NJIT vs. Stevens Institute

I taught at NJIT for 10 years and went to Stevens for 2. NJIT used to be an Engineer's engineering school. It actually required that students take the EIT exam before graduation. As an urban state supported school, it is "realtively" inexpensive and has a fine faculty. At one time the faculty had to have had industrial experience, however but I think that that idea has gone by the wayside. For a good solid engineering education, I suggest NJIT.

Stevens, on the otherhand is supposed to be on par with RPI as a high peformance technical school. Classes are more expensive (It is not as well supported by the state) and theyare more difficult. It has better name recognition then NJIT which used to be called the Newark College of Engineering. If you want challenging classes and can afford the expense Stevens is the place to go.

Before you make a decision call the office of student placement and find out the ratio of graduating seniors in your discipline who are employed within six months. This is a good way to find out how well the school can provide a career that can pay off.

Dear Carcru:

I was born and raised in Hoboken NJ, so I knew about Stevens as I was growing up. I applied for and was accepted at the Newark College of Engineering, now NJIT as Guest #1 has stated. In fact my high school yearbook states that I will be attending Newark College of Engineering upon graduation. But, Stevens grants three scholarships, two partial and one full, to students of Hoboken High School which, at the time, was A.J. Demarest, if you can past the test. Hoboken, being only one mile square, had only one high school. So, I applied for the test and got the full scholarship, which meant I went to Stevens. At this point, I would like to agree fully with Guest #1 comments. I would only like to add one item of interest. Most engineering schools grant a Bachelor of Science in (name your discipline). Stevens is one of the few schools which can grant an actual Bachelor of Engineering. This means we had to be proficient in Math, Mechanical, Math, Electrical, Math, Civil, Math, Chemical, etc....I think you get the idea. We had two and a half years of Math, from calculus all the way up to quantum theory. I would advise you to get the catalogs to see what courses are offered now (I think Stevens has added a City Planning or Management of Technology course of study) to see if what they offer now appeals to you. Do this also for NJIT which has become over the years an excellent school. I work with some guys who went there. (There's the usual kidding going on...they like to say that I went to the Stevens Hoboken Institute of Technology...you can figure that out). You know what course I used most after I graduated and went to work? Psychology.

Good luck in your search

Hank

Carcu,

The first two replies you have received provide wonderful information concerning their experiences with both schools and raise some good thoughts you should consider in your decision. Either school will give you a good foundation for a fulfilling life.

I note that you are interested in Industrial Design. While a degree in manufacturing, industrial or mechanical engineering will move you in that direction, you may find that one of the schools has a stronger program in design or that you prefer the design-oriented faculty at one school over the other. So, my thought is that you should visit each school, meet with the admissions office, meet with specific professors they suggest and ask everyone to help you chart the likely courses you will take towards your degree.

You might also ask the admissions office or alumni affairs office to help you make contact with graduates who work in areas of interest to you. And, yes, you might even find some alumni on Facebook or other social sites who can provide information on their likes/dislikes about their education at each school.

Your specific interest in design may be met with the rigorous Bachelor's of Engineering program that one respondent mentioned; you may really enjoy the extensive math courses and engineering fundamentals. On the other hand, many designers have more of a flair for style and, therefore, prefer a fusion of courses in the arts and sciences. For instance, if you are more interested in design of industrial robots for deep space exploration, enroll in a program that is steeped in math/science; but if you are more interested in designing kitchen appliances for the elderly, you might want to get a reasonable foundation in math/science and a good grounding in the social sciences and humanities.

Above all, you will be strongly influenced by your professors. Since you know what you want, go meet them now before you make a final decision. I am certain that in your meeting with some faculty you will know which program is right for your interests, aptitude and personal style.

Best Wishes!

Thanks for your feedback gentlemen!!

Sir,

I hav been offered admit @ NJIT for MS in Chemical engineering..I would like know how good is the chemical engineering dept @ NJIT.Please guide me..

MS in CS ........... stevens or NJIT ?