Theory based vs technical engineering programs

[Anonymous]

Both DCs are interested in engineering and I was discussing engineering schools with neighbor. He said that the Ivys are all "theory based" programs where as state schools are more technical based. He described it as one focuses on the why/what and the other focuses on the "how". The theory based schools are producing consultants and lawyers. Is there any truth to this? I am not an engineer and my neighbor is pretty much the only one I know. If so,.what top schools are theory based and what ones are technical based?

[Anonymous]

I graduated from a highly ranked state school's engineering program 20 years ago. You do learn a little in engineering classes, but it is basically just there to weed out people. You learn the most on the job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I graduated from a highly ranked state school's engineering program 20 years ago. You do learn a little in engineering classes, but it is basically just there to weed out people. You learn the most on the job.

This. I worked in a civil/structural engineering office as a support person. One of the principal's of the company worked at Boeing in Seattle for his first engineering job. He literally had no idea what he was doing on his first day. He learned the engineering job, on the job. He always told this story to new engineer hires.

[Anonymous]

Harvard for example used to only have a General Engineering degree. They've added MechE and EE, but the programs are new. I think an elite tech school (MIT, Cal Tech, Olin) is your best bet and then it's state schools.