students across the full spectrum of engineering interests and career aspirations. For students exploring engineering programs across the country, the MIT Civil and Environmental Engineering program offers another perspective on how top institutions structure their engineering curricula.

Engineering Programs and Degrees at UToledo

The University of Toledo offers seven Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree programs, each accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. All seven programs share a common curriculum structure that includes mathematics, basic sciences, humanities and fine arts, social sciences, multicultural studies, and engineering-specific coursework — plus the mandatory cooperative education component.

Each program requires 128 credit hours — not including co-op hours — and typically takes five years to complete due to the mandatory cooperative education semesters. The University Core Curriculum contributes 27-30 credit hours covering English composition, humanities and fine arts, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and multicultural studies, ensuring that engineering graduates develop well-rounded intellectual capabilities alongside their technical expertise.

Computer Science and Engineering stands out with dual accreditation from both the EAC and CAC (Computing Accreditation Commission) of ABET, reflecting its unique position at the intersection of traditional engineering and computing disciplines. This dual accreditation gives graduates maximum flexibility in pursuing either engineering or computing career paths. Students interested in other top-tier computer science and engineering programs may also want to explore the CMU MS Computer Science program.

Engineering Technology and Information Technology Programs

Beyond its traditional engineering programs, the University of Toledo College of Engineering offers four Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology programs and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — each designed to provide more applied, practice-oriented education that can be completed in four years without the mandatory co-op requirement.

The Engineering Technology programs include:

• Computer Science and Engineering Technology — Dual TAC/CAC ABET accreditation, focusing on practical computing and systems applications
• Construction Engineering Technology — TAC of ABET accredited, preparing students for careers in construction project management and site supervision
• Electrical Engineering Technology — TAC of ABET accredited, emphasizing hands-on electrical systems design and maintenance
• Mechanical Engineering Technology — TAC of ABET accredited, with a focus on applied mechanical systems and manufacturing

The Information Technology program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in IT management, systems administration, network design, and software development. Unlike the engineering programs, Engineering Technology and IT programs can be completed in four years with 128 credit hours, as cooperative education is optional rather than required.

An important distinction worth noting: Engineering Technology graduates who wish to pursue Professional Engineer (PE) licensure face a longer pathway — requiring eight years of acceptable engineering experience to sit for the PE exam, compared to four years for engineering degree holders. This difference reflects the more applied nature of the technology curriculum versus the theoretical depth of traditional engineering programs.

The Mandatory Co-op Program: Real-World Experience Built In

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the University of Toledo engineering education is its mandatory cooperative education (co-op) program. Unlike many engineering schools where internships are encouraged but optional, UToledo requires every BS in Engineering student to complete a minimum of three semester-long work experiences alternating with academic semesters. The curriculum is designed to accommodate four or five co-op assignments for students who want additional professional experience.

The co-op program delivers multiple benefits that set UToledo engineering graduates apart in the job market:

• Professional Experience: Three or more semesters of career-related work in real engineering environments, providing a substantial resume before graduation
• Financial Support: Paid co-op positions help students defray education costs, with many co-op employers offering competitive compensation
• Career Clarity: Exposure to actual engineering work helps students confirm their career interests, explore different industries, and build professional networks
• Full-Time Status: Students maintain full-time enrollment status during co-op semesters, preserving financial aid eligibility and other benefits
• Transcript Documentation: Co-op experiences appear on the official transcript, providing verified documentation of professional experience

Each of the first three registered co-op experiences carries a $475 fee. The College of Engineering assists students with co-op placement but does not guarantee positions — students are expected to actively participate in the job search process, developing professional skills that serve them throughout their careers. During co-op semesters, students cannot interview for additional positions while on academic probation, ensuring that professional experiences are reserved for students in good academic standing.

The mandatory co-op structure means that engineering degree completion typically takes five years rather than the traditional four, but the return on investment is substantial. According to the National Science Foundation, engineering graduates with cooperative education experience consistently report higher starting salaries and faster career advancement compared to peers without co-op experience.

Admission Requirements for UToledo Engineering

The University of Toledo College of Engineering maintains clear, well-defined admission standards that reflect the rigor of its programs while remaining accessible to motivated students. Requirements differ between engineering and engineering technology programs, with engineering programs setting higher minimum thresholds.

First-Time Freshmen — Engineering Programs

• Minimum cumulative high school GPA: 3.0
• Minimum ACT composite: 22 (or SAT combined: 1020)
• ACT or SAT writing section score required
• Four years of high school mathematics with trigonometry or precalculus coverage
• High school chemistry required; physics strongly recommended

First-Time Freshmen — Engineering Technology/IT Programs

• Minimum cumulative high school GPA: 2.25
• Minimum ACT composite: 21 (or SAT combined: 980)
• ACT or SAT writing section score required

Transfer Students

Transfer students applying to engineering programs need a minimum GPA of 2.75 from all previous college work, plus college credit for Calculus I and General Chemistry with grades of at least C. Engineering Technology transfers need a minimum 2.0 GPA, while IT transfers need a 2.25 GPA. A maximum of 64 credit hours can transfer from community or technical colleges for engineering technology programs, with additional credits evaluated at the discretion of the undergraduate program director. All transfer students must complete at least 32 hours at UT, with at least 14 hours in their major area.

Academic Departments and World-Class Faculty

The University of Toledo College of Engineering boasts more than 60 active faculty members across five academic departments, plus the Department of Engineering Technology. Faculty credentials include doctoral degrees from the world’s most prestigious institutions — MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, University of Michigan, Cornell, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Purdue, Carnegie Mellon, and many leading international universities.

Department of Bioengineering

Chaired by Professor Arun Nadarajah and housed in Nitschke Hall Room 5051, the Bioengineering department features specialists in biomedical optics, biomechanics, tissue engineering, medical ultrasound, and bioprocess engineering. The department includes the McMaster/Gardner Endowed Chair held by Distinguished Professor Vijay K. Goel, reflecting the caliber of research conducted here.

Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Led by Professor G. Glenn Lipscomb, this department focuses on polymer science through the renowned Polymer Institute, as well as membrane technology, environmental engineering, biofuels, renewable energy, and nanotechnology. With 12 active faculty members, it offers one of the most comprehensive chemical engineering educational experiences in the Midwest.

Department of Civil Engineering

Under Professor Ashok Kumar, the Civil Engineering department covers structural engineering, environmental engineering, transportation, geotechnical engineering, and water resources. The department’s eight active faculty members bring diverse expertise from international research backgrounds. Students interested in civil engineering programs at other institutions can compare with the Northeastern University Graduate Engineering program.

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The largest department with 18 active faculty members, EECS covers power electronics, solar energy and photovoltaics, signal processing, neural networks and AI, digital systems, VLSI, semiconductor devices, computer graphics, and database systems. The department features several prestige faculty from the Physics department specializing in photovoltaics research, making UToledo a notable center for solar energy innovation.

Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Chaired by Professor Abdollah A. Afjeh, MIME brings together 17 active faculty members working in precision micro-machining, fatigue and fracture mechanics, aerospace and computational fluid dynamics, nanotechnology, smart materials, thermal sciences, manufacturing systems, and reliability engineering. The department houses the Precision Micro-Machining Center directed by Professor Ioan D. Marinescu.

Research Centers and Facilities at Nitschke Hall

The University of Toledo College of Engineering is headquartered in Nitschke Hall, a comprehensive engineering facility that houses most departments, research laboratories, and administrative offices. The Engineering Technology department is located in North Engineering, providing dedicated space for its applied programs and laboratories.

Several research centers distinguish UToledo’s engineering program on the national stage:

• The Polymer Institute — Directed by Professor Saleh A. Jabarin, this center conducts cutting-edge research in polymer science and engineering, with applications spanning packaging, automotive, medical devices, and sustainable materials
• The Precision Micro-Machining Center — Under Director Ioan D. Marinescu, this facility supports research in advanced manufacturing processes including micro-machining, grinding, and precision fabrication
• Solar Energy and Photovoltaics Research — Multiple prestige faculty affiliated with the EECS department conduct internationally recognized research in thin-film photovoltaics, solar cell design, and renewable energy technologies

The College Computing facilities, directed by Gregory Gaustad from Nitschke Hall Room 1010, provide students with access to specialized engineering software, high-performance computing resources, and modern laboratory equipment essential for coursework and research projects. These resources support the University of Toledo College of Engineering’s commitment to hands-on, technology-driven education.

For students and faculty interested in engineering research at other leading institutions, the MIT School of Engineering Catalog provides insight into how research integrates with engineering education at the highest level.

Joint Degree Programs: BS/MBA and Early MS Admission

The University of Toledo College of Engineering offers two innovative pathways for students who want to accelerate their graduate education while completing their undergraduate engineering degree.

Joint BS in Engineering/MBA Program

This dual-degree program allows engineering students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (or Engineering Technology) and a Master of Business Administration through the UToledo College of Business. Engineering students can complete both degrees in approximately six years, while Engineering Technology students can finish in about 5.5 years. This program is ideal for students who aspire to engineering management roles, entrepreneurship, or business leadership positions where both technical and business acumen are essential.

Early Admission to Master of Science in Engineering

Current undergraduates who meet eligibility requirements can apply for early admission to a Master of Science in Engineering program. This pathway allows students to apply up to 9 graduate credit hours toward their BS degree while simultaneously beginning their MS coursework. Students can complete both the BS and MS degrees in approximately six years total, saving significant time and tuition compared to pursuing the degrees sequentially.

Dual BS Degree Plans

Students passionate about more than one engineering discipline can pursue dual BS degrees within the College of Engineering. Because engineering programs share common core requirements, completing a second BS typically requires less than one full additional year of coursework — making it a time-efficient way to develop expertise in complementary engineering fields.

These pathways demonstrate UToledo’s commitment to providing flexible, student-centered education that adapts to diverse career goals. Whether a student wants to combine engineering with business leadership, deepen their technical expertise through a master’s degree, or develop dual engineering competencies, the college provides structured pathways to achieve those ambitions.

Career Outcomes, Professional Licensure, and Law School

Graduates of the University of Toledo College of Engineering enter the workforce with a significant competitive advantage: three or more semesters of professional work experience through the mandatory co-op program, combined with rigorous ABET-accredited technical education and strong analytical skills. This combination consistently translates into strong employment outcomes across industries.

Professional Engineer Licensure

The path to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) begins during the final year of undergraduate study. Students are strongly encouraged to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam near graduation — they can take the exam up to six months before graduation with a letter from the dean. The FE Exam is offered in April and October at locations around Ohio, with applications filed at least 90 days prior to the exam date.

After passing the FE Exam and accumulating the required professional experience (four years for engineering graduates, eight years for engineering technology graduates), engineers become eligible for the PE Exam, which confers the legal authority to practice independently and sign engineering drawings and reports. Multiple UToledo faculty members hold PE licenses across various states, serving as role models for students pursuing licensure. The National Society of Professional Engineers provides additional guidance on the licensure pathway.

Guaranteed Law School Admission

In a unique partnership between the College of Engineering and the UToledo College of Law, BS engineering graduates who meet specific criteria receive guaranteed admission to law school:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4
• LSAT score at or above the 50th percentile
• No issues of moral turpitude

This pathway reflects the growing demand for professionals with combined engineering and legal expertise — particularly in patent law, intellectual property, technology regulation, and environmental law. Engineering graduates who pursue law degrees are among the most sought-after professionals in these specialized legal fields.

Career Management and Placement

The Career Management Center supports engineering students throughout their academic journey, assisting with co-op placement, resume development, interview preparation, and post-graduation job searches. The college’s strong relationships with regional and national employers create a robust pipeline of opportunities for students and graduates alike.

The Honors Program and Academic Excellence

The College of Engineering Honors Program provides an enhanced educational experience for the college’s highest-achieving students, combining advanced coursework with independent research culminating in an honors thesis or project.

Honors Admission Requirements

Incoming freshmen need a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and a minimum ACT composite of 25. Current or transfer students (with 15-60 graded semester hours) need a minimum UT GPA of 3.5 and must complete an interview with an honors adviser. Admission is on a space-available basis, reflecting the selective nature of the program.

Honors Graduation Requirements

• Maintain a minimum higher education GPA of 3.3
• Complete 33 semester hours in honors courses, including 6 hours of interdisciplinary honors (Readings Conference) and 10 hours in honors courses offered by the College of Engineering
• Complete an honors thesis or project demonstrating independent research capability

The honors thesis or project requirement provides students with a meaningful research experience that serves as excellent preparation for graduate school or distinguished entry into the engineering profession. Honors graduates from UToledo engineering bring both technical depth and demonstrated research capability that sets them apart in competitive job markets and graduate school applications.

The University of Toledo College of Engineering continues to uphold its mission of educating engineers who are leaders in their disciplines, technology, and society. With its comprehensive programs, mandatory co-op experience, world-class faculty, and innovative research centers, UToledo provides an engineering education that prepares students not just for their first job but for lifelong careers of impact and innovation. For students exploring engineering programs at other leading universities, the University of British Columbia Engineering Program offers another compelling model of engineering education excellence.