Which Engineering Schools are Applied and Theoretical?

College Search & Selection
1

I am a rising senior interested in studying mechanical and/or electrical and computer engineering. I am considering the following schools:

Bucknell
Carnegie Mellon
Case Western Reserve
Cornell
Johns Hopkins
Lehigh
MIT
Northeastern
Olin
Princeton
RPI
Rutgers
Tufts
U Rochester
WPI

I recently visited several schools and noticed specifically that Northeastern, WPI, and Olin all have very applied curriculums (projects, co-ops, etc.) while Princeton has a very theoretical curriculum (lots of high level math and science with a focus on research).

Of the other schools I am looking into, how applied or theoretical are the curriculum at each? What is the academic experience like in a holistic sense? What parts of education do they value the most (breadth or depth, for example)?

Also, what are the pros and cons of getting an applied vs. theoretical engineering education?

Thanks.

2

I am currently a student at RPI and I would have to say that there are a lot of projects and co-ops as the year progresses. But there are also a lot of research opportunities for undergrads, so I would say it’s a mix of both?

3

All ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree programs in engineering will include substantial engineering science and engineering design. However, some schools may tilt a little one way or the other in required courses, and students may choose in-major electives that tilt one way or the other. You can check the courses and requirements for your major at each school to see how much of an emphasis on engineering science and engineering design there is in the required and elective courses offered.