The University of Kentucky Women in Engineering (WiE) Program is dedicated to empowering women who are interested in pursuing an engineering or computer science degree. WiE provides various resources, mentorship, and engaging programming to support current and prospective female engineering students throughout their academic and professional journey. From career development to academic support, to female-led engineering student organizations, WiE at the University of Kentucky is a place where women can learn, grow, and connect with a community of like-minded students who share a common passion for engineering.
Margaret Ingels was the first female engineering graduate from the University of Kentucky, and the second in the United States, receiving her Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree in 1916. Additionally, she was the first woman in the United States to earn a graduate degree in mechanical engineering. She went on to pioneer the development of air conditioning while working for Carrier Corporation.
Since Ingels graduated from UK, the number of females pursuing engineering degrees has grown exponentially. Female identifying students now make up approximately 23% of the total engineering student body and 218 female students are expected in the Fall 2023 incoming first-year class – the largest in the history of the Pigman College of Engineering.
The Engineering Living Learning Program (ELLP) recently launched the Women in Engineering (WiE) Wing. All first-year women in the Pigman College of Engineering are invited to live together in the WiE Wing of Pigman Hall. Residents of the WiE Wing will enjoy the benefits of the ELLP while also having access to special events with female-led engineering student organizations as well as other tailored programming. All WiE Wing first-year residents are assigned a female ELLP Peer Mentor.
The Pigman College of Engineering's Alumni Mentor Program matches a current engineering student with a UK engineering graduate from the same major. The mentor and mentee communicate during the academic year to discuss career paths, offer an insight into professional life, and how to connect what you're doing as a student with what you would do as an engineer. Efforts are made to match a female student with a female alumna.
ACM-W at the University of Kentucky aims to raise awareness of the issues faced by women in technology, prepare students for careers in technology, as well as encourage women to join and stay in the field through outreach, networking, and mentorship.
Phi Sigma Rho is a sisterhood of women in engineering and technical studies. Our core values are friendship, scholarship, and encouragement.
SWE is a professional organization dedicated to stimulating women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expanding the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrating the value of diversity.
Engineering Grand Tours allow families to learn about our engineering program, scholarships, co-ops and hear directly from professors and students. You’ll visit state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories as well as the new engineering residence hall. Grand Tours occur on Mondays throughout the academic year.
Register for Grand Tour
You are invited to lunch with the UK Society of Women Engineers (SWE) prior to the Engineering Grand Tour! Learn about what SWE has to offer while meeting new friends. Lunch is offered for free in Champions Kitchen. Families of the prospective student are welcome to join too!
Register for Lunch
During the Women in Engineering (WiE) Day, you and your guests will meet current students, faculty, staff and alumni as you explore UK Engineering. Learn about the process of applying to UK, discover what it takes to be a successful engineering student, and engage with current leaders in the UK Society of Women Engineers, Phi Sigma Rho Sorority, and the Association for Computing Machinery for Women.
During the 2025 Engineering For All event, you and your guests will meet current engineering students, faculty and staff as you explore all that is wildly possible at the UK Pigman College of Engineering. You’ll interact with student leaders and see campus.
The Engineering Open House is one of the most comprehensive recruitment events the Pigman College of Engineering offers. Prospective undergraduate students and their families will interact with engineering professors and current students who will guide you in exploring engineering majors, co-ops and internships, scholarships and more. You will also tour engineering facilities and our residence hall to experience what it’s like to be a UK Engineering student.
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