Transcript An Overview of Engineering and Science Programs

Overview of Engineering and
Science Programs in
the United States
Dr. Raymond Lutzky
New York University
[email protected]
Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) programs are "hot" in
the United States right
now…and globally.
What university has the oldest
engineering program in the
United States?
A Brief History of Engineering
Colleges in the United States
 First engineering program; United States Military
Academy at West Point in upstate New York (1802)
 First technological university; Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute (1824, founded as "The Rensselaer School"),
also in upstate New York – oldest tech school in the
English-speaking world
 Many others followed at University of Virginia (1836),
University of Alabama (1837), Brown University
(1847), NYU School of Engineering (1854, founded as
"Brooklyn Polytechnic and Collegiate Institute")
The Polytechnic Model
 Some schools designated "Polytechnic Institute,"
"Institute of Technology," & even "School of Mines"
 Similar to the Polytechnic model in Eurasia;
"Polytechnic" meaning "many arts"
 While many of these schools focused on technologies
of their time (for example, mining and
railways/bridges), today most encompass science,
engineering, business, technology
 No "real" difference between an "Institute" and a
"University" today; they are interchangeable terms
Other Considerations
 At some U.S. schools, science and engineering
programs are not in the same part of the university –
they may exist in a "College of Arts and Sciences"
(usually for sciences such as chemistry, physics,
biology, sometimes computer science), while applied
sciences and engineering will be located in a "College
of Engineering" (applied physics, etc.)
 The difference between "engineering" and
"engineering technology"
 Accreditation (ABET, etc.), Non-profit status…
Degree Programs
 Associate's degrees (2 year schools)
 Bachelor's degrees (4 year schools, sometimes 5 year
programs in certain fields, such as biomedical
engineering)
 Graduate degrees (between 2 and 7-10 years)
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Master's (thesis/research; M.A., M.S., etc.)
Master's (professional, sometimes called PSM, M.E.)
Doctorate (Ph.D., D.Sc., D.Eng.)
Certificate of Advances Study (ex., Princeton)
 While not a "degree," Post Docs are common
Research
 Summer research programs prior to bachelor's
degrees are a good idea (internships also)
 Summer research programs for university students:
 Usually 8-10 weeks, with housing and stipend
 Sometimes referred to as "REU," the designation by
those funded via U.S. National Science Foundation
 More important for certain fields; for example,
biomedical engineering and biosciences
 Even limited experiences are good – similar to
medical school applicants
Work Experience
 Science and engineering companies in the U.S. are
among the most sophisticated when it comes to
hiring international students/graduates
 Work Experience, Student Visas and STEM
 CPT – Curricular Practical Training (for credit)
 OPT – Optional Practical Training (for pay)
 12 months, plus "STEM Extension" (currently 17 months,
may be changed to 24, for a total of 3 years)
 H1B Work Visas and STEM Fields
Types of Companies that Hire
STEM Students and Graduates
Tips: Undergraduate Applicants
 Emphasize internships/research/preparation for
engineering or science study
 Obtain recommendation letters from math or science
teachers (for engineering, math is better)
 Work towards the highest level science/math courses
possible
 Consider the industry connections of universities prior
to enrollment
Tips: Graduate Applicants
 Obtain multiple research/internship opportunities in a
relevant field
 Do not apply to programs for which you have no
background (for example, someone studying biology
would not be suitable for biomedical engineering)
 Obtain letters of recommendation from professors
that know you, not just "famous people"
 Personal statement should reflect thoughtful choices
of field, career, and institution
Questions?
Dr. Raymond Lutzky
New York University
[email protected]