The American System of Education and Training of Mechanical Engineers

Abstract

A very brief review is made of the American system of education and training of mechanical engineers and some of its salient features at the present time are contrasted with the British system. Points of particular interest are the emphasis being placed on the scientific foundations of the subject with a corresponding lack of emphasis on present practice by the colleges, an attempt to produce a more cultured graduate, and a rapid growth of postgraduate education. Points of particular contrast are the small number of engineers who ever undergo apprentice training, and the system of recognition by State boards rather than by the Engineering Institutions.

A short illustration is given of the cost of a university education to the student.