Describes science master's programs that are being designed for students who want graduate training but don't aspire to academic careers. They aim to train scientifically-educated people for the increasingly high-tech workforce without turning every student into a researcher. (EV)

Describes how Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts is using a $500 million pledge, a nontenured faculty, and a group of top students to help develop a new kind of institution, the first independent, four-year engineering college created in 40 years. (EV)

Compares the distance education model of Western Governors University, which offers online instruction and degrees and competes with existing colleges, with that of Southern Regional Education Board's Electronic Campus, which offers students easy access to online courses offered by participating colleges. Notes that the SREB model has been more…

Trends in innovative investment of college funds are discussed, and the nontraditional, entrepreneurial investments of Bowdoin, Bryn Mawr, Duke, and the Universities of Missouri at Kansas City, Utah, and Virginia are described. (MSE)

Internet II, a higher-speed information network under development, is supported by almost 100 colleges and universities. It would let researchers develop advanced tools, but would be costly for institutions. A similar but more limited project, the Very High Speed Backbone Network Service (VBNS), has also garnered college support. Technical,…

Harvard University's founding and development, reputation, famous graduates, presidents, and history of curricular innovation and change are outlined as it celebrates 350 years of existence. (MSE)