The Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering focuses on creating key technologies that serve the state of Nevada, the southwest region of the United States, and the world, with the goal of expanding knowledge in these technologies and providing benefits to society. The College of Engineering is working to establish strong collaborative ties with industrial partners to encourage technology transfer and commercialization of these technologies in order to create new business opportunities.

Engineering faculty members pursue innovative solutions to many challenges with particular focus in the areas of biomedical engineering; environmental engineering; renewable energy; security engineering and transportation.