The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Architecture

The Master of Science in Architecture (M.S.Arch.), formerly known as Master of Architecture II, is the School's post-professional degree program, launched in 2009. It is open to applicants with a professional degree in architecture (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture I) from a NAAB-accredited program or equivalent, who have completed at least one year of work experience.

Architecture

The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture offers a five-year program leading to the Bachelor of Architecture degree, a first professional degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Design studios and courses build cumulatively over the five years to establish a broad and deep foundation of knowledge in architecture and urban design in relation to developments in the sciences, arts, and technology.

Chemical Engineering

The Department of Chemical Engineering teaches students science and engineering fundamentals and guides the application of this knowledge to the ethical, professional practice of chemical engineering. The education of the chemical engineer requires a strong foundation in chemistry and physics, applied through the medium of mathematics to the solution of design, modeling, scale-up and control problems. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Civil Engineering

The Albert Nerken School of Engineering offers a Bachelor of Engineering degree program in civil engineering, accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. The curriculum combines mathematics and science, engineering sciences and design, and humanities and social sciences, and makes use of New York City and its infrastructure as a laboratory.

Computer Science

The computer science program was launched in 2024 and admitted its first class in September of 2025. Like the other engineering majors, the computer science program integrates theory with practical application from the onset, starting with collaborative projects in the first year and progressing through specialized projects.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering comprises the physical systems, devices and processes that form the backbone for the Information Age, including electronic devices and materials, integrated circuits, signal analysis and processing, computer architectures, embedded and distributed systems and networks, machine learning, and biomedical engineering. From the second through the fourth year, students take a sequence of projects courses totaling 12 credits.

Engineering

The Cooper Union offers a Master of Engineering degree with areas of concentration in chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. The Albert Nerken School of Engineering offers both thesis and non-thesis Master of Engineering degrees, requiring a minimum of 30 graduate level credits beyond the baccalaureate degree completed at The Cooper Union.

Fine Arts

The goal of the BFA program is to educate students in the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary for professional practice in art- and design-related fields. The integrated curriculum educates students in specific fine arts disciplines and in the complex interrelation of all visual vocabularies, beginning with a first-year Foundation Program and continuing through disciplines such as drawing, audiovisual, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

General Engineering

The school offers a general engineering program (B.S.E.) that empowers students to create their own curricula, within carefully set parameters, in those areas of engineering that cross traditional boundaries—for example, computer science, entrepreneurship, biomedical, energy, sustainability, infrastructure, environmental, mechatronics, and robotics. The B.S.E. program provides an excellent preparation for graduate work in law, medicine, business, and finance. The B.S.E.

Mechanical Engineering

Creativity, problem-solving, and design are at the heart of Mechanical Engineering, the broadest of the engineering disciplines. Cooper students build a strong foundation and have the flexibility to study an expansive range of theoretical and technological interests, including mechanics and materials, thermo-fluid sciences, combustion, vibrations and acoustics, dynamics and control systems, and robotics. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.