Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Program Assessment and Continuous Improvement Plan for Master of Science in Technology

Introduction

Undergraduate programs in Engineering and Engineering Technology are required to have an assessment and continuous improvement plan in place for obtaining accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology1-3 (ABET). Although the assessment plan is very useful for both graduate and undergraduate programs, it is not very common in Engineering or Engineering Technology schools to have such plan at the Master’s level. Recognizing the value of accreditation and also motivated by the University level initiatives, an assessment and continuous improvement plan has been developed for the Master of Science program in Technology (MS Tech) at Indiana University Purdue University- Fort Wayne (IPFW). The program assessment plan has already been approved by the IPFW Assessment Council and is currently being implemented.

The major goal of the MS in Technology Program4 is to prepare graduates to understand the applications of advanced concepts and knowledge of structured and analytical techniques of decision making in industry and technology. The MS Tech students study one technical track in sufficient depth to appreciate its methodologies and fundamental unresolved questions, and acquire a basis for life- long learning. Required courses for the program are established in: 1) Technology core, 2) required technical courses in the track area, 3) elective courses combining breadth of subject matter with specific study in depth, and 4) MS directed project focused on applied research. Hands-on experience of cutting edge technology and the applied research experience are essential parts of MS in Technology program. Currently, the MS program is offered in two tracks that are: 1) Information Technology/Advanced Computer Applications (ITAC), and 2) Industrial Technology/ Manufacturing (ITM).

This paper presents a comprehensive assessment and continuous improvement plan for MS in Technology program at the IPFW. In the remainder sections of the paper, we present program objectives, learning outcomes, assessment measures, and curriculum map. The assessment plan and metrics includes both direct and indirect measure. A clearly defined continuous improvement process and implementation timeline are also presented.

Program Objectives

The objective of Technology Graduate Program at IPFW is to offer a Master of Science Degree in Technology that meets the needs of regional manufacturing and service industries, research and development organizations, government, and not-for-profit organizations to prepare successful industry leaders and technical managers. The program is designed for students with both technical and non-technical backgrounds and provides the knowledge and skills required for its graduates to function effectively in a technical environment and to accept increasing responsibility in technical leadership positions. The program permits specialization in an area of modern technology applicable to each student’s working environment or area of interest.

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Nepal, B., & Mohammed, J., & Albayyari, J., & Lin, P. (2010, June), Program Assessment And Continuous Improvement Plan For Master Of Science In Technology Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--15773