University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science

The University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), established in 1836, is the oldest engineering school in the South and the fourth oldest in the United States.

In 1836, the Board of Visitors made civil engineering a formal course of study at the University of Virginia. The board was responding to the needs of a nation embracing the Industrial Revolution. The U.S. required engineers to build machinery for its factories, bridges for its turnpikes and locks for its canals. The University created the course of study to prepare young people to take on these challenges.

At the time, there were just three institutions of higher learning in the U.S. wholly devoted to engineering instruction. With its 1836 resolution, the University of Virginia became the first enduring engineering program established in the South and the first in the nation at a comprehensive university.

A department of mechanical engineering was added in 1892; electrical in 1897; chemical engineering in 1908; English in 1936; aeronautical and nuclear engineering in 1956; materials science, biomedical, applied math, computer science and systems engineering in 1963-74. A master’s degree was first offered in 1948; a doctoral degree was first offered in 1955. Distance education offerings began in 1983 and the Center for Diversity in Engineering was launched in 1990.

In 2012, the Engineering School established the Department of Engineering and Society (E&S). Along with providing many of the foundational courses in the School’s curriculum, E&S is responsible for the following programs for undergraduates: the undergraduate thesis, the engineering business minor, the Washington, D.C. Science and Technology Policy Internship, Rodman Scholars, international studies, online courses, and hands-on activities such as the electric vehicle project.

Recent additions to the Engineering School’s footprint include Wilsdorf Hall, Rice Hall and Lacy Hall. Wilsdorf Hall opened in 2006 and is dedicated to materials science research. Rice Hall, the center of information technology and home of the Department of Computer Science, opened in 2011. The Davis Commons in Rice Hall and the many student gathering places incorporated into the building’s design make it another gathering place for student study groups, organization meetings and team projects. Lacy Hall and the Ann Warrick Lacy Experiential Learning Center, opened in 2013 as a dedicated space for student experiential learning and is the home base of student projects like the Baja Racing and ChemE Car teams.

Among groups in SEAS, The Society of P.R.I., a philanthropic secret society within the Engineering School, has helped build community among students in SEAS during its time. Graduating fourth year students and faculty/staff have been recognized for exceptional dedication to the engineering and larger University communities, and recently, their symbol has been found along Engineer's Way.

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