President’s Welcome

Here at MSOE we continually challenge our students to perform and we challenge ourselves to improve. Graduation is the best sign of student success. Three examples of recent major improvements are:

• the freshman-to-master’s degree in civil engineering. MSOE is the only university in the state of Wisconsin to offer this innovative, five-year degree program.
• with a multimillion dollar gift from Drs. Robert and Patricia Kern, MSOE recently unveiled four brand-new, cutting edge laboratories to be used by students in the biomolecular engineering program. The new construction includes a Wet Biotechnology Lab, Dry Instrumentation Lab, a BSL-II Cell Culture Facility and Senior Design Lab, as well as a student lounge area and a functional stockroom with access to all four laboratories.
• our University Scholars Program, which encourages independent, collaborative and cooperative learning and is open to electrical engineering and mechanical engineering majors. See the University Overview  section for details.

As we need to change, we also work hard to retain certain aspects, such as:

• staying ahead of new technology to ensure that students at MSOE receive the most sophisticated and relevant education available. Our European exchange program now includes several degree programs and will continue to grow.
• working in teams with fellow students and alongside expert faculty, which is key to an MSOE education.
• highly credentialed faculty who actively integrate their practical knowledge into the student experience, from teaching and mentoring, to undergraduate research.
• students as active participants in their education - engaging in small-group efforts on campus or exciting internships and research projects at the many corporations in the Milwaukee area.
• the MSOE student experience is more than academics. It includes on-and off-campus activities, counseling opportunities for emotional well being, and, of course, the Kern Center, offering a venue for personal fitness and organized athletics.
• students connect to the larger Milwaukee community through cultural experiences, clinicals, internships, scholastic and athletic competitions, career practice and volunteer work.

During your MSOE career, I challenge you to get the very most out of your university experience and fulfill your potential. Let a variety of interests lead you to stimulating activities both in and out of the classroom.

Hermann Viets, Ph.D.
President, Milwaukee School of Engineering