<p>The biggest difference lies in first two-year curriculum, instead of the majors. The core is similar due to ABET accreditation. However, NU made a significant change to its first-two-year curriculum in 1997 and called it Engineering First:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.ijee.ie/articles/Vol13-6/ijee973.pdf?bcsi_scan_6569F29F07BF6BD6=0&bcsi_scan_filename=ijee973.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ijee.ie/articles/Vol13-6/ijee973.pdf?bcsi_scan_6569F29F07BF6BD6=0&bcsi_scan_filename=ijee973.pdf</a>
[Engineering</a> First ® Program | McCormick School of Engineering | Northwestern University](<a href=“Undergraduate Programs | Undergraduate Study | Academics | Northwestern Engineering”>Undergraduate Programs | Undergraduate Study | Academics | Northwestern Engineering)</p>
<p>Penn’s first two-year curriculum, like those in most other schools, is similar to pre-1997 curriculum at NU. </p>
<p>A lot of positives have come out of the Engineering First since 1997. “Design” has become the central theme and it’s an important part of the school’s strategic plan. NU students have won numerous awards at various design competitions. It’s now one of the most design-oriented and entrepreneurial engineering schools out there.
[Design</a> and Innovation at Northwestern University](<a href=“http://www.design.northwestern.edu/]Design”>http://www.design.northwestern.edu/)</p>
<p>It’s no coincidence that Dean Julio M. Ottino, a National Academy of Engineering (NAE) member, had a career as an artist before his PhD in chemical engineering.</p>