Records of the Albert Nerken School of Engineering

When The Cooper Union opened for instruction in 1859, the subjects offered included mathematics; philosophy; design; chemistry; architectural, mechanical and free hand drawing; vocal music; and debating. No bachelor degrees were given, rather graduates received certificates attesting to their education. The structure of the college evolved with the national understanding of what "a college education" meant, and by 1900, The Cooper Union was offering courses in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, as well as an industrial chemistry course. The opening of the Hewitt Memorial Building in 1912 greatly expanding lab space and accelerated engineering education at Cooper. By 1913, graduates were receiving a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and in 1948, both the Art and Engineering programs The Cooper Union were accredited by Middle States Association.

Since its inception, Cooper Union offered both day and night undergraduate courses, and thus, for many years, engineering education at The Cooper Union was divided into the Institute of Technology (4-year course) and the Night School of Engineering (6-year course). In 1964, the college began to phase out the night undergraduate program, though evening classes are still offered under the auspices of Continuing Education and Outreach. 1964 was also when the School of Engineering and Science (as it was called at the time) began offering graduate degrees.

Engineering courses at The Cooper Union have always been open to students of all genders, races, and religion. Notable people in the history of Cooper Union engineering education include: Rosalinda Palmer, who received the Cooper Union Medal for chemistry in 1866; Daisy Brown BS'1904, one of the earliest Black female engineering graduates; Mary Blade, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, who helped found the National Society of Women Engineers at Cooper Union's Green Camp in 1950; Eleanor Baum, first female head of an engineering school, who became Dean in 1987; and Albert Nerken CE'33, whose generosity to the school led to it becoming the Albert Nerken School of Engineering in 1989.