<p>So we visited Harvey Mudd today. One thing that caught the eye of our prospective student was the fact they had a lot of machine shop tools in addition to an engineering program. So they can build whatever pops into their minds. The question I had was: are machine shops common in schools with an engineering program? Mudd is great an all. But they don't accept many applicants - even when they have outstanding scores. Wondering what else I can find in CA that would have all the machinery in addition to an engineering program.</p>
<p>UC Irvine has a machine shop in its engineering school. I’m not sure how accessible it is to undergrads though. </p>
<p>I believe most schools with a Mech E department have a machine shop, although accessibly to undergrads varies.</p>
<p>Cool - we will be visiting UC Irvine tomorrow in fact!</p>
<p>Cal poly SLO engineering programs are very hands on and do require students to take various classes including welding, pipe-fitting, machining, etc. They have very well stocked labs and all engineering students have access to a wonderful assortment of hands on classes. Requirements vary by major.</p>
<p>Isn’t 3D printing the big thing now? Do any of the top schools have that equipment?</p>
<p>While UCI certainly isn’t a “top” school, its engineering department is excellent and houses RapidTech, a 3-D printing company</p>
<p>Stanford also has a complete machine shop. Admission is no easy matter, though…</p>
<p>Northwestern engineering has strong emphasis on design and its Ford Motor Company Design Center has a machine shop. Freshmen are required to design products for real industry clients; so they definitely get to use the machine shop. </p>
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[url=<a href=“http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-met-northwestern-penguins-20130329,0,4148528.story]Northwestern”>Northwestern students design penguin bootie]Northwestern</a> students design penguin bootie - chicagotribune.com](<a href=“DESIGN INNOVATION - Segal Design Institute, Northwestern University”>DESIGN INNOVATION - Segal Design Institute, Northwestern University)</p>
<p>Engineering schools all have them, but it is worth seeing them on the tour because the size/quality/access vary somewhat. My husband was paying close attention to these details. GWU for example, was not impressive.
Access to equipment will require completion of safety courses, as you would expect!
3-d printers are commonplace, they are getting cheaper all the time.
Another thing to look for are a student run “hackerspace” or “Makerspace” like this one at WPI. [CollabLab</a> Gives Students Space for Robotic, Electronic Projects<em>|</em>WPI Connection](<a href=“http://wp.wpi.edu/connection/2012/02/02/collablab-gives-students-space-for-robotic-electronic-projects/]CollabLab”>http://wp.wpi.edu/connection/2012/02/02/collablab-gives-students-space-for-robotic-electronic-projects/)</p>