Alumni Blog: STEM at Seattle University

SU Voice Article: STEM: What Sets Seattle U Apart

Posted by Seattle University on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 12:10 PM PST

The College of Science and Engineering is the most rapidly growing college or school at Seattle University, no doubt a reflection of Seattle’s booming science and technology sector. More than 100 full-time and part-time faculty members offer a relevant, hands-on approach to STEM education to more than 1,100 undergraduate majors and graduate students. Seattle University scientists, engineers and computer scientists are game changers, but what sets them apart?

AHEAD OF THE CURVE: STEM EDUCATION AT SEATTLE U

Seattle University College of Science and Engineering graduates enter the workforce prepared to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage complex projects, and thanks to their holistic liberal arts education, they are equally skilled communicators. While they focus on the technical aspects of a problem, they never lose sight of the broader implications of the solutions. They know how to approach tough problems and collaborate to get the best results.

It is what they study here—and how they study it—that makes our students and alumni stand out. A Seattle University education broadens our students’ horizons while encouraging deep dives into new knowledge and discovery. Here, they develop a sense of passion and purpose, and they emerge ready to impact the world for the greatest good.

SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING: WOMEN IN STEM AT SEATTLE U

Seattle U is leading the way and increasing the number of innovative, tech-literate women who are prepared to make a difference in today’s competitive workforce. At Seattle U, women majoring in the STEM disciplines thrive in a demanding environment. Seattle University is the only university in the country with women chairing all of the engineering and computer science departments. As female students interact with strong, successful women on the faculty, they get the clear message, “You have an equal place at Seattle U—and in the world of tech!” They leave SU prepared to take their place in the industry.

RESEARCH ROCK STARS: INVESTIGATING PROBLEMS ATTHE LEADING EDGE

Seattle University undergraduates have research opportunities their peers at larger universities only dream of. Working side-by-side with professors, these student researchers expand their knowledge while working to solve problems in science, engineering and computer science. All of them develop important transferable skills, confidence in their abilities and a passion for discovery that will serve them well in any career.

BY THE NUMBERS

93%
College of Science and Engineering (CSE) alumni have a 93% placement rate within 6 months of graduating. (U.S. Department of Education)

Top 15%
US News and World Report ranks Seattle U in the top 15% among all engineering programs offering Bachelor's or Master's degrees.

25%
CSE has received 25% of all awards ever given by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

43%
Of CSE students are women

17%
Of CSE students are under-represented minorities

42%
Full-time faculty in CSE are women

50%
Projected increase in total CSE enrollment by 2022

100%
Enrollment increase in Computer Science & Software Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering

COMPUTER SCIENCE: INDISPENSABLE FOR ANY DISCIPLINE

Record numbers of Seattle U students are enrolling in computer science courses, making the Department of Computer Science the fastest growing at the university. Because our students understand that every company is a tech company, many of them are double-majoring across disciplines. When the new Center for Science and Innovation (CSI) is complete, it will create new opportunities for every Seattle U student to take courses in programming, machine learning, analytics and design, making each student more marketable and prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.

Want to learn more about how Seattle University students and alumni are becoming leaders in STEM? Check out the College of Science and Engineering page and stay tuned for more information on the Center for Science and Innovation.