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Session 2171

Design and Startup of an ABET General Engineering Science Program. Doanh Van, PhD., PE., CEM Associate Professor and Chair Engineering Union University

I. Abstract

Union University started up its new engineering program in 2001. The program offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a specialty in either Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. The first graduating class will be in May 2005, which will pave the way for the application for ABET accreditation1 (EAC) in 2006.

This paper presents a case study to discuss and showcase our experience with designing and starting up a new engineering program from ground zero. Included in the discussion are (1) the identification of needs both internally and externally, (2) the decision on the type of degree to be conferred, (3) the design of the curriculum to exceed ABET criteria, (3) the training of the faculty on ABET policy and procedure, (4) the interaction with the State Board of Engineering Examiners, (5) the establishment of the program’s objectives and educational outcomes, (6) the establishment and implementation of the Continuous Quality Improvement process, (7) the Assessment methods, (8) the documentation and record keeping, and (9) the self- study in preparation for the very first ABET campus visit and accreditation.

II. Introduction

Union University2 has a long and rich 179-year history of being a university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The University’s academic excellence has been in liberal arts based education. The first professional program, Nursing, began in 1962 at the request of the area physician community. Forty years later, Union University started up another professional program, Engineering, in the same fashion: out of need and at the request of area industries through the Chamber of Commerce. At the time of this writing, the Engineering program3 is in its third year of operation with 21 students and the first class of graduates is slated for May 2005. The program will apply for ABET accreditation in January 2006 for a historic first ABET onsite visit later that year. The design and startup of the Union Engineering program is itself an engineering project as described in this paper.

III. The Design Process

1. Identify the Needs Union was presented with the need of the community for engineering skills. Through the Chamber of Commerce, it was determined that there was a need to educate engineers who would be willing to stay in the area to support economic growth of the region. The area consists of Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering

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Van, D. (2004, June), Design And Startup Of An Abet General Engineering Science Program Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--12812