The School of Engineering traces its history back to 1851 when
the catalogue for Normal College, the forerunner of Trinity College
and Duke University, advertised a Classical course which included
surveying in the sophomore year as well as architecture and engineering
for seniors. Similar offerings characterized instruction in engineering
throughout the 73 year period of the institution's operation as
Trinity College. With the change of name to Duke University in 1924,
engineering underwent a period of vigorous development. Several
milestones are noted below, particularly for civil engineering.
With the first doctoral degree in civil engineering offered in 1964,
the mission of the department began to evolve from that of teaching
towards placing greater emphasis on research.
| 1927 |
Civil and Electrical Engineering departments were
established. Mechanical Engineering instruction was given through
the department of civil engineering |
| 1931 |
Mechanical Engineering department established. |
| 1937 |
Departments of CE, EE, & ME were administratively grouped
to form the Division of Engineering after rapid growth of all
departments. |
| 1939 |
The University incorporated the Division of Engineering into
the College Of Engineering, and a Dean is appointed. |
| 1948 |
College of Engineering moves to West Campus and begins classes
in new Engineering Building (Old Red), now Hudson Hall. |
| 1957 |
Through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the College
of Engineering began offering work leading to the Master of
Science degree in all three fields. |
| 1963 |
The local chapter of Delta Chi Epsilon, the Civil Engineering
Honor Society, was established. |
| 1964 |
Doctor of Philosophy degree first offered in Civil Engineering.
|
| 1966 |
College of Engineering changed to School of Engineering. |
| 1969 |
BSCE, BSEE, & BSME degrees changed to BSE degrees. |
| 1972 |
Engineering Annex Building opens. Several labs within civil
engineering, primarily hydraulics, ocean engineering and structural
engineering relocate to the annex. |
| 1982 |
Department of Civil Engineering changed to Department of Civil
and Environmental Engineering. |
| 1987 |
Department of Civil Engineering establishes an undergraduate program in
architectural engineering. |
| 1990 |
International Honors Program established for all undergraduates. |
| 1992 |
Engineering building, (Old Red) named Hudson Hall to honor
Fitzgerald S. "Jerry" Hudson E'46. |
| 1998 |
Engineering In The Future Committee established by
the Provost to assess the School and make recommendations for
future growth. |
| 1999 |
Duke University School of Engineering named the Edmund T.
Pratt Jr. School of Engineering for Edmund T. Pratt Jr. E'47. |
| 2002 |
Construction begins on the Center for Interdisciplinary Engineering,
Medicine and Applied Sciences. |
| 2004 |
Pratt dedicates new Center for Interdisciplinary Engineering,
Medicine and Applied Sciences for alumns Michael and Patty Fitzpatrick. |
| 2005 |
Pratt establishes Helicopter Observation Platform user facility. |