Connecticut Engineering Schools
Connecticut’s engineering education landscape reflects the state’s industrial roots and its leadership in aerospace, biomedical, and environmental technologies. With access to both coastal and urban innovation hubs, students in Connecticut benefit from a balanced mix of research, internships, and career-building opportunities.
Why Study Engineering in Connecticut
Connecticut may be small in size, but it plays a big role in shaping future engineers. The state’s robust education system, diverse industries, and strategic location between New York City and Boston make it a prime destination for engineering students. Whether you're drawn to cutting-edge research or hands-on experience, Connecticut supports a wide range of types of engineering jobs.
Highlights include:
- Aerospace and Defense Innovation: Home to companies like Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky Aircraft.
- Biomedical and Health Tech Growth: Supported by Yale, UConn Health, and growing biotech startups.
- Environmental Leadership: Progressive policies and research institutions focused on sustainability and climate tech.
- Northeast Corridor Access: Internships, job opportunities, and networking abound thanks to proximity to major cities and research hubs.
Some of the Top Engineering Schools in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to several respected engineering programs that span from Ivy League research institutions to practice-oriented universities. The schools listed below represent just some of the top options available. Be sure to review the full list of ABET-accredited programs at the end of this profile.
Yale Engineering is a dynamic, research-driven community where innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal impact converge. The school emphasizes transformative solutions to global challenges, with research strengths spanning quantum science, artificial intelligence, planetary sustainability, robotics, and advanced materials.
Academic offerings include:
- Undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering
- A curriculum designed to encourage exploration across disciplines and facilitate real-world impact
- Active student groups, including Engineers Without Borders, and access to specialized facilities like Yale’s Tech Tank for experimental robotics
The school is investing in a new engineering campus in the heart of Yale to further support collaborative innovation and faculty-led research. With a faculty that includes National Academy of Engineering members and prestigious award recipients, students at Yale Engineering join a vibrant intellectual environment committed to shaping the future.
About the University
Yale University is a private Ivy League institution located in New Haven, Connecticut. With a reputation for academic excellence and global leadership, Yale blends the liberal arts tradition with intensive research and public engagement, offering students a uniquely broad and impactful educational experience.
Fairfield University’s School of Engineering & Computing offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on real-world applications and meaningful innovation. The school promotes a student-centered learning environment where collaborative projects and industry-relevant experiences are integral to the curriculum.
Highlights include:
- Accredited Bachelor of Science programs in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering (ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission)
- An accredited Bachelor of Science program in Computer Science (ABET Computing Accreditation Commission)
- Strong emphasis on internships and career readiness, with 75% of students participating in one or more internships and a 100% job placement rate within six months of graduation
- Specialized centers and events such as the Cybersecurity Center and StagHack, offering students additional hands-on learning and professional networking opportunities
The school’s faculty includes practicing engineers and dedicated educators committed to mentoring students and advancing engineering research.
About the University
Fairfield University is a private Jesuit institution located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Known for integrating a liberal arts foundation with professional education, the university emphasizes ethical leadership, experiential learning, and academic excellence.
The UConn College of Engineering offers a comprehensive suite of undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs designed to foster leadership in engineering within Connecticut and beyond. The college is committed to advancing education, research, and economic development through strong collaborations with industry partners and government agencies.
Key features include:
- Undergraduate, graduate, and professional engineering programs
- Annual research expenditures of $80 million and partnerships with over 250 companies
- $1.3 million in undergraduate scholarships awarded to more than 300 students
- Significant regional impact, with 67% of graduates remaining in Connecticut and 76% staying in the Northeast
The college's mission emphasizes educational excellence, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to professional service, positioning it as a central contributor to Connecticut’s high-technology economy.
About the University
The University of Connecticut is a public research university located in Storrs, Connecticut. As one of the nation's leading public institutions, UConn is known for its commitment to innovation, economic impact, and academic excellence.
The Tagliatela College of Engineering offers a comprehensive selection of undergraduate and graduate programs across a variety of engineering and computing disciplines. Undergraduate programs span fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical and biomolecular, cybersecurity, and game design, while graduate offerings include both traditional engineering disciplines and emerging areas like data science and cybersecurity. The college also provides a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science and a dual MBA/M.S.I.E. program.
Key aspects of the college's approach include:
- A focus on innovation and real-world problem solving
- Access to unique facilities like the Connecticut Institute of Technology
- Emphasis on experiential learning through projects such as the Capstone Design Expo
- ABET accreditation for BS programs in Electrical, Biomedical, and Mechanical Engineering, and for Computer Science via the Computing Accreditation Commission
- Career outcomes rates exceeding 90% for both undergraduate and graduate classes
The college also offers a range of initiatives aimed at communication, entrepreneurship, and technical skill development to better prepare students for global career competitiveness.
About the University
The University of New Haven is a private university located in West Haven, Connecticut. It is recognized for combining strong academic programs with hands-on learning and offers a campus environment that emphasizes student engagement and career readiness.
The College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture at the University of Hartford offers interdisciplinary education and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for dynamic careers. CETA provides undergraduate and graduate programs, including professional certificates, across a range of fields such as engineering, architecture, and applied technology. Students engage in immersive project-based learning with access to advanced labs and studios.
Key features include:
- ABET-accredited programs, including a recently accredited Aerospace Engineering program
- Opportunities for applied research, faculty mentorship, and corporate collaboration
- Access to high-impact student projects like Formula SAE and the CETA Design Expo
- Strong emphasis on innovation and real-world problem solving
About the University
The University of Hartford is a private university located in West Hartford, Connecticut. It combines a liberal arts foundation with professional education, fostering career readiness through experiential learning and close faculty-student engagement.
Engineering Scholarships and Financial Aid in Connecticut
Engineering students in Connecticut can take advantage of a mix of state-funded aid, merit-based scholarships, and university-specific awards. These resources help reduce the financial burden and open access to quality education across the state.
Key programs and resources include:
- Connecticut Office of Higher Education: Oversees need- and merit-based financial aid programs, including the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program.
- Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut: Provides scholarships for students pursuing STEM degrees, including engineering.
- University Financial Aid Programs. Schools including The University of Connecticut and the University of New Haven offer a variety of scholarships.
Students are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal and most state-based financial aid.
Engineering Licensure and Other Resources in Connecticut
To become a licensed professional engineer (PE) in Connecticut, individuals must meet education, experience, and examination requirements governed by the state’s licensing board. The state also provides academic and professional support networks for engineering students and graduates.
Key organizations and resources include:
These resources can help students plan their academic paths and meet professional milestones like licensure.
FAQs About Engineering Education in Connecticut
Can I earn an engineering degree online in Connecticut?
Yes. While not all Connecticut institutions offer fully online degrees, students can pursue an online bachelor's degree in engineering or an online engineering master's degree through accredited online programs available nationwide.
What are Connecticut’s strongest engineering fields?
Connecticut has robust industries in aerospace, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, and environmental technologies—thanks to companies like Pratt & Whitney, Medtronic, and the state's renewable energy initiatives.
Is a license required to work as an engineer in Connecticut?
For many engineering roles, particularly those in public or safety-related projects, a PE license is required. The Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers handles licensure.
Are co-op and internship opportunities available?
Yes. Schools like UConn, University of Hartford, and University of New Haven offer structured co-op and internship programs with Connecticut-based firms and government agencies.
ABET-Accredited Engineering Programs in Connecticut
Choosing from ABET-accredited engineering degree programs ensures you’re receiving a high-quality education that meets industry and licensure standards. Connecticut offers a variety of accredited programs across public and private institutions.
These programs meet rigorous academic benchmarks and prepare students for professional success, including eligibility for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure exams.
Central Connecticut State University |
New Britain |
- Civil Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Computer Science-Honors
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering Technology |
Connecticut State Community College |
Waterbury |
- Electronic Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology |
Fairfield University |
Fairfield |
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering |
Quinnipiac University |
Hamden |
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering |
Sacred Heart University |
Fairfield |
- Computer Science
- Game Design and Development
- Information Technology
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering |
Southern Connecticut State University |
New Haven |
- Computer Science |
Trinity College |
Hartford |
- Engineering |
United States Coast Guard Academy |
New London |
- Marine and Environmental Sciences
- Cyber Systems
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering |
University of Bridgeport |
Bridgeport |
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering |
University of Connecticut |
Storrs |
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Management and Engineering for Manufacturing
- Material Science and Engineering |
University of Hartford |
West Hartford |
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustical Engineering & Music
- Aerospace Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Architectural Engineering Technology
- Computer and Electronic Engineering Technology
- Electromechanical Engineering Technology |
University of New Haven |
West Haven |
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering |
Western Connecticut State University |
Danbury |
- Computer Science |
Yale University |
New Haven |
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in Connecticut was compiled in 2025. Because program offerings and accreditation statuses can change, readers are encouraged to visit the ABET official website and the individual university websites linked above for the most current information. You can also refer to other resources mentioned throughout this profile—such as the Connecticut Office of Higher Education and the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers—for guidance on academic planning and licensure.