Ranking for Computer Science & Electronics in University of Virginia

Facts About University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA), a public research university, was established in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Jefferson developed its original academic programs and architecture, making the university one of the only two universities founded by a U.S. president (the University of Buffalo being the other one). UVA is regarded for its 121 programs across eight bachelor’s degrees and three professional schools. Its research is likewise well-known, counting among others its works for NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy and groundbreaking works including the lymphatic system and psychology studies.

UVA is Jefferson’s idea of a secular educational institution in “a most extensive and liberal scale” in contrast to the religious doctrine-based higher learning of his time. The university initially offered courses in philosophy, mathematics, ancient languages, modern languages, law, medicine and chemistry. It would soon offer engineering degrees with the opening of its School of Engineering and Applied Science in 1836, the first of its kind in the country.

The university has hosted luminaries and notable personalities. Among them, Edgar Allan Poe enrolled in UVA but never finished his studies. But his room at 13 West Range became an iconic place in the campus, now home to The Raven Society in honor of the poet’s famous work. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson is another famous alumni, along with other graduates who have made their mark, namely, U.S. Speaker of the House Robert Hunter, NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana and FBI Director Robert Mueller. UVA is also home to eight NASA astronauts and launch directors.

UVA’s academic programs revolve around 48 undergraduate degrees, 94 master’s degrees and 55 doctoral degrees, plus two professional degrees and six specialist degrees. Likewise, UVA’s libraries hold over five million volumes of work today.

Its research output is widely cited, even earning the university two spots in the world’s top ten global scientific breakthroughs. These are the discovery of vessels that link the human brain to the lymphatic system and the reproducibility of psychological studies.

The university is also actively involved in the development of hypersonic flight for NASA and massive offshore wind turbines. Its research activities are centered around the UVA Research Park, which sprawls across 3.7-million square feet on the campus. It also works with affiliate centers, such as the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service and the Rare Book School.