J. B. Speed School of Engineering

The J. B. Speed School of Engineering is an engineering college at the University of Louisville offering programs in seven specialties including chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Multiple buildings on the Belknap Campus house classrooms, laboratories, and research facilities.

The school was founded in 1925 after the James Breckenridge Speed Foundation provided the funding. It received its first accreditation in 1936 and later became the first institution to earn dual accreditation for both undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees.

Engineering students here tackle real-world projects involving bridges, water systems, and energy solutions. You will find them working together in open spaces and testing their designs in shared labs throughout the campus.

The campus is easy to navigate on foot and most buildings are accessible. You will see the most activity during morning hours when classes are in session and students are working in the labs.

The school pioneered the integration of professional internships directly into its degree program, requiring students to complete three semesters of work at real engineering firms. This hands-on approach was uncommon at the time and set it apart from other institutions.