Graduate Life
Welcome to Yale Engineering, a thriving academic community where graduate students make significant contributions to cutting-edge research, innovation, and discovery. At Yale Engineering, we recognize that graduate students are the driving force behind some of the most impactful advancements in science and technology. Our goal is to provide you with the resources, support, and opportunities you need to excel both academically and personally during your time at Yale.
A Supportive Academic Environment
At Yale Engineering, graduate students benefit from world-class faculty mentorship and a rigorous yet collaborative academic culture. Our faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research. From day one, you will be encouraged to take ownership of your academic journey, contributing to projects that have real-world impact.
Graduate students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, makerspaces like the Center for Engineering Innovation & Design, and specialized research facilities that empower innovation and hands-on learning. The interdisciplinary nature of Yale Engineering means that you’ll have opportunities to collaborate across the many departments and professional schools at Yale, such as the School of Medicine, School of Management, and School of Law.
Professional Development and Career Advancement
Yale Engineering is committed to your professional growth. Our programs offer a variety of workshops, seminars, and events to help you build the skills you need to succeed in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship. Career services tailored to engineering students provide support with job placements and networking opportunities. Whether you envision a future in academia, the private sector, or as a startup founder, Yale Engineering will help you chart your path to success.
Student Success Resources
Yale Engineering graduate students have access to numerous resources to support their academic and professional development. These resources are designed to help students navigate their academic experience, develop essential skills, and prepare for successful careers.
The Poorvu Writing Center offers writing support tailored specifically for graduate students. Whether you need help refining your research papers, theses, or grant applications, the Writing Center provides one-on-one consultations, workshops, and peer review groups. Graduate students can also access resources on academic writing, citation management, and effective communication.
Learn more about how the Poorvu Writing Center can benefit your academic and professional career.
The Office of Career Strategy (OCS) helps graduate students prepare for life beyond Yale. OCS offers career counseling, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and job search resources. Whether you're pursuing a career in academia or industry, OCS provides guidance on how to navigate your career path. They also host networking events, job fairs, and employer information sessions to connect students with potential opportunities.
Find out more about the Office of Career Strategy and its comprehensive support services.
Yale’s extensive library system offers graduate students access to millions of academic resources, including journals, databases, and special collections. The Yale University Library system comprises several libraries, each with unique collections tailored to specific fields of study. Graduate students can take advantage of research consultations, workshops on data management, and access to digital tools that facilitate their research.
Visit Yale Library Services to learn more about the academic resources available to you.
Graduate students with entrepreneurial ambitions can explore a range of opportunities through Tsai Center for Innovative Thinking at Yale (Tsai CITY) and Yale Ventures. These programs offer mentorship, funding opportunities, and workshops on innovation and startup development. From launching a startup to creating impactful solutions to global challenges, Yale provides the resources and support to help students turn their ideas into reality.
Discover more about Tsai CITY and Yale Ventures to pursue your entrepreneurial interests.
Living in New Haven - A Great Small City
New Haven, home to Yale University for nearly three centuries, offers the perfect blend of dynamic city energy and close-knit community warmth. As a thriving center for business, arts, and innovation, the city provides endless opportunities for cultural and professional enrichment.
The historic downtown buzzes with activity year-round, featuring hundreds of arts exhibitions, theatrical performances, and museums. Within walking distance of Yale Engineering's campus, you can explore the Yale University Art Gallery, enjoy performances at the Yale Repertory Theatre, or explore the collections at the newly renovated Peabody Museum.
New Haven has emerged as a hub for cutting-edge innovation, hosting numerous Yale-affiliated startups in biotechnology, environmental science, and quantum technologies. The city's strategic location between Boston and New York City makes it an ideal setting for entrepreneurship while maintaining a welcoming, accessible atmosphere.
For graduate students, New Haven offers abundant housing options both on and off campus, with many choices within walking distance of Yale Engineering buildings. As a student at Yale Engineering, positioned at the heart of the University, you'll build meaningful connections through your department and the broader University community. The McDougal Graduate Student Center serves as a cornerstone of graduate student life, providing essential resources, hosting events, and fostering a vibrant community that helps students thrive throughout their academic pursuits.
Student Clubs & Organizations
Yale offers a wide array of student clubs and organizations for graduate students to explore their interests and passions, build connections, and make a meaningful impact. Yale Engineering graduate students can join any University-wide club and currently registered students can access the GSAS Student Club Resources information on Yale Connect.
View a listing of Yale Engineering-specific clubs and organizations
Spotlight: Graduate Engineering Community Organization (GECO)
The Graduate Engineering Community Organization (GECO) fosters a sense of inclusion and belonging among graduate students at Yale Engineering. Established in 2021 with support from the SEAS Dean’s Office, GECO hosts a variety of social and mentorship events, such as monthly TGIF gatherings, game nights, breakfasts, and more.
GECO’s mission is to build a vibrant community across Yale Engineering departments and support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) efforts.
Leadership Opportunities
Yale offers numerous student leadership opportunities, from representing your peers in graduate student government to shaping university policies and fostering cross-school collaboration. Yale Engineering graduate students actively participate and serve in leadership roles across these university-wide organizations.
Graduate Student Assembly (GSA)
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is an elected body of Yale students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The Assembly’s goals are to identify the needs and concerns of graduate students, consider possible solutions, and present these to the Dean and other administrators. The GSA also discusses, proposes, and advises on possible changes to Graduate School policy proposed by the administration, providing a means for communication and deliberation between graduate students and other members of the Yale community.
Graduate & Professional Student Senate (GPSS)
The mission of the Graduate & Professional Student Senate (GPSS) is to build community among graduate and professional students, create relationships with other university groups for graduate and professional student benefit, oversee Gryphon’s Pub, and influence the policy, culture, and views of the university through direct communication with Yale administration and Senator representation on university-wide committees.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
At Yale Engineering, we are committed to an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our community. We celebrate differences related to age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, nationality, immigration status, sexual orientation, religion, disability status, and socioeconomic background. Recognizing that diversity strengthens research and education, we actively support the recruitment, retention, and success of students, postdocs, staff, and faculty from varied backgrounds.
Spotlight: Yale Engineering Ambassadors
Yale Engineering graduate students can become Yale Engineering Ambassadors, participating in national conventions to recruit diverse graduate students to our programs. Ambassadors attend conventions, host a Yale Engineering booth, and engage with prospective students in various venues. All conference expenses are covered, and participants receive a certificate of recognition from the Dean’s Office.
Common annual conventions include:
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
Spotlight: Ivy Collective for Inclusion in Engineering Doctoral Symposium
The Ivy Collective for Inclusion in Engineering Doctoral Symposium is a place for doctoral students in engineering to benefit from the rich exchange of personal experiences aimed at propelling the future of engineering towards greater inclusion. The symposium features panels and presentations curated for Ph.D. students progressing towards degree completion as well as those seeking insights for careers in engineering. This event is open to all PhD students in engineering, computer science, and applied sciences at Ivy League institutions. Yale Engineering provides support for students to attend this conference.
Health & Recreation
Graduate & Professional Intramurals
The Graduate & Professional Intramural Program offers opportunities for Yale graduate students, faculty, staff, and their spouses to participate in recreational sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, and softball. Yale Engineering has routinely fielded competitive teams in both softball and soccer leagues.
Recreational Programs
Yale Recreation provides activities for everyone, from group fitness classes to outdoor adventures. The Payne Whitney Gymnasium is one of the largest indoor athletic facilities in the world, offering a variety of fitness resources.
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