1. Overview of Engineering and Science Programs in the United States Dr. Raymond Lutzky New York University rlutzky@nyu.edu

2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs are "hot" in the United States right now…and globally.

3. What university has the oldest engineering program in the United States?

4.  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") A Brief History of Engineering Colleges in the United States

5.  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 The Polytechnic Model

6.  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… Other Considerations

7.  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)  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 Degree Programs

8.  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 Research

9.  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 Work Experience

10. Types of Companies that Hire STEM Students and Graduates

11.  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: Undergraduate Applicants

12.  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 Tips: Graduate Applicants

13. Questions? Dr. Raymond Lutzky New York University rlutzky@nyu.edu