Maseeh College Of Engineering And Computer ScienceEdit
The Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science (MCECS) is the engineering and computer science college of Portland State University, located in Portland, Oregon. As the public university for the metro region, PSU relies on a mix of state support, tuition, and industry partnerships to deliver an education that emphasizes practical skills, hands-on problem solving, and pathways to local employment. The college bears the name of Hashem Maseeh, whose philanthropic support helped expand facilities, scholarships, and opportunities for students pursuing engineering and computer science. In line with a pragmatic, outcomes-focused approach, MCECS positions itself as a bridge between academic training and the technical needs of the Pacific Northwest economy. Portland State University Oregon
Across its programs, MCECS aims to produce engineers and computer scientists who can contribute to infrastructure, technology, and innovation in both the public and private sectors. The college emphasizes applied learning—capstone projects with nearby firms, internships, and cooperative education—so students graduate with tangible experience that enhances employability in firms such as those in the region's aerospace, software, and energy industries. In this context, the college also seeks to balance robust STEM training with broad preparation in communication, teamwork, and professional ethics. Engineering education Computer science
History
Origins and development
Engineering education at Portland State University has roots going back many decades, evolving from foundational programs to a dedicated college that concentrates on both traditional engineering disciplines and modern computing disciplines. The formation of a named engineering college within PSU reflects a broader trend in public universities to consolidate engineering and computer science offerings under a single umbrella to improve coordination, facilities, and branding for industry partnerships. Over time, the college expanded its facilities and increased support for graduate study and research activity, aligning itself with the region’s growth in high-technology manufacturing, software development, and design optimization. Portland State University
Renaming and philanthropy
The designation Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science signals a substantial philanthropic contribution that helped fund facilities upgrades, scholarships, and endowed professorships. The naming reflects an ongoing public-private partnership model common to major public universities, where donor support accelerates capital projects and programmatic growth while remaining accountable to state and university governance. This history of philanthropy and public investment is part of how the college positions itself as a driver of regional competitiveness in engineering and computing. Hashem Maseeh (if an article exists) Philanthropy in higher education
Academics
Degrees and programs
- B.S. degrees in a range of engineering disciplines and in computer science, with a focus on preparing students for entry into industry or advanced study.
- A spectrum of M.S. and Ph.D. programs across engineering and computer science to support research careers and leadership roles in technology and infrastructure.
- Interdisciplinary options and industry-relevant certificates that reflect the college’s emphasis on applied know-how and collaboration with local employers.
Students at MCECS benefit from a curriculum designed to balance theory with hands-on practice, including design projects, laboratory work, and opportunities for real-world problem solving in collaboration with regional firms and public agencies. The college works to keep programs aligned with workforce needs while maintaining rigorous standards that emphasize foundational mathematics, science, and engineering principles. Portland State University Electrical engineering Computer science Civil engineering
Departments and research areas
The college encompasses several engineering and computing disciplines, with active research and instructional programs in areas such as: - Software engineering, systems programming, and data-driven computing - Electrical and computer engineering topics including signal processing and embedded systems - Civil and environmental engineering with a focus on infrastructure resilience - Mechanical and materials engineering related to manufacturing, energy, and materials science - Related multidisciplinary programs that connect computing with science and engineering practice
Faculty and students engage in collaborative research with industry partners, government laboratories, and other universities, contributing to regional innovation and technology transfer. Computer science Electrical engineering Civil engineering Mechanical engineering
Facilities and student work
The college maintains laboratories and design spaces intended to support hands-on learning, prototype development, and experimentation. Facilities upgrades funded by donor gifts and public investment are intended to help students translate classroom knowledge into practical capabilities. In addition to traditional laboratories, capstone projects and internships connect students with the local tech and engineering ecosystems. Laboratorys Capstone projects
Research and impact
MCECS emphasizes research that aligns with regional economic priorities, including infrastructure modernization, software-enabled systems, and advanced manufacturing. The college’s research ecosystem includes graduate programs, faculty- and student-led projects, and collaborations with industry partners. The resulting innovations feed into startup activity, technology transfer, and public-sector improvements across the Northwest. Technology transfer Public-private partnerships
The broader conversation about how public universities allocate resources—between generic instruction, DEI initiatives, and targeted STEM excellence—has generated debate. From one side, there is emphasis on maintaining merit-based admissions and performance metrics, ensuring that taxpayer-supported institutions deliver strong returns on investment for students and employers. From another, proponents argue that diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts expand opportunity, expand the talent pool, and improve problem solving in engineering and computing. Proponents of DEI initiatives often point to research showing that diverse teams perform better on complex, collaborative tasks, while critics warn about potential costs and the risk of diluting focus on core STEM competencies. In this debate, the right-of-center perspective typically stresses accountability, measurable outcomes, and the primacy of merit, while allowing that inclusive teaching practices can be implemented without compromising standards. Diversity in engineering Data science Public higher education ROI of higher education
Campus life and engagement
PSU’s urban setting provides engineering and computer science students with opportunities to interact with a broad ecosystem of tech companies, startups, and public institutions. Student organizations, internship pathways, and co-op programs help translate academic study into career readiness. The MCECS emphasizes experiential learning, mentorship from faculty and practicing engineers, and career preparation that aligns with Northwest industry needs. Portland, Oregon Industry partnerships