The Virginia Commonwealth UniversityCollege of Engineering is a Richmond-based engineering education institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical and life science engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical and nuclear engineering. Established as the "School of Engineering" in 1996, its name and status was officially changed to the College of Engineering in April 2018. The college's dean, Barbara D. Boyan, cited doubled faculty numbers and an increase in funding as reasoning for the switch from school to college. Upon its founding, initial courses at the VCU school 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, established as a response to the growing presence of biomedical companies in Virginia. VCU's long-standing degree programs in computer science joined the school 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 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.
Health & Life Science Engineering Lab In January 2008, the school opened East Hall, a facility housing 48 research labs, 50 faculty offices, six classrooms, and other student spaces allowing for future growth of the college.
Future expansion
According to the recent Masterplan published in February 2013 there are two future buildings planned for expansion of the College of Engineering
College of Engineering Institute for Engineering and Medicine —The first expansion will be at the NW corner of Cary St and Belvidere St where the current engineering parking lot exists. The building is estimated to cost 62.6 million.
College of Engineering Engineering Research Building — The second phase will be at the NE corner of Cary St and Belvidere St, south of the School of Business building. The building is estimated to cost 47 million.
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
Undergraduate Fall 2015 Diversity Statistics White - 944 students
