 The curriculum drifted to a vocational emphasis , with less focus on theoretical science . The fledgling school still suffered from chronic financial shortages which diverted the attention of the MIT leadership . During these " Boston Tech " years , MIT faculty and alumni rebuffed Harvard University president ( and former MIT faculty ) Charles W. Eliot 's repeated attempts to merge MIT with Harvard College 's Lawrence Scientific School . There would be at least six attempts to absorb MIT into Harvard . In its cramped Back Bay location , MIT could not afford to expand its overcrowded facilities , driving a desperate search for a new campus and funding . Eventually the MIT Corporation approved a formal agreement to merge with Harvard , over the vehement objections of MIT faculty , students , and alumni . However , a 1917 decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court effectively put an end to the merger scheme . 
