Become a Rhody Engineer

Are you ready to design the future?

At the University of Rhode Island, we don’t just study engineering – we live it. As a Rhody Engineer, you’ll solve real-world problems, explore innovative technologies, and gain hands-on experience starting in your first year.

Why URI? We’re proud to be the #1 public university in New England and one of only a select group of R1 research institutions — the highest classification for research activity in the U.S. Since 2019, we’ve invested over $230 million in cutting-edge engineering facilities, giving students access to the tools, labs, and collaborative spaces that fuel innovation. 

What sets us apart? URI Engineering is small enough that you’ll build real relationships with faculty and classmates — but big enough to offer incredible opportunities in research, industry, and global engagement. Our students don’t get lost in the crowd, they get noticed.

40%perform undergraduate research
49%have a double major or minor
66%participate in at least one student organization
85%complete at least one internship or research experience
97%are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation
Throughout my time at the University of Rhode Island, I learned the value of stepping outside of my comfort zone and getting involved. These experiences allowed me to meet new people, helped me grow as an individual, and prepare me for life beyond college. So if you’re a first-year student, don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and explore all that URI has to offer. You never know what amazing opportunities may be waiting for you!
Heather DiFazio, Ocean Engineering and German IEP with minors in Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics (Cranston, RI)

See the World

Earn two degrees, live abroad, and launch your global career through our International Engineering Program. Not ready for a full year? Join a short-term project overseas and gain real-world experience while making an impact — around the world.

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I feel prepared enough for the world.
Lena Asprinio, Mechanical Engineering with minors in Robotics and Mathematics (Providence, RI)

Learn by the Ocean

Just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, URI offers unmatched access to the ocean for hands-on learning and discovery. From ocean engineering to marine robotics and offshore wind, our students gain real experience in and out of the classroom – shaping the future of the blue economy.

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It is easy to work hard and be motivated to succeed when you know the people around you want you to succeed.
Constantine Coclin, Ocean Engineering Major with minors in Civil Engineering and Mathematics (Cranston, RI)

Jump into Research

Apply for a paid research experience working alongside faculty on real engineering challenges. Students are invited to present their research at the annual Research Showcase during E-Week and many go on to publish or present at national conferences.

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Get involved in the College of Engineering community! There are many organizations which provide resources and opportunities which open doors that you might not have even known existed.
Aidan Kindopp, Chemical Engineering and French IEP (West Chesterfield, NH)

Build Your Network

Join active student organizations focused on everything from robotics to sustainability to rockets. The College of Engineering is home to a wide variety of student organizations that offer hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

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URI Engineering has given me the confidence I need to succeed in any industry that I choose to go into. There were numerous leadership and research positions available, and those that I took have given me valuable experiences. I learned how to take advantage of these opportunities and make the most of my time here.
Mycarthy Newton, Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics (North Kingstown, RI)

Design and Create

Tackle project-based design challenges that push you to think like an engineer from the start. Explore your own ideas in our new Ideation & Innovation Studio, a creative makerspace open to all students, with special support for first-years. Learn to use equipment, prototype your projects, and take advantage of a workshop series led by two entrepreneurs who can help you bring your ideas to market.

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I came to URI as a non-traditional student that maintained a full time job while obtaining my degree. It was incredibly hard but the support of my professors and classmates made it possible. I can credit my new career to the encouragement of a couple of professors that made it possible for me to network at an international conference. This networking event ultimately lead to the job I will be taking on after graduation.
Amanda Lovett, Civil Engineering with a minor in Mathematics (Riverhead, NY)

Get Career-Ready

Work with our team to build your resume, practice interviewing, and get coached for internships. Career development and support is embedded into the college through the Engineering Student Success Center. Dedicated staff offer one-on-one coaching, workshops, and networking events all year to assist students in exploration of internships, research, full-time jobs, and graduate school.

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As a first-generation college student, I was unaware of the other career paths that were attainable until I met my mentors and peers at URI. Without them, I would not be graduating with a double degree in Biomedical Engineering and Spanish (IEP), published multiple research articles, and now am pursing an MS degree in Electrical Engineering at URI!
Anna Cetera, Biomedical Engineering and Spanish IEP (Warwick, RI)

Live the Experience

Be part of our Engineering Living and Learning Community, where you’ll live with fellow engineering students and get academic tutoring and extra support as you transition to college.

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URI Engineering has shaped me into the person and engineer that I am today. With the help of fellow peers and professors, I was able to foster close friendships, engage in research opportunities, and to be accepted to Stanford University to obtain my Master’s degree. The electrical engineering program has pushed me to try my absolute best and accept that failure is a part of the learning process.
Jessica Yang, Electrical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics (Anaheim Hills, CA)

Start Anywhere. Finish with Us.

Thinking about transferring? Join a supportive community where your experience counts. Our advisors will help you transition smoothly and stay on track to earn your engineering degree — without starting over.

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URI College of Engineering has taught me how to problem solve, see the big picture, and approach challenges with grit. The hands-on and collaborative projects have accelerated my technical skills.
Joseph Confessore, Biomedical Engineering with minors in Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Mathematics (North Kingstown, RI)

Are you in?

Explore Graduate Programs in Engineering

Join a thriving research community aligned with URI’s targeted engineering strengths — from ocean engineering and clean energy to biomedical innovation and intelligent systems.

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Meet Our Graduates

Read about recent graduates’ success stories and learn about potential pathways to the future you envision for yourself.

Student Success Stories