When the students are required to make a choice for the graduate engineering degree they face the choice between Purdue University and Harvard University. There are always some points of similarities and dissimilarities but for those who are interested in engineering disciplines, there are some peculiarities. We are going to dive in deep to take a closer look at Purdue University’s engineering and Harvard University’s engineering to assist you in making a wise decision for the future.
There is vast list of concentrations in all fields of engineering that Purdue University Graduate School of engineering provides. For instance, in Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering and other specializations, Purdue has specialized curricula. On the other hand, Harvard offers some broader and specific programs such as PhD in Engineering Science and Applied Mathematics.
The focus of Purdue is on providing engineering education and conducting engineering research that makes the Purdue’s Mechanical Engineering department’s performance even better than Harvard’s in spite of Harvard being one of the leading academic institution. This is proven by its high ranking as per the recent rankings.
Employment of Engineering Graduates and Engineering Links to Industries
When selecting a graduate degree program and the school, one should consider the career prospects afterwards. In this aspect, Purdue University holds a strong position with strong industry linkages and the ability to place engineering graduates into excellent engineering jobs. There is a professional contact between the leaders in the engineering field and many professors from the Purdue University. This helps to offers students the exposure to practical ideas and connections.
However, Harvard, as a university, lacks the kind of connections to the industries relevant to the field of engineering as MIT does. This greatly affects your post graduation employment, especially if your goal is to get a job in the engineering field after completing your graduation.
Campus Environment and Culture of University
The graduate school experience is greatly affected by the environment of the university. Purdue University has its campus in West Lafayette, Indiana, a large town with emphasis on engineering and tech. Currently, Purdue has about four times as many Undergraduate students as Harvard and three times as many Graduate students; this means that Purdue offers a vibrant academic environment focused on research and application.
Harvard’s campus is located in a city of Cambridge, Massachusetts and is more urbanized with more varied concentration of academic programs. While this can be an advantage in its own right as far as cultural experience is concerned, it may not give the same close-to-life engineering experience as that offered by Purdue.
Tuition and Cost of Living: One of the Factors
The factor of cost cannot be ruled out while discussing graduate engineering degrees. Tuition fees at Purdue University as a public university are reasonably cheaper than those at Harvard University which is a private institution. Also, the cost of living in West Lafayette is comparatively low compared to the cost of living in the Cambridge/Boston region.
Such cost differences can translate into a significant differential on your overall investment in education, and therefore the probable student debt. This is reflected by the school’s tuition freeze which has been in effect for some time now, and as a result is a perfect university to attend for any financially conscious student who wants quality education.
Public vs Private University: Different Philosophies
Purdue is a public, land-grant university and therefore it serves to educate a large population and provide a utilitarian education. This means a large focus on engineering and technology, which is supported by numerous resources for students. Harvard is a private university and it offers more liberal arts course than an engineering student would expect to get from an engineering-oriented university.
Engineering Fields and Areas of Research
Purdue has graduate engineering programs in different fields; therefore it allows students to choose their area of concentration. This specialization can be very useful for those who wish to progress in certain areas of engineering. Therefore, if a student aims at having a broad base of engineering knowledge, then this might work for him/her, but the focus in certain areas might not be as deep as in some particular schools like MIT.
The research programs in both universities are outstanding; however, Purdue’s large engineering complexes and vast connections to industries can offer a more specialized experience for engineering graduate students.
University Facilities and Resources
Purdue University has also ensured that it has the best engineering facilities with modern laboratories and computer systems. Such investments are to show that Purdue wants to remain relevant in the area of engineering education and research. However, Harvard also has great infrastructures which, however, may not be as specialized in engineering fields as those of Purdue.
Community and Support Systems
Purdue engineering is one of the most collaborative and supportive engineering communities in the United States. Engineering being a popular field of study among students and a common area of employment among the faculty, there are many ways you can connect, cooperate, and get help. This community aspect can be very useful during the difficult times in graduate school and in one’s career.
Conclusion: Making Your Choice
Deciding between Purdue University and Harvard University for your graduate engineering degree is a decision that depends on the person’s preferences and circumstances. While being accepted to Harvard provides campus prestige and a general liberal arts experience, Purdue will give you a highly targeted engineering education with connections to industries and possibly a better return on tuition.
It is advisable to go through both the campuses, interact with the current students as well as the alumni and must weigh the career prospects before making the final decision. Of course, it is important to choose the best option for you and your further career in the sphere of engineering.
Are you eager to advance to the next level in engineering practice? If you are inclined to believe in Purdue’s specialization or Harvard’s diversification, we are here for you. Get in touch with the admission office today to find out how our graduate engineering programs can help you take off. Your engineering future is here, and we want to build it with you – the first step is choosing the right education.
– The Author is Mr. Ajay Thiara, Founder and Managing Director of 360 College Review
Image Credit – Freepik