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Use of Industry Standard Certification as an Early Indicator of Retention within an Engineering Program

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Conference

ASEE Southeast Section Conference

Location

Arlington, Virginia

Publication Date

March 12, 2023

Start Date

March 12, 2023

End Date

March 14, 2023

Conference Session

Retention

Tagged Topic

Professional Engineering Education Papers

Page Count

8

DOI

10.18260/1-2--45056

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/45056

Download Count

42

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Paper Authors

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Mary Lynn Mederos

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Jennie M. Daigler Mississippi State University

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Morgan Green Mississippi State University

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Morgan Green is an Instructor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Mississippi State University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering Education, where her research is focused on the development and assessment of professional skills in mec

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Abstract

Retention of students within an engineering program can be a challenge. Many factors, such as self-efficacy, standardized test scores and performance in lower-level courses, have been studied in relation to student persistence within a program. Many innovative solutions have been implemented with intentions to increase retention. A regional university implemented the Certified SolidWorks Associate exam (CSWA), a industry standard certification for a 3D modeling software, into the curriculum of a sophomore level engineering class. Passing the CSWA exam provides an official means for students to present skills learned in the classroom to potential employers. This quantitative study will explore the correlation between passing or failing the CSWA and retention in an engineering program. Insight gained from this study will be used to improve teaching methods used in the course and implement further industry standard certifications if positive correlation is shown.

Mederos, M. L., & Daigler, J. M., & Green, M. (2023, March), Use of Industry Standard Certification as an Early Indicator of Retention within an Engineering Program Paper presented at ASEE Southeast Section Conference, Arlington, Virginia. 10.18260/1-2--45056

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