How can a school's undergrad be so diff from its grad?

In summary, the conversation discusses the confusion over the different ranking lists for undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering programs in the US. The speaker initially wanted to attend UC Berkeley for their undergraduate program but was disappointed to see it not listed in the top rankings for undergrad programs. However, they are reassured that Berkeley is still a top school for mechanical engineering and the rankings are based on different criteria. It is suggested to focus on finding a school with faculty who share the same interests as the student. A link to the rankings for schools with doctorate programs in mechanical engineering is provided.
  • #1
Elbobo
145
0
For example:

(US's best undergrad mech. engineering)
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college/spec-mechanical

(US's best grad mech. engineering)
http://grad-schools.usnews.rankings...op-engineering-schools/mechanical-engineering

I really wanted to go to Cal-Berkeley for my undergrad in mechanical engineering, but the list for undergrads has no university I've ever heard of. Is Berkeley still good for me..? I always thought it was one of the best engineering schools period, undergrad or grad. Now I'm confused.
 
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  • #2
The list you're looking at is for schools that don't offer PhD degrees. This whole ranking has gotten to be like the grade school contests where everybody wins a prize, even the person who "finished last best".
 
  • #3
In most US institutions, the graduate and undergraduate programs are completely disjoint. While the faculty members are the same, the student experience and training is not. As a rule of thumb, the undergraduate model in the US is a lot like the Oxford/Cambridge model, while the graduate program is more like the German model.
 
  • #4
Er, who's right?
 
  • #5
Cal Berkeley is great! Don't worry about it. As TVP45 said, the first list was institutions without a Ph.D. program. The two lists are looking at disjoint sets of schools. So, the "full" list would mash those two together. I can't say which list is best or right, because they are looking at different things. Cal is really good. And so is Harvey Mudd. It's just one school offers a Ph.D. and the other does not. If you got into any of those, the differences on the "rankings" aren't worth much. They are both superb and your work will be the deciding factor on the education you get.

Short answer: Berkeley is great for mechanical engineering.

Long answer: Find the school that is best for you. Better than ranking lists is look at what school has faculty interested in the same stuff as you are. Your interests will change, for sure, but it is a good way to go.
 
  • #6
If you want it, here are the Mech Eng. Rankings for schools that offer a doctorate:

http://rankings.usnews.com/college/spec-doct-mechanical

USNews figures that you're after a certain type of college experience and separates Baccalaureate Colleges (where you'll presumably have more attention, smaller classes, and fewer TAs) and Universities (where you'll presumably have more famed professors and greater opportunities for research)

Edit: The above are the rankings for the undergraduate programs of schools which offer a doctorate, not to be confused with grad school rankings.
 
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1. How are the undergraduate and graduate programs different at a school?

Undergraduate programs typically focus on providing a broad education and foundational knowledge in a particular field, while graduate programs are more specialized and require a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Graduate programs also often include more research and practical experience.

2. Why do undergraduate students have different requirements than graduate students?

Undergraduate programs have a more general curriculum to expose students to a variety of subjects and allow them to explore different interests. Graduate programs, on the other hand, have more specific requirements to ensure that students have a deep understanding of their chosen field.

3. What types of classes are typically offered in an undergraduate program compared to a graduate program?

Undergraduate classes tend to be larger and more lecture-based, with a focus on foundational knowledge and theory. Graduate classes are often smaller and more discussion-based, with a focus on practical applications and research.

4. How do the teaching styles differ between undergraduate and graduate programs?

Undergraduate courses are often taught by professors, while graduate courses may also be taught by professors but can also be taught by industry professionals or guest lecturers. Graduate courses also tend to have a more collaborative and interactive learning environment.

5. What kind of resources are available to undergraduate students compared to graduate students?

Undergraduate students typically have access to a wider range of resources, such as academic advising, career services, and extracurricular activities. Graduate students may have access to more specialized resources, such as research funding and advanced technology or equipment, tailored to their specific program.

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