An engineering landmark
In all the history of applied science, 50 years is not much. After all, Imhotep — reputed to be the world’s first engineer — designed a pyramid more than 47 centuries ago. But in one corner of Harvard University this month, 50 years is a mark that has great meaning. On Oct. 1, the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) celebrates the 50th anniversary of ABET accreditation for its Scientiæ Baccalaureus (S.B.) degree in engineering sciences. ABET stands for Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, and its imprimatur is required as a first step toward a license for becoming a professional engineer. This accredited degree was the only S.B. offered at Harvard for nearly all of the past 50 years. But in May, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences voted to make electrical engineering and mechanical engineering stand-alone concentrations starting this semester. Both will now earn concentrators the S.B. degree, which...