Undergraduate Admissions

Solve Hard Problems. Have Fun Doing It

You’re having so much fun you don’t realize how hard you’re working. Or, maybe, it’s the other way around: You’re so in-the-zone, lose-track-of-time immersed in the problem you’re trying to solve (and failing to solve, and finally solving) that you don’t even notice how much fun you’re having doing it.

Either way, that’s life at Duke Engineering. It’s hard. It’s fun. Often at the same exact moment.

Duke University students sit together on the quad

The Real World Can’t Wait

At Duke Engineering, we expect you to impact the world from the time you arrive on campus. You will work on real problems—fixing the climate, harnessing AI, the ethics of gene editing. What stokes your passion? You will work for actual clients with very real expectations. You will go beyond hypotheticals to consider environmental, social, ethical, cultural and economic contexts. Come ready.

Your First Year: Designing and Coding from the Drop

A lot of engineering programs start with semesters or even years of fundamental coursework. Not here.

In our First-Year Design program, you dive straight into solving real-life problems with a team of fellow engineers. In First-Year Computing you’ll devise an algorithm and learn to code—no prior programming knowledge required.

You might struggle. Your design or program might even fail. But learning while doing will hone the essential technical and communications skills you need to succeed long term.

You want to know the best part? Experiencing the meaningful impact your work as an engineer can have on real people.

Duke first-year students work on team projects together with oversight and guidance from faculty during a new Engineering Design Pod class. The program is part of a new initiative designed to give all engineering students project- and problem-based experiences right from the start. One of the projects involves developing a prosthetic arm for nursing students learning to put in IV lines.
First-years and transfer students sing the Alma Mater during the Convocation for New Undergraduate Students at Duke Chapel.
First-years and transfer students sing the Alma Mater during the Convocation for New Undergraduate Students at Duke Chapel.

Diversity Makes Better Engineers

An optimist sees the glass as half full. A pessimist? Half empty. An engineer sees a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be. Point is, engineers see things differently. Duke engineers see things very differently. Why use glass at all? Can we create a more efficient material? Ooh, should we include a water quality sensor? Here, we value different backgrounds and ways of thinking—because new approaches generate new solutions.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
First-year students participating in Project Seed, an Experiential Orientation program for incoming students, use a laser cutter at the Co-Lab to create designs.
First-year students participating in Project Seed, an Experiential Orientation program for incoming students, use a laser cutter at the Co-Lab to create designs.

Student Entrepreneurship: Engineering Confidence

In classrooms and design labs, in the coffee bar and under the red maple in the quad, Duke engineers are always solving problems. Born on campus, those solutions must find their way into the world. That’s why we believe it’s vital to teach our undergraduate students the entrepreneurial skills, and infuse them with the confidence, to transform problem-solving ideas into high-impact ventures.

Explore entrepreneurship
Madison Danoff, a Duke senior, works with her mentor, Professor Lisa Satterwhite in Satterwhite's lab.
Madison Danoff, a Duke senior, works with her mentor, Professor Lisa Satterwhite in Satterwhite’s lab.

Mentorship: (More than) a Bit of Advice

What’s the best bit of advice you ever received? Throughout your time at Duke Engineering, it will gain some company. Your advising team includes your academic dean, a dedicated faculty advisor, volunteer upper-class students and directors of academic engagement specializing in areas such as global and civic engagement. And that’s just for starters—as your interests crystallize, your mentorship network will only grow.

Learn more about advising resources

Campus Life: The Duke Community

There’s an energy on Duke’s campus that you can feel. It radiates from connections being forged, creativity being sparked, and ideas being born. Tap into that energy—you’re going to need it. You’ve got 8,600+ acres to roam and the city of Durham to discover; 1,700 classmates to meet; 27 varsity, Division I teams to cheer on; and Midnight Breakfast to nosh. More pancakes?

Duke chapel at sunset
Building on an 18-year tradition, the Class of 2027 participates in the annual first-year class photo on Duke’s East Campus.

Take a Tour

To truly capture Duke’s essence, connect with our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Their collaborative spirit embodies what Duke is all about. Whether you join us virtually, in person, or both, know that visiting isn’t a factor in the admissions decision. We look forward to welcoming you!

Virtual Open House

Applying to Duke

Visit the Duke Undergraduate Admissions site to learn how to apply.

Review Our Handy Tips

How to prep for college

Make
Choices

First-Year or Transfer? Early or Regular Decision?

Check Dates & Deadlines

Early Decision applications are due Nov. 1. Regular Decision applications due Jan. 2

Start Your Application

Choose the Common Application, Coalition Application or QuestBridge Application

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