New offerings for University of Dayton engineering students are designed to broaden expertise they will take into the workforce, especially in the healthcare, defense, automotive and banking industries.
"Industries are being reshaped faster than ever, and our students deserve an education that holds up through that change. By pairing rigorous engineering fundamentals with in-demand specialties, we're giving graduates a foundation that stays valuable no matter how the market shifts and the Dayton business community a pipeline of adaptable problem-solvers," said UD School of Engineering Dean Gül Kremer. "Through investments in these programs, we are making bold moves in talent preparation for the region. We are committed to the success of our students and the employers in the region."
Systems and industrial engineering
A new major to "master the systems that keep industries" moving, professionals in this field design, improve and manage integrated systems of people, materials, information, equipment and energy. The program combines the practical application of science and engineering with a stronger emphasis on execution and implementation. Whether it's getting a satellite from design to launch, a vehicle from the assembly line to dealership, or a patient from the front door to recovery, the challenge is the same: making complex systems work together.
Co-majors
Co-majors let students add another area of expertise to their degree, more in-depth than a minor but not with the extra time or cost of a double major. Co-majors in the UD School of Engineering include:
AI engineering
Mainly for computer science, computer engineering and electrical engineering majors, but open to others, this co-major helps students understand data analytics, computational hardware and algorithms that contribute to artificial decision making, machine vision and intelligent systems. Students will take an AI project course to apply classroom knowledge and design thinking into real-world application.
"Major Dayton-area employers in robotics, health, aerospace and manufacturing, as well as government and defense, provide opportunities for internships, co-ops and research in intelligent systems," said Keigo Hirakawa, Bernhard Schmidt Chair in Engineering Leadership and professor of electrical and computer engineering.
Semiconductor manufacturing engineering
Open to computer engineering, electrical engineering and electronic engineering technology majors, semiconductor manufacturing engineering co-majors can gain experience in the UD-IBM NanoLab creating and testing semiconductors.
The University of Dayton and IBM announced a new partnership to research and develop next-generation semiconductor technologies and materials to power the future of AI. IBM provided state-of-the-art semiconductor equipment for a new on-campus nanofabrication facility, scheduled for completion in summer 2027. UD also joined leading Midwest research institutions in a network to support the semiconductor and microelectronics industry's research, supply chain and workforce needs.
Materials engineering
Open to chemical engineering and mechanical engineering majors, classes emphasize how materials are applied in everyday items to cutting-edge technologies. The University of Dayton ranks No. 1 in the nation among all colleges and universities for sponsored materials research and development.
"UD has strong connections to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the largest materials engineering research facility in the U.S. Students will benefit from faculty with real-world experience working in materials engineering industries or for the government, as well as undergraduate research with these faculty," said Robert Lowe, John F. and Leona D. Torley Endowed Faculty Fellow in Materials Engineering and associate professor of mechanical engineering.
Aerospace engineering
Chemical engineering, civil engineering and mechanical engineering majors can add an aerospace engineering co-major to gain foundational and applied knowledge in structures, aerodynamics, controls and propulsion. Students will be prepared for careers designing lightweight, high-strength composite materials for aircraft; optimizing aerodynamics of wind turbine blades and fuel efficiency of high-speed trains, planes, ships, aircraft and other engines for power generation; and developing control systems for drones and spacecraft.
Bioengineering
Open to chemical engineering and mechanical engineering majors, the bioengineering co-major applies engineering principles to the fields of biology and medicine to create solutions that improve health, advance medical treatments and deepen understanding of living systems.
"Dayton's healthcare community depends on innovation at the intersection of engineering and medicine. Our bioengineering co-major prepares students to bring rigorous engineering skills to challenges in patient care, medical devices and treatment, and to strengthen the health of the region we call home." Kremer said.
Mechatronics systems automation
Open to mechanical engineering technology, electronic engineering technology and mechanical engineering majors, mechatronics systems automation combines mechanical, electrical, computer and robotic engineering.
"Students can program and work with robots from nearby companies, like Yaskawa and Fanuc, and learn to integrate automation technologies from global companies like Rockwell, Siemens, Keyence and Omron," said Sean Cahill, faculty of practice in UD's department of engineering management, systems and technology.
Outcomes
University of Dayton engineering programs have record retention and graduation rates (95% first-year retention and 71% six-year graduation rate with engineering degrees). University of Dayton engineering graduates from August and December 2024 and May 2025 continue to find success after graduation, with 96% reporting being employed, pursuing a graduate degree or participating in a service program within six months of graduation.
For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, associate director of news and communications, at srobinson1@udayton.edu.