SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Mechanical Engineering Technology:
Program Objectives and Outcomes
PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The primary aim of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program is to provide the knowledge required to apply state-of-the-art techniques and designs to meet the current and future needs of society. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the field of mechanical engineering. The specific educational objectives of the program are to:
- Prepare graduates with a broad knowledge of mechanical engineering technology practices applicable to many different industry types.
- Prepare graduates with key knowledge and skills in applied design, analysis, manufacture, test, and assembly of mechanical systems.
- Prepare graduates to be productive contributors in professional practice, graduate school, or some other career path.
- Prepare graduates who know how to act in a professional manner, can continue to learn, and are capable of adapting to a continuously changing work environment.
- Prepare graduates who can communicate effectively and who can contribute as members of a team.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
- Students should be able to identify, analyze, and solve technical problems in the areas of materials, manufacturing processes, mechanics, strength of materials, and in the fluid and thermal sciences.
- Students should be able to identify and use appropriate computer technologies during the solution of applied engineering problems.
- Students should be able to integrate the basic CAD systems, manufacturing knowledge, and design techniques needed for successful product realization.
- Students should be able to plan and conduct experimental measurements, use modern test and data acquisition equipment, and be able to analyze and interpret the results.
- Students should be able to identify and use appropriate methods to validate solutions to engineering problems.
- Students should be able to identify which appropriate engineering technology methods apply to a given problem.
- Students should be able to understand and apply the engineering design process to solve open-ended problems.
- Students should be able to identify social, economic, safety, quality, reliability, and ethical issues in an engineering technology problem and demonstrate that their solution to the problem addresses these issues.
- Students should be able to communicate their ideas and solutions effectively both orally and in writing.
- Students should be able to demonstrate an ability to work as a professional in a team environment.
- Students should be able to recognize the need for life-long learning, be prepared to continue their education through formal or informal study, and be able to adapt to a continuously changing work environment.
- Students should have respect for diversity, and knowledge of global issues.
According the ABET accreditation agency, “Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduate to achieve. Program Educational Outcomes are narrower statements that describe what students are to know and be able to do by the time of graduation.”
The Program Educational Objectives were established through the input from employers of our students, alumni, and industrial constitutes of the program. The achievement of Program Educational Objectives is assessed through the use of alumni and employer surveys, as well as employer focus groups. The Program Educational Outcomes are assessed using a combination of the following instruments:
- Direct assessment of Student work. Each year faculty members in the program assess graded examples of student work to determine the level of achievement. The examples of student work are linked directly the Program Educational Outcomes.
- Senior Exit Surveys. This assessment survey is completed by all graduating seniors in which they are asked to rate how well the Educational Outcomes were achieved.
- Internship Employer Surveys. This assessment survey is completed by supervisors of students who receive internship credit. Employers are asked to rate how well the Educational Objectives were achieved.
- Senior Design Industrial Sponsor Surveys. This assessment survey is completed by supervisors of senior design projects to measure how well the outcomes of the senior design experience were achieved.
- Fundamentals of Engineering Exam reports from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. This nationally administered exam provides a national benchmark for assessing achievement of the Program Educational Outcomes.
The Program Educational Outcomes are assessed annually and each academic program employs at least three of the measurement tools above. More detailed information for each program is available upon request.