Kentucky blends strong academic programs with access to key industries like automotive manufacturing, energy, and civil infrastructure. Engineering students in the state benefit from affordable tuition, research opportunities, and a growing tech sector, all within a supportive higher education system.
Kentucky offers engineering students a unique mix of affordability, industry access, and academic quality. With a strong presence in manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure development, the state supports a wide variety of types of engineering jobs.
Highlights include:
Kentucky is home to several universities offering robust engineering programs aligned with the state’s industrial strengths and research priorities. The schools listed below represent some of the top options in the state. A full list of ABET-accredited programs will be included later in this profile.
The Pigman College of Engineering is Kentucky’s largest and highest-ranked engineering college, offering a comprehensive suite of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple engineering disciplines.
Undergraduate students benefit from small class sizes, extensive co-op and internship opportunities, and programs that emphasize collaboration and creativity. Unique offerings include Kentucky’s only undergraduate degrees in aerospace and biosystems engineering. Graduate degrees are available at the master’s and doctoral levels across most departments, with additional options such as an online MS in Manufacturing Systems Engineering.
Research is a central focus, with $107 million in active awards and a range of faculty-led projects that span from biomedical applications to advanced materials and mining technologies. Students also participate in industry partnerships and competitions that enhance their professional development.
The University of Kentucky is a public flagship institution located in Lexington. It serves as a hub for research, education, and innovation in the Commonwealth and offers students a campus community that blends academic rigor with real-world engagement.
The J.B. Speed School of Engineering offers a robust selection of undergraduate and graduate programs designed with flexibility and real-world application in mind.
A hallmark of the Speed School is its integrated cooperative education (co-op) program, which provides students with paid, professional work experience before graduation. Students can also pursue a 4+1 Master of Engineering pathway, allowing them to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. Graduate programs are offered both on campus and online, accommodating working professionals.
Research at Speed School is focused on areas such as additive manufacturing, biomedical devices, data science, robotics, sustainability, and smart infrastructure, with students actively contributing through hands-on, project-based learning.
The University of Louisville is a public research university located in Kentucky’s largest metropolitan area. Its urban setting provides engineering students with access to a broad network of industry partnerships, cultural amenities, and career opportunities across the region.
The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) at WKU offers a project-based, industry-aligned education that prepares students to meet the technological demands of today’s workforce. Undergraduate programs span a range of disciplines including:
Graduate programs are available in Computer Science and Engineering Management, supporting both technical specialization and leadership development. Programs emphasize hands-on experience through real-world projects and maintain strong ties to industry via an industrial partnership network and internship opportunities. A Living Learning Community supports first-year students pursuing any SEAS undergraduate major.
Western Kentucky University is a public institution located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The university combines a regional commitment to applied learning with a supportive academic environment and strong community connections.
Northern Kentucky University’s Department of Physics, Geology & Engineering Technology offers a range of engineering-focused programs with a strong emphasis on applied learning and industry relevance. The department grants bachelor’s degrees in:
These programs combine theoretical foundations with practical, hands-on experiences that prepare students for immediate entry into engineering roles across sectors. Coursework is complemented by opportunities for internships and co-op experiences, and is designed to cultivate problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The department also offers related minors and certificates in areas like electronics and industrial technology.
Northern Kentucky University is a public institution located in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Known for its student-centered approach, NKU provides access to quality education with strong community and industry engagement, especially in the Greater Cincinnati region.
Kentucky offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pursue engineering degrees, including state-supported scholarships, institutional awards, and federal grants.
Key programs and resources include:
Students should also complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal and many state-level aid programs.
Licensure is an important step for engineers providing public services or working in regulated fields. Kentucky offers a clear path to professional licensure and a network of academic and professional resources to support engineering students and practitioners.
Key organizations and resources include:
These resources help students prepare for licensure, build professional connections, and access ongoing education throughout their careers.
Can I earn an engineering degree online in Kentucky?
Yes. While most in-state programs are campus-based, students can pursue an online bachelor's degree in engineering or an online engineering master's degree from accredited institutions nationwide.
What engineering fields are strongest in Kentucky?
Kentucky is known for strengths in mechanical, civil, electrical, and manufacturing engineering—especially due to its strong automotive and logistics industries. Environmental and biomedical engineering are also growing areas of focus.
Do I need a PE license to work as an engineer in Kentucky?
Licensure is required for roles that involve public infrastructure, regulatory compliance, or legal sign-off on projects. The Kentucky Board of Licensure oversees this process.
Are co-op and internship programs available in Kentucky?
Yes. Both the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville offer extensive co-op and internship programs with employers across the region.
Choosing an ABET-accredited engineering degree program ensures your education meets industry standards for quality and rigor. These programs are especially important for students planning to pursue licensure or enter highly technical fields.
Kentucky offers ABET-accredited engineering programs at several institutions, covering disciplines like mechanical, civil, electrical, and computer engineering. These degrees provide a strong foundation for careers in public and private sectors.
| Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond | - Computer Science (with concentration in General Computer Science)
- Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology |
| Murray State University | Murray | - Occupational Safety and Health
- Engineering Physics - Civil and Sustainability Engineering |
| Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights | - Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology - Data Science - Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology, EEET |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington | - Mechanical Engineering (includes Extended Campus–Paducah)
- Chemical Engineering (includes Extended Campus–Paducah) - Mining Engineering - Computer Engineering - Computer Science - Biosystems Engineering - Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Materials Engineering |
| University of Louisville | Louisville | - Computer Science and Engineering (listed 3 times)
- Chemical Engineering (listed 2 times) - Civil Engineering (listed 2 times) - Electrical Engineering (listed 2 times) - Mechanical Engineering (listed 2 times) - Bioengineering (listed 2 times) - Industrial Engineering |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green | - Computer Science with concentration in Systems/Scientific Application
- Civil Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in Kentucky was compiled in 2025. Because program offerings and accreditation statuses may change, readers are encouraged to visit the ABET official website and the individual university websites for the most current information. Additional resources mentioned earlier—such as the Kentucky Board of Licensure and the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority—can also support your academic and career planning.
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