College of Engineering History
More than a century of history and excellence
Engineering education at Oregon State began in the 1880s, growing from a handful of math courses into one of the nation's largest and most respected engineering colleges.
Today, roughly 45,000 students have earned engineering degrees here, supported by generations of expanding programs, research institutes, and campus facilities.
1889
Grant Adelbert Covell becomes the first engineering professor and forms the Department of Mechanical Engineering
1893
First two engineering degrees awarded
1897–1905
Electrical, mining, and civil engineering departments established
1908
School of Engineering formed, unifying the college's departments under Covell as first dean
1917
Chemical Engineering established (joins the school in 1932)
1943–1974
Industrial, nuclear, and computer science curricula added
1945
Doctoral program established
1983
School of Engineering elevated to College of Engineering
2021
Oregon State became first university in the United States to offer both master’s and doctoral degrees in artificial intelligence
Today
Degrees offered on campus and remotely through Oregon State's top-ranked Ecampus
Discover more history
Explore Oregon State’s Special Collections and Archives to learn more about historical people, programs, and milestones of the College of Engineering