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School of Engineering and Applied Science records

 Collection
Identifier: RG0012

Collection Scope and Content

Materials in this collection include financial reports, correspondence, meeting minutes, by-laws, memos, publications, brochures, photographs, slides, and websites. They range in date from 1917-2002, and were transferred to the University Archives by the Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Note: Not all series are processed. Ask staff for assistance.

Dates

  • Creation: 1917-2002

Restrictions on Access

Some records may be restricted.

Restrictions on Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Historical Note

The School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at The George Washington University was organized on October 1, 1884, as the Corcoran Scientific School of Columbian University, and was situated in the University Building at 15th and H Streets, N.W. The School was named for William W. Corcoran, Trustee and President of the Corporation (as the Board of Trustees was referred to at the time) from 1869-88. Day and evening courses in science and technology were offered, which led to the degrees of Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, and Mining Engineer. Although the school lacked the national distinction that was to come, it was among the first to accept women for degree candidacy in engineering.

In 1903 a single Department of Arts and Sciences was authorized to offer graduate engineering degrees. Administrative changes led to the creation of the Washington College of Engineering in 1905, as one of the several semi-independent undergraduate colleges of the University.

In 1909, the name of the College was changed to the College of Engineering and Mechanic Arts, and the curricula were revised to give the students a thorough understanding of the theory underlying engineering practice. Emphasis was placed on the development of a knowledge of scientific principles upon which the student could build and by which he or she might solve new problems as they were met in practice.

The name of the School was changed in 1914 to the College of Engineering, and later to the School of Engineering. Architecture was dropped from the curriculum and degrees were limited to the field of engineering. However, the primary emphasis upon principles rather than technology, which had characterized the School since 1903, was continued and remain to this day as one of the important distinguishing features of the School.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science's history has been marked by distinguished service to the nation. In 1940, with the nation on the edge of war, the school created seven special courses to prepare the country for the stresses that war would put on America's productive capacity. Topics included concrete testing and map making. By 1944, these courses had evolved into 15-week war-training courses covering such topics as the elements of interior ballistics.

In 1962, the name of the School became the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Through its five departments - Civil and Environmental Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Engineering Management and Systems Engineering; and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - the School of Engineering and Applied Science offers undergraduate study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science (with majors in biomedical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering), and Bachelor of Arts (with majors in applied science and technology and in computer science). Five-year bachelor's/master's degree programs are available for selected majors.

In cooperation with the Law School, an integrated engineering and law program leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science or Arts and Juris Doctor is offered. An integrated engineering and medicine program leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science or Arts and Doctor of Medicine is offered in cooperation with the School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The School offers graduate study leading to the degrees of Master of Science, Master of Engineering Management, and Doctor of Science and to the professional degrees of Engineer and Applied Scientist. The Dean of the School reports to the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

From 1942-71 and 1980-91 the School published the journal Mecheleciv, and since the early 1960's has sponsored the annual Frank Howard lecture given by the alumni association.

N.B. This history note was written in 2005

Extent

9 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection includes financial reports, correspondence, meeting minutes, by-laws, memos, publications, brochures, photos slides, and websites.

Collection Organization

Organized into nine series: four series of Departmental files, Graphics, Records, Mecheleciv magazine and Publications, Audio Video materials, and websites.

Acquisition Information

Materials acquired through transfers from the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Title
Guide to the School of Engineering and Applied Science records, 1917-2002
Author
University Archives, Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2007
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
George Washington University Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW
Washington DC 20052 United States of America