The Engineering Accreditation Commission (ABET) accredits engineering and technology programs at the college level. This accreditation process requires that program objectives be established consistent with the mission of the college, the goals of the engineering program, and the broad guidelines for professional engineering. The achievement of these objectives is monitored by various instruments including student surveys, coursework, employer and alumni surveys, and interaction with other constituents such as local industry and various professional engineering organizations. Based on this evaluation, we may identify strengths in the engineering program and opportunities for improvement. This goal setting/evaluation/implementation of corrections process is common to all accredited engineering programs.

In keeping with this process, the Sweet Briar Engineering program has established objectives, set learning goals, identified constituents, and put in place an evaluation feedback loop. Students, employers, alumni, and an external advisory board are part of this process.

 PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

  The mission and goal of the Sweet Briar Engineering program lead to three program educational objectives (PEOs):

1. Prepare our students to enter professional practice in engineering or to enroll in further engineering degree programs through rigorous instruction in mathematics, science, and engineering

2. Provide the skills needed to succeed in leadership positions through experience with effective communication, teamwork, and project management

3. Develop in the student a global perspective and an understanding of other cultures, appreciation of the global nature of technology, and an understanding of the need for engineering and technology to be used to solve societal problems

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

“Outcomes” are the items that we evaluate in our graduates to insure that we are meeting our objectives. They address the question “After completing our engineering program, the student should be able to---“

There are outcomes associated with each of our program objectives. These outcomes must also encompass the required ABET outcomes common to all engineering programs. The outcomes for the Sweetbriar Engineering program and their associated ABET equivalents are given below.

Objective 1. Prepare our students to enter professional practice in engineering or to enroll in further engineering degree programs through rigorous instruction in mathematics, science, and engineering.

Associated SBC Engineering Program Outcomes

1a. Demonstrate a knowledge of mathematics (including differential equations), science,
      and engineering fundamentals
1b. Apply fundamental skills to technical problems
1c. Identify and organize engineering problems
1d. Select equipment and procedures for engineering experiments
1e. Analyze and interpret experimental and statistical information
1f. Use modern computational tools and techniques for problem solving and data analysis

Related ABET Program Outcomes

a. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
b. Design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data
k. Use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering
     practice

Objective 2. Provide the skills needed to succeed in leadership positions through experience with effective communication, teamwork, and project management

Associated SBC Engineering Program Outcomes

2a. Function as a member or leader of a multidisciplinary team
2b. Demonstrate effective writing and speaking communication skills and be able to use
      modern electronic/computer media.
 2c. Apply sound business practices and project organization techniques at an
      introductory  level
2d. Maintain skills and awareness through continuous learning
2e. Appreciate the role of professional organizations 

Related ABET Program Outcomes

c. Design a system component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic
    constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and
    safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
d. Function on multi-disciplinary teams
e. Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
g. Communicate effectively
i. Recognize need for lifelong learning.

Objective 3. Develop in the student a global perspective and an understanding of other cultures, appreciation of the global nature of technology, and an understanding of the need for engineering and technology to be used to solve societal problems

Associated SBC Engineering Program Outcomes

3a. Speak and write a foreign language at an introductory level
3b. Adhere to the code of ethics of engineering 
3c. Understand the global nature of modern technology
3d. Appreciate the role of history, culture, and humanities in the global society
3e. Incorporate an understanding of contemporary issues into technical projects and
     decisions

Related ABET Program Outcomes

f. Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities
h. Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental ,  and social context
j. Knowledge of contemporary issues

RELATION BETWEEN COURSES AND PROGRAM/ABET OUTCOMES

Each course in the Engineering Curriculum contributes to one or more of the program and ABET outcomes on several levels. At the “exposure” level, students are introduced to a skill or concept through examples and introductory exercises. At the “familiarity” level, students are given the skills necessary to address this topic at an elementary level. At the “in depth” level, students apply the skill at the professional level consistent with the competency associated with the program objective.

The matrix below shows how each course contributes to the achievement of the program outcomes. Download the pdf file.