Our students learn to apply their theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to real-world situations alongside industry partners in a high-tech, cutting-edge environment. They have the opportunity to use state-of-the art equipment and work with exceptional faculty as they learn to apply problem-solving skills in the classroom and in the field with industry leaders.

Academic Programs

The Kimmel School offers six degree programs between its two constituent departments: Construction Management and Engineering and Technology. Offerings include two graduate-level programs and select professional development opportunities for adult learners. Our students pursue their studies in our project-oriented curriculum using our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities; many students participate in long-term sponsored projects taken from industry and mentored by our faculty.

Learn by Doing:  Project Based Learning and the Center for Rapid Product Realization

The Kimmel School promotes project-based learning across all of its programs. Our graduates are highly sought after because they learn in an environment that richly links theory to practice. We work directly with a large number of businesses and industries to make sure that our graduates leave the University with not only the skills and knowledge they will need in their career but also with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, and the understanding that lifelong learning is a critical component of success in today's global economy.

The Center for Rapid Product Realization is the engagement arm of the Kimmel School, connecting students, faculty, and facilities with business and industry on real projects to help companies grow and to enhance the educational experience. The Rapid Center’s mission is to match the expertise and resources of the Kimmel School’s to the need of business and industry by forming effective partnerships to grow the economy and improve the quality of life of people across the region, state, and nation.

Facilities

The School’s facilities are located in the Center for Applied Technology (CAT) and the Belk Building, and include over sixteen different laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instruments specifically designed to prepare students for their careers. These include the Optoelectronics Lab, the Automations Lab, the Construction Estimating and Surveying Lab and the Engineering Design Lab among others.

Faculty

The distinguished faculty of the Kimmel School excel in fields that include automation, robotics, optoelectronics, lasers, computer graphics, construction management, law, finance, telecommunications, and product design. Their industry experience and continuing contacts with industry partners gives their teaching a practical foundation.

Partnerships

The Kimmel School offers a joint degree in electrical engineering in collaboration with UNC-Charlotte. The Kimmel School is active in numerous numerous industry partnerships, including Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and is a partner with the Carolinas MicroOptics Triangle, a collaboration of WCU, UNC-Charlotte, and Clemson University.