Villanova University

Villanova University is a private university that is located outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university is named after Saint Thomas of Villanova and is the state's oldest Catholic university. Although it was officially founded in 1842, the university actually started out as a religious academy in 1811. Today, Villanova is continually listed as the top regional university in the Northern states, by US News and World Report. This is partially because the University boasts one of the best collections of graduate level programs. This includes the engineering school that is considered to be one of the best engineering programs in the state.

Villanova University has over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students that are spread out through the six schools. These include the College of Nursing, College of Engineering and the Villanova School of Business. There are over 100 online and on-campus graduate programs available for students. Villanova University's graduate degree programs offer hands-on experience and dynamic learning environments. Villanova University, which is often simply referred to as Nova, has active student organizations, a thriving Greek community and a successful men's basketball team.

Villanova University Accreditation Details

Villanova University is accredited by the following organizations:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
• Department of Education (DOE)
• Council for Higher Education (CHE).
• Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the ABET.

Villanova University Application Requirements

Villanova University has standard application requirements for their engineering programs. This includes resumes, transcripts, official GRE scores and statements of purpose. The final item has no specific content or formatting guidelines, but allows students to freely share their backgrounds, academic interests and career goals. Villanova University requires regular recommendations, but they specify that one must be an academic recommender and the other a professional recommender. Each of Villanova University's engineering school has unique admissions requirements. For example, the civil engineering school simply requires applicants to demonstrate their abilities to master graduate-level coursework through their comprehensive application.

However, the civil engineering program's admission criteria are very high. In order to qualify for the program, candidates must hold a four-year degree in civil engineering from a program that has been approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) agency. Those without this degree must provide solid evidence of their proficiency in math, computers, engineering science and basic engineering designs. On the other hand, non-engineering students who apply to the graduate-level sustainable engineering program must provide evidence of completed coursework in calculus, chemistry and physics. Chemical engineering students must have an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Their academic history must reflect classes completed in biochemistry, linear algebra and the physical sciences.

Villanova University Tuition and Financial Aid

The credit rate for graduate engineering classes is approximately $1,310 per semester and $50 for general fees. The annual tuition rate is $48,600, boarding is $6,970, general fees are $300 and health fees are $370. This totals to approximately $62,370 for incoming freshman. In order to help pay for these high tuition rates, the Office of Financial Assistance actively helps students with registering and applying for financial aid. In order to receive financial aid, graduate students must be accepted and admitted into a program. They must remain enrolled at least part-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress. This means that students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and completing all credit hours attempted in an academic year.

Villanova University helps students connect with alternative private educational loans that are sourced from a variety of lending institutions. Most students first qualify for federal direct loans, then apply for this unique form of financial aid. Federal direct unsubsidized Stafford loans come directly from the U.S. Department of Education and amount up to $20,500 per academic year. The Tuition Management Systems (TMS) is reserved for graduate students. It allows students to spread their financial balance out over three months for a nominal fee. This option actually may earn a little interest while students pay in small amounts every month.

Villanova University Master's of Engineering Degrees

Villanova University is most famous for their Master of Science in engineering programs that can be completed either full-time or part-time, but also online or on-campus. The following programs are available: Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Biochemical, Environmental, Cyber-security and Sustainable Engineering. The last degree is multi-disciplinary degree, so it is ideal for students who want to learn more about the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainable engineering practices. This program offers specializations in sustainable materials, sustainable infrastructure, environmental sustainability, water resources and alternate and renewable energy.

Regardless of the specialization, students will learn about climate change, impact assessments and social equity integrators. Students who specialize in renewable energy will learn about current energy policies, industry practices and the historic evolution of technical practices. They will study renewable energy systems and learn about innovative designs, energy management and integrated energy and national security policies. Renewal energy engineering students will study bioenergy, wind power, hydroelectricity, geothermal energy and solar thermal energy. Classes in biomass conversion will survey current biomass resources and utilization processes for bio-based products. Learning about energy supply chain sustainability will train these engineers in green procurement, performance measurements and life cycle assessments.

Villanova's School of Engineering has a special student organization called Engineers Without Borders (EWB), which is a non-profit organization that improves the living conditions of communities around the globe. Even though it only recently started in 2006 with a handful of engineering students, today it has up to a hundred participants. The organization's initial project involved designing and building a playground for a disaster impacted school in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Due to their hard efforts, the EWB was recognized by the prestigious Project Management Institute (PMI). Other projects include building a water treatment and distribution system in Thailand for an orphanage and a K-12 outreach program in the Philadelphia area.

Villanova University has a long and rich history that is reflected in its values and commitment to academic excellence, student achievements and community-driven projects.