KU Engineering awards record number of doctorates, bachelor's degrees

LAWRENCE — The 2019-2020 academic year was record-setting on two important fronts for the University of Kansas School of Engineering. The school achieved all-time highs in the number of doctorates and bachelor’s degrees awarded in the past academic year, which includes graduates from summer 2019, fall 2019 and spring 2020.

With 48 doctorates and 536 bachelor’s degrees awarded in the past academic year, it caps a decade of remarkable growth for KU Engineering. In the 2009-2010 academic year, the school awarded 22 doctoral degrees and 304 bachelor’s degrees. This marks a 118% increase in doctorates awarded and a 76% increase in bachelor’s degrees awarded. Enrollment over the same period grew from 1,751 undergraduates to 2,545, and from 189 doctoral students to 212. 

Dean of Engineering Arvin Agah said the accomplishment is the result of the dedication of faculty and staff to excellence in educating students.

“Our undergraduate and graduate recruitment teams do an excellent job bringing in top-quality students. Our academic staff provides top-notch support to guide students successfully through their time at KU Engineering. Our faculty ensure that KU graduates engineers have the skills necessary to make the world a better place,” Agah said. “When combining all these elements, the result is a record-breaking academic year.”

Mario Medina, associate dean of academic affairs, also lauded the efforts of staff and faculty members in helping KU Engineering students achieve record levels of success.

“It is an honor to serve alongside such a talented and dedicated team, and I am thrilled by the success of our outstanding students,” Medina said.