Departments: Explore Engineering Fields

Our engineering and science departments and programs embrace broad-based instruction, new technologies, and innovation with research that advances fundamental science and transcends disciplines.

Many of our distinguished faculty have dual appointments with other departments or exciting University initiatives such as the Columbia Nano Initiative and the Data Science Institute.

Through collaboration within and across departments at Columbia, we are opening frontiers in expanding fields such as financial engineering, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering.

Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics

Collaborative learning and multidisciplinary research are hallmarks of the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics at Columbia University. By applying mathematics and physics to solve real-world problems, we connect to engineering, natural science, technology, and medicine, and prepare our graduates for exciting careers.

Biomedical Engineering

By working at the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine, the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University offers students a unique opportunity to solve problems and better understand living systems and their behavior. From this knowledge comes the development of biomedical systems and devices that improve the health of humankind.

Chemical Engineering

Using peptides to deliver drugs faster. Creating nanomaterials to filter drinking water. Developing innovative fuel cells. Join us and learn at the intersection of molecular science and engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering. You’ll be at the forefront of improving every aspect of life through a collaborative, rigorous, and innovative approach to scholarship and research.

Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

Developing novel ways to monitor the safety of suspension bridges using sensors. Determining the effectiveness and efficiency of green roofs. Designing new building materials that have superior strength and at the same time are environmentally friendly and compatible with sustainable development. Defining the state-of-the-art in analyzing and designing structures using computers. Exploring the development of self-driving vehicles.

Computer Science

Computer science is now integral to almost every field of study, from engineering and the natural and social sciences, to economics and business, and increasingly to the heavily text-based fields of literature and history. The trend is irreversible, driven by more powerful computers, larger data sets, the conversion of text and imagery into data, and better, more optimized algorithms.

Earth and Environmental Engineering

Developing techniques to provide clean water around the globe. Creating ways to turn hazardous waste into profit. Effectively predicting droughts and floods for better resource management. By integrating scientific and engineering principles to minimize the impact of people and industry on the planet, the Department of Earth and Environmental Engineering leads in the protection of the environment and management of our natural resources.

Electrical Engineering Degrees

Electricity is central to our lives and its role will continue to grow in the coming decades as green transportation and renewable energy rely more and more on smart electric energy. Electrical engineers also design communication networks, wireless systems, autonomous systems, computing systems, and signal and information processing systems. They invent advanced electronic and photonic devices, integrated circuits, or information processing systems.

Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

Identifying warning signs of extreme events. Driving efficiency into supply chains. Addressing delays and bottlenecks in health care systems. Creating software to eliminate power disruptions. The Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research is focused on designing, managing, streamlining, and improving systems that involve people, products, money, materials, and information. Join us to connect your passion for discovery with our pioneering work.

Mechanical Engineering

Developing ways to anticipate and treat pre-term labor in expectant mothers. Devising laser applications for surgery and art restoration. Designing unique equipment that provides better rehabilitation for stroke patients. Building self-replicating robots that can interact with people. The Department of Mechanical Engineering works to advance practical solutions that improve health, safety, and quality of life. Join us as we address the most important needs of society through rich and versatile discovery and scholarship.

Computer Engineering Program

The Computer Engineering program combines key aspects of electrical engineering and computer science. Whether pursuing a BS or Master of Science degree, students learn the fundamentals of circuits, systems, and software associated with the design of programmable systems used in general purpose computing, communications, control, and signal processing.

Learn More About Computer Engineering

Program in Materials Science and Engineering

The Program in Materials Science and Engineering is focused on understanding and developing new and better materials for the use in innovative engineering applications.

Learn More About Materials Science and Engineering