Establishing a School of Engineering was a major initiative of the first phase of Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university located in Richmond, Virginia. It comprises two campuses in the Downtown Richmond area, the product of a merger between the Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical College of Virginia in 1968...

's strategic planning process. The initiative was a response to workforce and economic development needs of Richmond and Central Virginia. In 1996, initial courses were offered in mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering. The school added a new undergraduate major in biomedical engineering in the fall of 1998. The undergraduate biomedical engineering program is unique in the commonwealth and responds to the growing presence of biomedical companies in Virginia. VCU's long-standing degree programs in Computer Science joined the School of Engineering in fall 2001. In May 2000, a graduate degree program in engineering was created and added to the historic graduate programs of biomedical engineering.

Facilities

The first two of the School of Engineering's planned facilities opened in the fall of 1998 — the main classroom building and the Virginia Microelectronics Research Center. Together, they total 147000 square feet (13,656.7 m²) at a cost of $42 million. To foster growth in enrollment and faculty number, the school embarked on an ambitious campaign to expand facilities, fund endowed scholarships, chairs, and academic programs. The campaign raised more than $67 million to meet these needs.

Current Facilities:

147,000 sf. West Hall

131,000 sf. East Hall

28,000 sf. Microelectronics Lab

25,000 sf. Health & Life Science Engineering Lab

In January 2008, the School opened East Hall, a 120000 square feet (11,148.4 m²) facility housing 48 research labs, 50 faculty offices, six classrooms, and other student spaces allowing for future growth of the School.

Ranking Goals

VCU Engineering, started in 1996 has seen tremendous growth and completely new facilities. William F. Goodwin, Chairman of the VCU School of Engineering Foundation Board of Trustees, has set an ambitious objective for the engineering program. He's aiming for "25 in 25"- a top 25 engineering-school rank within 25 years.

Departments

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical and Life Science Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering

Statistics

Alumni: 2,936

2010 Freshman Class: 291

2011 Freshman Class: 286

2011 Freshman Admit SAT Mid 50%: 1190 - 1350

2011 Freshman Admit SAT Average: 1280

Fall 2009 Freshmen returning as Sophomores: 80%


Placement after Graduation: 64% full-time employment, 36% Graduate School


Top Employers of Alumni: Mistubishi nuclear energy, Thomas & Betts Power, Altria, MWV, TRANE, and Infilco Degremont

Student Diversity

White - 750 students (57%)

Asian - 217 students (16%)

Black/African American - 143 students (11%)

International - 87 students (7%)

Hispanic/Latino - 54 students (4%)

Two or More Races - 41 students (3%)

Unknown - 24 students (2%)

Native American/Alaskan - 3 students

Hawaiian/Pacific Islander - 1 student