Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs: Program Outcomes and Assessment

 The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) has established Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs (2002-2003).  The third set of criterion, Program Outcomes and Assessment, establishes guidelines for student outcomes and is very important for faculty to be aware of in planning lessons.  Many of the skills listed can be gained through cooperative learning in that they are emphasized in many team-related activities.  Those criterion are as follows:

 Engineering programs must demonstrate that their graduates have:

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;
4. an ability to function on multi-disciplinary 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 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; and
11. an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

 These criterion have been included in this project with the permission of ABET.  To find out more about the Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs or to view it in its entirety, visit the ABET web site at http://www.abet.org.

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