The Advent of Electrical Engineering at Rensselaer: 1900-1940

The course in electrical engineering began in 1907, 83 years after the founding of the Institute. The adding of two new courses that year laid the foundation for the true polytechnic envisioned by the early leaders of the Institute. A large gift from the widow of Russell Sage provided the financial support for the expansion in facilities and programs. The curriculum established was in the Rensselaer tradition in that it was conservative but responsive to changes in technology and the demand for engineers.