Webinar Recap | Lehigh University College of Engineering Graduate Programs: Popular Majors, Career Development, and Faculty Advantages

On August 14, 2023, HYP Global successfully hosted an online webinar in collaboration with Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. The session focused on Lehigh University’s graduate engineering programs, including popular academic fields, career development opportunities, faculty strengths, program application processes, and scholarship policies.

The webinar featured distinguished guests including Sabrina Jedlicka, Associate Dean of Lehigh University’s College of Engineering, and Professor Zhiyuan Yan, who introduced the College of Engineering and its graduate programs to prospective students.

The following is a summary of the key highlights from the webinar.

Lehigh University College of Engineering: Emphasizing Teaching Excellence and Interdisciplinary Education

At the beginning of the webinar, the speakers introduced the overall profile of Lehigh University.

Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh University offers students a supportive academic environment while maintaining convenient access to major cities such as New York City and Philadelphia. The university’s location allows students to benefit from the resources of the Northeastern United States, including academic opportunities, internships, and career development resources.

Lehigh University consists of multiple colleges, among which the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science is one of the university’s key academic divisions.

During the webinar, the speakers explained that Lehigh’s College of Engineering has a strong tradition in engineering education while emphasizing interdisciplinary learning. The college encourages students to integrate knowledge from different fields to address real-world challenges.

The college offers a variety of graduate programs, providing students with diverse options for advanced study based on different academic backgrounds and career goals.

Graduate Program Structure and Learning Model

The webinar introduced the structure of Lehigh University’s engineering master’s programs.

Most graduate engineering programs require approximately 30 credit hours of coursework.

Some Master of Science (MS) programs include research components, while students may also choose coursework-focused pathways based on their individual career objectives.

The speakers explained that graduate programs in the College of Engineering emphasize the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Students can select courses that align with their future goals.

For students seeking industry careers, coursework helps develop professional expertise and technical skills. For students interested in academic research, research opportunities provide additional opportunities to strengthen their academic capabilities.

Introduction to Popular Graduate Engineering Programs

During the webinar, the speakers introduced several graduate program areas offered by Lehigh University’s College of Engineering, including:

• Bioengineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Engineering

• Data Science

These programs cover a wide range of fields, including engineering technology, computer science, data analytics, and life sciences, providing students with diverse academic and career pathways.

Data Science Program Overview

The webinar featured a special introduction to the Data Science program.

The speakers explained that Data Science is one of the newer interdisciplinary areas within the College of Engineering. The program combines data analysis, computational methods, and real-world applications.

The program typically begins in the summer semester, allowing students to start coursework earlier and better prepare for graduate-level study.

For students interested in careers related to data analytics, technology applications, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, the Data Science program provides valuable opportunities to develop relevant skills.

Teaching Excellence and Faculty Strengths

During the webinar, the speakers emphasized Lehigh University College of Engineering’s commitment to teaching quality.

Compared with some larger research universities, Lehigh places strong emphasis on student-professor interaction and the overall graduate learning experience.

The college has a diverse faculty team representing various research areas. Professors not only have extensive research backgrounds but also actively participate in graduate-level teaching.

Many faculty members have received doctoral education from leading U.S. universities and conduct research in their respective fields.

The speakers highlighted that Lehigh’s College of Engineering aims to help students develop not only technical knowledge but also comprehensive abilities in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and professional communication.

International Student Experience and Campus Support

For international students, entering U.S. graduate programs requires adapting to new learning methods and language environments.

During the webinar, the speakers introduced the various forms of support available at Lehigh University, including academic resources, career development services, and international student assistance.

Students can utilize university resources to strengthen their academic skills while receiving guidance for career planning.

The college also encourages students to actively participate in campus activities and build connections with professors and classmates, extending their learning experience beyond the classroom into broader academic and professional environments.

Career Development Support: From Learning to Employment Planning

Career development is an important focus during graduate study.

The webinar introduced Lehigh University’s career support system, which provides graduate students with resources for professional development, including:

• Career Counseling

• Career planning guidance

• Resume development and communication skills improvement

• Career support for international students

The university’s career services team also works with international student support departments to help students understand and plan for CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) opportunities.

The speakers emphasized that in addition to technical expertise, strong communication skills are also essential for future career success.

Therefore, Lehigh provides resources such as the Writing Center to help students improve academic writing and professional communication abilities.

Career Opportunities for Engineering Graduates

The webinar highlighted that graduates from Lehigh University’s College of Engineering pursue careers across various industries.

Because engineering disciplines cover a broad range of fields, students can explore different career directions based on their academic background and personal interests.

Graduates may enter industries such as:

• Technology

• Engineering

• Manufacturing

• Consulting

Some students also continue their academic journey through further research and doctoral studies.

The speakers noted that graduate study is not only a process of gaining specialized knowledge but also an important stage for students to establish career goals and gain professional experience.

Why Choose Lehigh University College of Engineering?

At the end of the webinar, the speakers summarized several key advantages of Lehigh University’s College of Engineering:

First, the college has a strong tradition in engineering education and places great importance on teaching quality.

Second, the university’s moderate size allows students to have more opportunities to interact with professors and receive personalized academic support.

In addition, the college offers multiple interdisciplinary programs, allowing students to choose academic pathways that match their interests and career goals.

For students planning to apply for engineering graduate programs in the United States, the speakers recommended considering not only rankings but also teaching approaches, curriculum structure, available resources, and personal development goals.

Through this Lehigh University College of Engineering Graduate Programs Webinar, HYP Global hopes to help more students interested in pursuing engineering master’s degrees in the United States gain a deeper understanding of Lehigh’s academic strengths, program options, and graduate learning experience.