PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The overall educational objectives of the Engineering Program at Arkansas State University are:

1. All engineering graduates will have a broad education in the fundamentals of engineering principles and professional practices that forms a strong, flexible base and enables them to fill a variety of responsible engineering positions.


2. Most graduates will have specialized training in one area of concentration that will enable them to successfully perform at entry-level engineering positions. Some graduates will prefer and be capable of continuing their education in graduate school.

The more specific objectives that reflect the desired outcomes or skills possessed by the engineering graduates are listed below. With respect to the first overall educational objective, all graduates of the Engineering Program will have:

1. A good understanding of mathematics, science, and engineering, and an ability to apply this knowledge in engineering practice;
   
   
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to acquire, analyze, and interpret data;
   
   
3. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
   
   
4. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
   
   
5. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
   
   
6. An ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
   
   
7. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context;
   
   
8. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning; and
   
   
9. A knowledge of contemporary issues.

With respect to the second overall educational objective:

1. All graduates will have an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for entry-level practice in their area of concentration;
   
   
2. All graduates will be able to analyze and design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs in their area of concentration; and
   
   
3. Some graduates will have developed the necessary skills and knowledge to be accepted and be successful in a graduate education program.

The engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and thus, has established a system to determine and periodically evaluate the above educational objectives as necessary to satisfy constituent needs, to implement a curriculum and program as needed to achieve the educational objectives and desired outcomes, to provide ongoing evaluation and assessment that demonstrates achievement of these objectives and outcomes, and that uses the assessment results to improve the effectiveness of the program.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING

The Engineering Program curriculum is structured to give all students a working knowledge of the engineering sciences and a progressive level of understanding and participation in the overall design process. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree currently offers professional concentration electives in civil; electrical, computer, and information; and mechanical engineering or in an individually planned elective program that may combine or cut across traditional fields of engineering and applied sciences.

All prerequisite engineering courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better before attempting the subsequent engineering courses. In addition to the University General Requirements for all Baccalaureate Degrees, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering requires that one of the following conditions be met:

• Have a grade of "C" or better in each course in the 43 hour concentration area; or


• Have a grade point average of 2.5 or greater grade point average in the 43 hour concentration area.

Transfer credits are acceptable under criteria consistent with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the policies of Arkansas State University, and the approval of the College of Engineering. The transfer student is required to complete at least 32 semester hours of engineering courses at Arkansas State University for graduation.

Engineering students eligible for the Honors Program are encouraged to participate in the program. Engineering courses taken for Honors credit must be approved by the College of Engineering and the Director of the Honors Program. The final course in the student's honors program can be an Honors Independent Study (HNRS 4003-6) or Honors Senior Thesis (HNRS 4893-6). Either course would be valuable in preparation for graduate studies.

PLAN SHEETS FOR EACH CONCENTRATION AREA (in .pdf format)

Civil Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

MINOR IN ENGINEERING

In addition to the Bachelors of Science in Engineering, the College of Engineering also offers a Minor in Engineering. Criterion and available options in the minor can be viewed in the following document.

Minor in Engineering