Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (Columbia Engineering)

The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, commonly known as SEAS or Columbia Engineering and formerly the Columbia School of Mines, is the engineering and applied science school of Columbia University, a private research university in New York City. Founded as the School of Mines in 1863, it later became the School of Mines, Engineering, and Chemistry before being named the School of Engineering and Applied Science. On October 1, 1997, the school was renamed in honor of Chinese businessman Z.Y. Fu, following his $26 million donation.

SEAS maintains close research ties with institutions such as NASA, IBM, MIT, and The Earth Institute. The school's patents generate over $100 million annually for the university. SEAS faculty and alumni have contributed to significant technological advancements, including the development of FM radio and the maser.

The current SEAS faculty includes 27 members of the National Academy of Engineering and one Nobel laureate. In total, Columbia Engineering faculty and alumni have won 10 Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, medicine, and economics.

The school has approximately 300 undergraduates in each graduating class and maintains strong connections with its undergraduate liberal arts counterpart, Columbia College, with which it shares housing. The current dean of the school, appointed in 2022, is Shih-Fu Chang.

The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, commonly known as SEAS or Columbia Engineering, has a rich history intertwined with the origins of Columbia University itself. The original charter for Columbia College in 1754 included a directive to teach various practical arts and sciences, which laid the foundation for the engineering disciplines at the institution. Engineering has been a part of Columbia’s educational mission since its inception, even before the establishment of a dedicated school.

One of the early influential graduates was John Stevens, from the Class of 1768. Stevens played a key role in the establishment of U.S. patent law and was a pioneer in steamboat technology, operating the first steam ferry between New York and New Jersey. His contributions to early American engineering and his financial success allowed his sons to found the Stevens Institute of Technology, further cementing his legacy in the engineering field.

The formal establishment of the School of Mines, the precursor to SEAS, occurred in 1863, driven by the efforts of President Barnard, Professor Thomas Egleston, and General Vinton. The school was officially founded in 1864 under the leadership of its first dean, Charles F. Chandler, specializing in mining and mineralogical engineering. Notable early work from its graduates includes William Barclay Parsons, who played a pivotal role in the development of New York City’s first subway system, the Interborough Rapid Transit Company, which opened in 1904.

In 1896, reflecting its expanded academic offerings, the school was renamed the School of Mines, Engineering and Chemistry. This era saw significant contributions from faculty members such as Michael I. Pupin, inventor of the Pupin coil, which extended the range of long-distance telephones. Pupin’s students included future Nobel laureates and inventors like Irving Langmuir and Edwin Howard Armstrong, whose work in chemistry and radio technology had a lasting impact.

The 20th century brought further developments, with the school preparing students for the nuclear age. In 1926, Hyman George Rickover, a Columbia graduate, led the development of the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, the Nautilus. The school continued to evolve, admitting its first female graduate in 1945, marking a significant step towards inclusivity.

In 1997, following a substantial $26 million donation from Chinese businessman Z.Y. Fu, the school was renamed the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Today, SEAS stands as a leading teaching and research institution with an endowment of over $400 million, contributing to Columbia University’s broader mission of advancing knowledge and innovation.

At the undergraduate level, Columbia Engineering offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in various disciplines, including Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, and Mechanical Engineering. Each program is designed to provide a solid foundation in engineering principles, coupled with opportunities for hands-on learning through labs, design projects, and research experiences.

Graduate programs at Columbia Engineering include Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. These programs cater to a diverse range of interests and career goals, offering advanced coursework and research opportunities in areas such as Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Financial Engineering, Materials Science, and Robotics. The school’s emphasis on interdisciplinary study allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests, often collaborating with other departments and institutions within Columbia University.

The school also offers unique programs that combine engineering with other fields of study. For instance, the dual-degree programs allow students to earn degrees in engineering and business, public policy, or international affairs. This interdisciplinary approach equips students with a broader skill set, making them well-suited for leadership roles in various industries.

In addition to traditional coursework, Columbia Engineering places a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, maker spaces, and research centers where they can work on cutting-edge projects. The school’s location in New York City provides numerous opportunities for internships, collaborations with industry leaders, and participation in professional networks.

As of April 2022, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University holds a prestigious position, ranked 13th among the best engineering schools by U.S. News & World Report. It is the highest-ranked engineering school within the Ivy League, sharing the top spot with Cornell University. The undergraduate engineering program at SEAS is also highly regarded, ranked 21st in the nation by U.S. News.

In 2010, the US National Research Council released updated analyses and rankings of American university doctoral programs, assessing data since 1995. Columbia Engineering achieved notable rankings across various disciplines: 10th in biomedical engineering, 18th in chemical engineering, 26th in electrical engineering, 14th in mechanical engineering (with a 5th place ranking in research), 9th in operations research and industrial engineering, 7th in applied mathematics, and 6th in computer science.

The school's computer science department is particularly distinguished, ranked 11th nationally and 36th globally by U.S. News & World Report, and 18th worldwide by QS World University Rankings. The biomedical engineering program is also highly esteemed, securing the 9th spot in the U.S. News rankings.

Columbia Engineering's specialized programs receive high accolades in various fields. According to the National Science Foundation, the school ranks 20th in chemical engineering, 18th in civil engineering and engineering mechanics, 3rd in electrical engineering, 4th in applied physics, 4th in industrial engineering and operations research, 10th in material engineering, 15th in computer science, and 15th in applied mathematics. The Chronicle of Higher Education ranks Columbia's engineering mechanics 6th nationally, environmental engineering 4th, industrial engineering 7th, mechanical engineering 5th, applied physics 8th, and operations research 6th. Additionally, Columbia's financial engineering program is highly regarded, ranked 3rd nationally according to Quantnet's 2020 rankings.

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