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The College of Engineering

ABET Accreditation

Mission, Goals, Objectives
ABET Questions & Answers

All engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

ABET is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. ABET is comprised of a federation of professional and technical societies representing these fields. Accreditation identifies to the general public: students, school counselors, educational institutions, professional societies, employers, governmental agencies and state boards of examiners, programs that meet minimum criteria.

Accreditation requires a continuous improvement process in which input is received from its constituents, both external (e.g., industry, government agency) and internal (e.g., students). An Assessment Coordinator monitors the improvement process for the College, and will use surveys and constituent feedback as a tool for program improvement.

Rowan University
College of Engineering
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, New Jersey 08028-1701

University Mission Statement:

A leading public institution, Rowan University combines liberal education with professional preparation from the baccalaureate through the doctorate. Rowan provides a collaborative, learning-centered environment in which highly qualified and diverse faculty, staff, and students integrate teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, and community service. Through intellectual, social, and cultural contributions, the University enriches the lives of those in the campus community and surrounding region.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees at its meeting on December 10, 2003.

College Mission Statement:

The mission of the College of Engineering is to provide programs that are effectively responsive to regional aspirations and that address the needs and the changing characteristics of the leading-edge engineers of the future. The College aims to educate students prepared to apply technology for the betterment of society and to serve as global change agents for the future. Rowan University also recognizes that the College of Engineering will aid in the economic and cultural development of southern New Jersey, while generating opportunities for its diverse graduates in local, national and international industries.

College Goals (Common to all Programs):

The goals of the undergraduate engineering programs are to enable students to:

  1. understand and apply the core science and mathematics principles that form the basis of engineering disciplines,
  2. work individually and in teams to identify and solve complex engineering problems and develop an understanding of interdisciplinary problem solving and system design,
  3. understand and apply advanced technology (computers and laboratory equipment) to solve complex engineering problems,
  4. understand the importance of the humanities and social sciences as part of a well rounded education and the practice of engineering,
  5. have a strong sense of the importance of ethics in an engineering setting as well as other aspects of their lives,
  6. develop communication skills so that they can perform engineering functions effectively.

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Chemical Engineering

Program Educational Objective 1

Develop engineers who are successfully using their chemical engineering expertise to adapt to the evolving technological challenges of a wide variety of professional fields.

Student Outcomes

Students demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.

Students demonstrate the ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data.

Students demonstrate the ability to apply principles of organic, inorganic, materials chemistry; and some science topics at the advanced level.

Students demonstrate the ability to apply chemical engineering principles including conservation balances; fluid, heat and mass transfer; thermodynamics; separations; reaction engineering; unit operations, and process design and control.

Students demonstrate the ability to design and evaluate a chemical engineering system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints (e.g. economic, environmental, social, political, health, safety, manufacturability, sustainability).

Students demonstrate skills in working with both bench and pilot scale hands-on chemical engineering equipment.

Program Educational Objective 2

Develop engineers who, within several years of graduation, are functioning independently and collaboratively in providing creative solution strategies to problems for their employer.

Student Outcomes

Students demonstrate the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.

Students demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.

Students demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary issues relevant to the field of chemical engineering.

Students demonstrate the ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for chemical engineering practice.

Students demonstrate skills relevant to research and engineering practice.

Students demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.

Program Educational Objective 3

Develop engineers who engage in professional growth and responsible practice.

Student Outcomes

Students demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities.

Students have the broad education necessary to incorporate global, economic, environmental and societal context in engineering solutions.

Students recognize the need and are prepared to be engaged in lifelong learning.

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Civil Engineering

Program Educational Objectives

Program Educational Objective 1 - Graduates have a broad base of knowledge, are aware of emerging trends in their field, and understand the interrelationships between sub-disciplines that affect engineering projects.

Program Educational Objective 2 - Graduates are creative problem-solvers who consider technical, social, political, environmental and economic issues in developing realistic engineering solutions based on effective data collection and analysis.

Program Educational Objective 3 - Graduates conduct their professional lives in a manner that reflects positively on themselves, their employer and their alma mater and recognize the ethical, global, and social responsibility of their profession.

Program Educational Objective 4 - Graduates have the technical, communication and interpersonal skills to assume increasing responsibility and leadership roles within a diverse and multidisciplinary workplace.

Student Outcomes

Student Outcome 1 – Students will have the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics through differential equations, calculus-based physics, chemistry, at least one additional area of basic science, and engineering science.

Student Outcome 2 – Students will recognize the need for and demonstrate the ability to engage in lifelong learning.

Student Outcome 3 – Students will demonstrate the ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Student Outcome 4 – Students will have the ability to apply knowledge of four (4) technical areas appropriate to civil engineering.

Student Outcome 5 – Students will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct experiments as well as analyze and interpret data.

Student Outcome 6 – Students will demonstrate the ability to conduct civil engineering experiments and analyze and interpret the resulting data.

Student Outcome 7 - Students will demonstrate the ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability, and in more than one civil engineering context.

Student Outcome 8 – Students will demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

Student Outcome 9 - Students will demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities.

Student Outcome 10 – Students will have the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context and have knowledge of contemporary issues.

Student Outcome 11 – Students will explain basic concepts in management, business, public policy, leadership, and explain the importance of professional licensure.

Student Outcome 12 – Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in written documents.

Student Outcome 13 – Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in oral presentations.

Student Outcome 14 – Students will demonstrate the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.

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Electrical and Computer Engineering

Program Educational Objectives

Within 3-5 years of graduation, graduates of the Rowan’s ECE program will have demonstrated that they are:

  1. Proficient technologists, successful in solving current and evolving engineering needs and challenges of their chosen field of work, as evidenced by their continuous and gainful employment, career advancement to positions that come with increased professional responsibilities, or through their entrepreneurial activities;
  2. Continuing to learn, evidenced by development of their professional knowledge and skills by pursuing advanced degrees or through other continuing education opportunities in engineering or other professional areas;
  3. Responsible professionals, actively serving their profession as evidenced by their active participation in professional societies, and/or their recognition of service to the profession or society.

Student Outcomes (SOs):

Graduates of Rowan’s ECE program will have attained:

  1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
  2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
  3. an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
  4. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;
  5. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
  6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
  7. an ability to communicate effectively;
  8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
  9. a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
  10. a knowledge of contemporary issues;
  11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Program Goals (PGs):

Rowan’s Electrical and Computer Engineering program prepares each of its students to

  1. Perform as an agile problem solver
  2. Communicate capably
  3. Possess an entrepreneurial spirit
  4. Facilitate trans-disciplinary discourse
  5. Be sensitive to contemporary issues; and
  6. Competent in essential ECE knowledge

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Mechanical Engineering

Program Educational Objectives

  1. ME graduates are well-rounded engineers who can apply knowledge and skills in their careers.
  2. ME graduates consider the context and broader impacts of engineering solutions in professional practice.
  3. ME graduates effectively communicate to a broad spectrum of audiences and have the teamwork and leadership skills to excel professionally.
  4. ME graduates are flexible to adapt to changing technology and recognize the need for continuous improvement, self-study or further education.
  5. ME graduates are innovative and creative thinkers with an understanding of entrepreneurship.

Student Outcomes

Students who complete the Mechanical Engineering program at Rowan University will:

  1. be able to apply broad scientific, mathematical and engineering knowledge in order to be able to identify, formulate and solve problems in thermal and mechanical systems.

    a)  an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering
    e)  an ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
    l)  an ability to apply engineering, basic science, and mathematics through multivariate calculus and differential equations
    n)   an ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas

  2. be able to design a system, component, process or experiment and analyze and interpret data within realistic constraints

    b)  an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
    c)  an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
    m)  an ability to model, analyze, design and realize physical systems, components and processes

  3. be able to use modern tools, hardware and software in problem solving process

    k)  an ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
    q)  a working knowledge of modern/current rapid design, prototyping, simulation and experimental characterization hardware/software/tools

  4. understand the need for professional and ethical responsibility and act accordingly

    f)  an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

  5. understand and consider the consequences of engineering solutions on society

    h)  the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context

  6. be knowledgeable of contemporary issues

    j)  a knowledge of contemporary issues

  7. be effective communicators

    g)  an ability to communicate effectively

  8. work effectively in multidisciplinary teams

    d)  an ability to function in multidisciplinary teams

  9. recognize that learning is a continuous process

    i)  a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning

  10. be bold and creative problem solvers

    o)  an ability to think creatively and innovatively

  11. have entrepreneurial skills

    p)  a knowledge of entrepreneurial practices

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ABET Questions & Answers

Q: What is ABET?
A:  ABET is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the sole agency responsible for accreditation of educational programs leading to degrees in engineering, engineering technology, and related engineering areas. Accreditation identifies to the general public, students, school counselors, educational institutions, professional societies, employers, governmental agencies, and state boards of examiners, programs that meet minimum criteria.

Q: What is “Program Assessment”?
A: Assessment is a systematic process in which data are identified, collected, and analyzed to evaluate the attainment of Student Outcomes and Program Educational Objectives (PEO). These data will aid your faculty both in understanding student learning and in efforts to continuously improve your educational experience.

Q: What are “Student Outcomes” “Program Educational Objectives?”
A: Engineering programs must have documented Student Outcomes that prepare graduates to attain the program educational objectives. Student Outcomes describe what you are expected to know and be able to do by the time of your graduation. These outcomes are listed as A through K below plus any additional outcomes that may be articulated by your individual program. Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Please see our website for program outcomes and objectives.
A) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
B) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
C) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
D) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary and or diverse teams;
E) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
F) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
G) an ability to communicate effectively;
H) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
I) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
J) a knowledge of contemporary issues of relevance to the field of engineering; and
K) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Q: How will we assess student learning?
A: Assessment requires data collection.  Some of these data will come from external sources such as through our alumni or employers of our graduates, but some of these data will be collected from you. We use a variety of assessment methods such as peer assessment, portfolios, nationally-normed exams, surveys, and focus groups.

Q: Why do we have to do this?
A: We want your educational experience to be what it should be. Success in our assessment efforts will correlate with your professional success.  In addition, we must comply with the guidelines set by ABET, your professional societies, Rowan University, the College of Engineering, and our programs. Please take your part in our assessment efforts very seriously because your input is vital to the success of the improvement process.  All four of our programs are accredited and we must strive to maintain our accredited status.

Q: How will this process affect my academic standing?
A:  Assessment activities will not affect your grades or any other factor related to your academic standing. You cannot be penalized for your input.

Q: Will the data be kept confidential?
A:  Much of the data collected will be anonymous and all will be kept confidential. The data will only be reported to faculty in aggregate form. Your name will not appear in any reports.

Q: Who is on the Engineering Assessment Committee?
A:           

Consultant: Dr. Heidi Newell
ChE:  Dr. Stewart Slater
CE:    Dr. Doug Cleary
ECE:  Dr. Linda Head
ME:    Dr. Jennifer Kadlowec

If you have suggestions as to how we can improve your educational experience or if you have concerns about our assessment activities, please let us know.  Thank you in advance for your participation in our assessment efforts.


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