The second degree-granting unit inaugurated at Villanova University was the College of Engineering, which began instruction in 1905 under the name of the School of Technology. It was the fourth engineering program to be established at a Catholic school of higher education in the United States. Dr. A.B. Carpenter, a graduate of Lehigh University, was hired in 1904 to organize and direct the school. He was ably assisted by the Rev. James J. Dean, a young faculty member in the sciences. It was their responsibility to develop the curricula, hire faculty and plan the facilities needed. Programs in Civil and Electrical Engineering were the first to be initiated, with a total of 12 students enrolled. In 1908, an undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering was established, and in 1909, the first engineering bachelor’s degrees were awarded. An undergraduate program in Chemical Engineering was established in 1919. In the years following World War II, the College expanded its degree offerings to the master's level, establishing graduate programs in each of its four engineering departments. A fifth undergraduate degree program in Computer Engineering was added in 1993. A combined bachelor's/master's degree is available in all programs. In 2003, a doctoral degree was instituted in all programs. The undergraduate programs of Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org. All degree programs offer an Honors option.
The College of Engineering is dedicated to supporting the research activities of its faculty and students. This research is conducted through cooperation with government, industry and private foundations. The College also has extensive research programs in electronics, photonics and microelectromechanical systems devices; nanotechnology, materials and manufacturing; thermal and fluid sciences; sustainable energy systems; stormwater management; and structural engineering.