Maryland, home to a vibrant and diverse engineering ecosystem, boasts a plethora of renowned engineering schools that play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the field. From cutting-edge research to transformative educational programs, these institutions are driving innovation and producing highly skilled graduates who are in high demand in the global workforce.
University of Maryland, College Park
As the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland, the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) is a renowned leader in engineering education and research. With over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, the college offers a wide range of specializations, including aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
UMCP has been consistently ranked among the top 100 engineering schools in the world by the U.S. News & World Report. The college is home to the A. James Clark School of Engineering, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, the Institute for Materials Science, and the Wind Tunnel Facility.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is another Maryland institution that has made its mark in engineering. Known for its groundbreaking research in biomedical engineering, JHU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in bioengineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering.
The Whiting School of Engineering at JHU is consistently ranked among the top 10 engineering schools in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report. The school is renowned for its interdisciplinary research, including collaborations with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Applied Physics Laboratory.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a research-focused university that has emerged as a leader in engineering education. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, including computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering.
UMBC’s College of Engineering and Information Technology boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Center for Advanced Imaging and Microscopy, the Advanced Cybersecurity Experience Range (ACER), and the Plant Sciences Building. The college has also received funding from the National Science Foundation to establish an artificial intelligence center.
Other Notable Engineering Schools
In addition to the three top-ranked engineering schools in Maryland, the state is home to several other notable institutions that offer high-quality engineering programs. These include:
- Loyola University Maryland: Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
- Towson University: Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, engineering, and mechanical engineering.
- Morgan State University: Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering.
Maryland’s engineering landscape is thriving, with a high concentration of engineering and technology companies in the state. According to the Maryland Department of Commerce, the engineering sector employs over 140,000 people in Maryland, with an annual payroll of over $9 billion.
The state is home to several major government contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and BAE Systems. These companies are engaged in a variety of engineering projects, including defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity.
In addition to government contractors, Maryland is also home to a growing number of startups and small businesses in the engineering sector. These companies are developing innovative products and technologies that are transforming industries such as healthcare, transportation, and energy.
Graduates of Maryland’s engineering schools are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for engineers in Maryland is $114,920, which is significantly higher than the national median.
Engineering graduates are employed in a variety of roles, including:
- Design engineer: Designs and develops new products and technologies.
- Research engineer: Conducts research and development to improve existing products and processes.
- Project engineer: Manages engineering projects from start to finish.
- Sales engineer: Sells engineering products and services.
- Technical writer: Documents technical information for a variety of purposes.
Maryland’s engineering schools are renowned for their academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and industry partnerships. Graduates of these schools are highly skilled and in high demand in the global workforce. With a thriving engineering sector and a commitment to innovation, Maryland continues to be a hub of engineering excellence and a prime destination for students and professionals alike.
Tables
Table 1: Top-Ranked Engineering Schools in Maryland
| Institution | U.S. News & World Report Engineering Rankings (2022-2023) |
|---|---|
| University of Maryland, College Park | 22 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 10 |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County | 69 |
Table 2: Engineering Degree Programs Offered by Top-Ranked Maryland Schools
| Institution | Undergraduate Programs | Graduate Programs |
|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland, College Park | Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Fire Protection, Information, Materials, Mechanical | Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Fire Protection, Information, Materials, Mechanical |
| Johns Hopkins University | Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical | Bioengineering, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County | Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering | Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering |
Table 3: Engineering Salary Statistics in Maryland
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (2021) |
|---|---|
| Design Engineer | $122,220 |
| Research Engineer | $132,710 |
| Project Engineer | $118,590 |
| Sales Engineer | $136,310 |
| Technical Writer | $94,160 |
Table 4: Major Engineering Employers in Maryland
| Company | Headquarters | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Lockheed Martin | Bethesda, MD | Defense, Aerospace, Technology |
| Northrop Grumman | Falls Church, VA | Defense, Aerospace, Technology |
| BAE Systems | Arlington, VA | Defense, Aerospace, Security |
| SAIC | Reston, VA | Government Contracting, Information Technology |
| Booz Allen Hamilton | McLean, VA | Consulting, Technology, Engineering |