Engineering: 3 universities in the US championing the power of experiential learning

According to the National Training Laboratories, the retention rate of experiential learning can be as high as 75%. For budding engineers especially, this hands-on approach bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing them to tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions. Hence, several universities in the US are increasing their efforts to integrate hands-on learning into their engineering programmes.

Step into some of them and you might find a team of mechanical engineering students designing and prototyping a new energy-efficient vehicle as part of a capstone project or electrical engineering students preparing to spend a summer working on renewable energy projects. In state-of-the-art laboratories, you might come across tomorrow’s civil engineers conducting soil testing and analysis for a new construction project or environmental engineering students participating in water quality assessments and remediation efforts.

Anything is possible at a university committed to evolving curious students into confident engineers. And when it comes to practical skills, industry connections, and real-world experience, these institutions are setting the standard for engineering education. 

Source: West Virginia University Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

West Virginia University

The Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University has over 135 years of experience producing career-ready engineers and computer scientists. Over the decades, the college has built a network of over 300 active partnerships with academic institutions, industry, national laboratories, and state and federal agencies, which does wonders in ensuring students constantly engage with real-world challenges. Its 50 student organisations, including professional societies and competition teams, further encourage students to “learn by doing.”

Consider the University Rover Challenge (URC) robotics team, which has secured the world champion title and top placement in international competitions, or the Mine Rescue Team, two-time international champions. Through participation, students frequently gain direct recruitment by top industry players — mechanical engineering student Stephen Jacobs was hired by SpaceX immediately following a URC win. Beyond competitions, Statler College offers extensive co-op and internship opportunities that span across all disciplines. International learning experiences, including programmes in Rome and Germany, expose students to global challenges and expand capabilities of future engineers.

A range of ABET-accredited degrees unlock the full experience. The college currently offers 15 undergraduate programmes, including aerospace, biomedical, civil, chemical, environmental, industrial, mechanical, computer, electrical, mining, petroleum and natural gas, and robotics engineering, along with computer science, cybersecurity, and engineering technology. Robotics engineering is a popular specialisation, considering the profession’s reputation as the world’s fastest-growing, according to a report by the World Economic Forum. Statler’s programme takes a comprehensive dive into mechanical systems, computer science, and engineering systems while providing real-world opportunities through experiential learning and over a decade of ground breaking research areas to pursue

All pathways grant access to fully-equipped laboratories and the Lane Innovation Hub’s state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing and makerspace technologies. Within these spaces, undergraduates conduct cutting-edge research while budding innovators finetune the next “big thing.” Such activities are common within a Carnegie R1 “high ranking” classified institutions with Statler College’s research ranking alongside those conducted by Ivy Leagues. Click here to learn more about WVU Statler College.

Dedicated OC faculty, admissions specialists, and academic advisors are available to help students with all their needs. Source: Oklahoma Christian University

Oklahoma Christian University

At Oklahoma Christian University‘s School of Engineering, students receive a rigorous academic foundation in engineering principles while also developing character and leadership skills. Across its five majors and two minors, learners benefit from small class sizes and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. 

Majors include Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering with Software Engineering Emphasis, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering with Software Engineering Emphasis, and Mechanical Engineering. In true OC fashion, all programmes were designed not only to impart technical knowledge but also to integrate Christian values into engineering practice. This holistic approach ensures ethical foundations enhance professional endeavours. To put knowledge into practice, undergraduate students at OC benefit from a variety of hands-on learning opportunities, including labs, projects, and internships.

At the postgraduate level, The Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) provides the practical and theoretical knowledge to increase students’ grasp of mathematics, engineering, computer science and project leadership. With these, they set forth to undertake individual or group projects dealing with the design, verification and reporting of an engineering system — all with the flexibility to study anywhere, on their own schedule to balance work, family and school.

“The Master of Science in Engineering emphasises both practical application and increased knowledge, placing our graduates in high demand within an everchanging workforce,” says Dr. Byron Newberry, Chair of the Graduate Engineering Programme. 

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences students are active in and around Floyd Hall. Source: Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University (WMU) College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates have an edge as their degrees include hands-on experiences and projects with applications outside of the classroom.

Students have access to the best equipment as well as the chance to solve real problems. Dr. Damon Miller, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, notes that the senior design courses enable students to put what they learn to the test. “Experiential learning that puts theory into practice is an absolutely critical component of engineering education, since the real world is messy and definitely not compartmentalised,” he says.

“Real‐world projects are rarely well defined. Laboratories associated with a specific course are one component of this experiential learning. The best labs feature open‐ended projects to develop engineering solutions to an identified need and also require defining the problem scope. Many times in my career I have wasted time solving a problem that turned out not to be what I should have been solving in the first place!”

WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences students apply their craft to projects on the ground, as well. The university is home to the Centre of Excellence for Structural Durability, established in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), to help shape the future of transportation in the state. For example, earlier this year, a team of students, led by professor of civil and construction engineering and the centre’s director Dr. Upul Attanayake, accurately determined the timeline for applying epoxy overlays and protective sealers to new concrete on the surface of Michigan bridges.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International