Carnegie Mellon University

The History of Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon was founded in November 1900 when industrialist Andrew Carnegie announced his intention to build a new technical school in the City of Pittsburgh.

Andrew Carnegie's idea for this school centered on the need for practical problem solving, our hallmark in education and research to this day. Carnegie sought to create an institution modeled not on the great European or American universities rooted in the liberal arts, but rather on the Scottish model of technical schools designed for the needs of an industrial society. At such schools, children of working-class families could learn useful skills, trades, or crafts which, Carnegie maintained, were fundamental to improving communities, instilling self-discipline, and living a satisfying and productive life.

Read more.