What's unique about Lehigh University's engineering program?

I'm interested in studying engineering and heard that Lehigh has a strong program. Could anyone provide details on what makes Lehigh engineering stand out and if their ranking reflects the real student experience?

Lehigh University indeed has a well-respected engineering program, and much of that reputation stems from several standout aspects. The P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, which houses Engineering at Lehigh, takes an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to the field. Here are a few features that distinguish Lehigh's program from others:

1. Shared Learning Experience: Unlike many universities where you might not start your major-specific coursework until your later years, Lehigh University introduces engineering topics in your first year. Their common engineering curriculum for all first-year engineering students allows for a shared learning experience while you're determining your preferred specialization.

2. Interdisciplinary Approach: Lehigh's interdisciplinary education gives engineering students the flexibility to study subjects outside of engineering as well. They encourage students to take integrated degree programs, bridging engineering with arts, business, or sciences, which adds breadth to your knowledge base and can make you more competitive in the job market.

3. Research Opportunities: Unlike many universities where undergraduate research positions can be limited, Lehigh provides extensive research opportunities for undergraduates. This enables students to work alongside dedicated faculty on cutting-edge research right from early semesters.

4. Collaborative Environment: Lehigh places a heavy emphasis on teamwork. Their integrated learning teams group diverse students together on many projects, providing practical experience in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

5. Focus on Career Preparation: Lehigh has a strong career services center that assists students with job placements and internships. Lehigh boasts a high job placement rate, reflecting that their students are well-prepared for their careers post-graduation.

In terms of ranking, remember that they may not always fully reflect the student experience, as they often rely on data points that may not be relevant to individual students, like faculty publication rate or endowment size. Given Lehigh's strong emphasis on student-centric education, innovative research opportunities, and impressive employment rates post-graduation, it's safe to say that Lehigh's real-world student experience may even surpass what the rankings might suggest.