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The job market is fast changing, from technological changes to shifts to a greener economy. Engineers are no exception to these changes. It’s those with specialised and advanced knowledge, soft skills, and the ability to see the big picture that’ll set themselves apart.
The Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University produces graduates of this calibre. Ranked #13 Most Innovative Schools by US News & World Report, Pratt goes beyond traditional engineering education. Programmes are rigorously designed according to the latest industry standards and let you take classes and form connections in Duke’s top-ranked business school, law school, medical school, and more. It’s a discipline-crossing, all-encompassing education and experience nearly impossible to find anywhere else.
It was just the catalyst Taqui Mahmood needed to be inspired to shape the future. He grew up in the oil fields of Saudi Arabia but is now working in sustainability, with a specific interest in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The Master of Engineering Management 2024 class graduation speaker discovered a passion for sustainability as an undergraduate and was able to expand on it in his graduate studies by taking classes not only in engineering, but at Duke’s top-ranked business school and environmental school.
“Even within the classes, professors taught the content in a way that allowed people from different backgrounds to relate,” he says. “Our professors taught us to see the bigger picture and strive for holistic solutions that benefit everyone.”
Duke offers a suite of Master of Engineering degrees covering burgeoning fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Financial Technology, Climate & Sustainability Engineering, Game Design, and Design & Technology Innovation. They also have one of the best-established Master of Engineering Management programmes in the United States.
Each degree programme launches you into the world with the know-how and sense of purpose you need to create innovative solutions to serious challenges faced by real people. “We put a lot of emphasis on keeping our curriculum modern, which is so important in the advanced fields we offer,” says Jon Reifschneider, Executive Director of MEng in Artificial Intelligence. “We continually evolve and ensure that we teach both the foundations and the most up-to-date material.”
To achieve that, programmes emphasise the application of theory to solve real-world problems. There’s a healthy balance of in-depth theoretical exploration, project work, teamwork, and hands-on experiences. “Our courses tend to balance diving deep into theory with applying that theory to solve problems,” says Reifschneider. “We have a heavy emphasis on project work, teamwork, and building things in our courses.”
Duke Engineering is home to several centres and institutes open to students looking to apply knowledge. Source: Duke University
World-class faculty who go the extra mile
Pratt’s world-class faculty are seasoned industry professionals. They bring experience and insights into the latest tools, skills, trends, and industry needs, fusing examples and case studies from their own direct experience into their classes. As students, you’ll benefit from a high degree of faculty-student interaction with these experienced professionals, gaining valuable guidance from them.
Just ask Mahmood. “I would encourage students coming to Duke to get to know the faculty,” he says. “They have had amazing experiences and are great guides. They also have a ton of resources and networks. I’ve had four different professors involved in helping me find my next career role. The faculty go above and beyond to help students.”
A supportive environment
Pratt is dedicated to student success and well-being. The school offers start-to-end support and resources to ensure you get the best out of a Duke education. Career Services and Professional Development (CSPD) provides an array of resources specifically geared toward master’s engineering students, such as one-on-one coaching, resume editing, interview preparation, and more. Student Engagement and Support (SES) provides programming to enrich the student experience and sets up access to student clubs, leadership opportunities, and fun community-building events.
Throughout the year, Duke Engineering hosts a range of events designed to broaden horizons, encourage collaboration and celebrate innovation. Source: Duke University
International students are included every step of the way. “My programme was an encompassing experience,” Mahmood says. “The student lounge was a melting pot of ideas, with diverse intellectual wealth that challenged our preconceptions.”
Thriving in a tech hub
Beyond academics, Pratt students benefit from Duke’s location in Durham, North Carolina. Described as “re-energised by a youth-driven renaissance” by The New York Times, Durham has a vibrant atmosphere and entrepreneurial ecosystem. As a tech hub, Durham rivals Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston. “We have a great concentration of large companies and a strong entrepreneurial community,” says Reifschneider.
For aspiring engineers who want to make a real-world difference, the Pratt School of Engineering is the place to be. With its unique blend of technical excellence, supportive community, and experiential learning, Pratt empowers graduates to become well-rounded leaders who are prepared to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.
Learn more about Pratt School of Engineering.
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