Northrop University
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Former name | Northrop Aeronautical Institute (1946 to March 1959) Northrop Institute of Technology (March 1959 to 1974) |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Active | 1946–1991 |
| Founder | Jack Northrop |
Parent institution | Northrop Corporation |
| Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
Officer in charge | James L. McKinley, director (1946) |
| Address | 637 East Broadway , , , Northrup Field United States |
Northrop University, formerly Northrop Institute of Technology and Northrop Aeronautical Institute, was a private technology college in Inglewood, California, focused on science, mathematics, computing, and engineering. It operated from 1946 to 1991.
History
Jack Northrop, airline manufacturer and founder of Northrop Corporation, started Northrop Aeronautical Institute in Inglewood, California in 1942.[1][2] He launched the Northrop Aeronautical Institute because he recognized the shortage of master mechanics, airline maintenance specialists, and aeronautical engineers for civilian aviation.[3] Classes started through home study in January 1946 and expanded to offered on-site in June 1946.[4][2]
The school targeted male students, mostly veterans of the war, as well as employees of Northrop Corporation.[5][2] The first class consisted of 412 students.[2]
In March 1959, the school announced its new name, Northrup Institute of Technology, reflecting the start of its Bachelor of Science curriculum.[1][a] It became Northrup University at Inglewood in 1974 and offered master's degrees.[2] The university's mission statement was "to expand human knowledge and benefit society through research integrated with education. We investigate the most challenging, fundamental problems in science and technology in a singularly collegial, interdisciplinary atmosphere while educating outstanding students to become creative members of society."[6]
Jack Northrop made a significant donation in 1975 to create the American Hall of Aviation at the school.[2] The museum included the David D. Hatfield Collection of aviation history which was the largest collection of aviation history ever to be displayed at a single location.[2]
Due to financial difficulties, the school was closed in 1991.
Campus
The school was located in the Northrop Corporation plant at 1637 East Broadway at Northrup Field.in Hawthorne, Los Angeles County, California.[3] It consisted of three purpose-built structures: a main building that included administration, classrooms, and engineering drafting rooms; a building for laboratories; and a building with modern shops/[7]
In January 1946, Northrup purchased a former Army barracks installed on property owned by the City of Los Angeles and relocated it to property adjacent to Northrop Corporation to use as dormitories for 150 to 170 students.[5]
Academics
When it opened, Northrop Aeronautical Institute specialized in aeronautical engineering and training for airline maintenance mechanics.[4] It offered training in aeronautical engineering, master airplane and engineer mechanic (A&E), engine mechanic, airline maintenance specialist, and airplane and engine maintenance.[3] A 1946 ad, claimed, "The Northrop Aeronautical Institute brings to aviation training completely new standards."[3]
In March 1959, the school expanded beyond its two-year degree program to include a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering, reflecting the industry's need for space engineers.[1] In 1974, it offered Bachelor's and Masters degrees in accounting, aeronautical sciences, business administration and management, computer science, electrical engineering, design engineering project management, and mechanical engineering.[2]
The school was accredited by the American Engineers' Council for Professional Development. It was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 1960.[2]
Faculty
Its first director was James L. McKinley.[7] Its faculty included employees of Nortrup Corporation and alumni of the school.[2]
Notes
- ^ The Northrup University Student Records website says this change happened in 1953 but this does not match newspaper reports.
References
- ^ a b c "Northrop Offering Degrees in Science". Los Angeles Mirror. 1959-03-24. p. 16. Retrieved 2023-09-10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "History". Northrup University Student Records. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Northrop Aircraft Inc. Announces the Establishment of the Northrop Aeronautical Institute". The Los Angeles Times. 1946-01-02. p. 100. Retrieved 2023-09-10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "New Air School". The Bull Horn. Norman, Oklahoma. 1945-12-20. p. 6. Retrieved 2023-09-10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Public Housing Agency Named at Hawthorne". The Los Angeles Times. 1946-01-14. p. 14. Retrieved 2023-09-10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Mission Statement". Northrup University Student Records. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ a b "New Aviation School". The Pomona Progress Bulletin. Pomona, California. 1946-02-20. p. 18. Retrieved 2023-09-10 – via Newspapers.com.
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-05-10-me-1391-story.html
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