Engineering
Program Objectives and Outcomes
Engineering is a multifaceted profession. Certainly, engineering includes the application of science and mathematics to design, create and test useful objects, devices and systems. But engineers have more than just technical knowledge and skills that they bring to bear in their professional work. An engineering education is designed to assist students to obtain that knowledge and those skills.
An engineering education program that demonstrates that it meets certain standards for ensuring that its graduates are ready to be competent engineers is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). In conjunction with ABET we have established the following program objectives:
USM engineering graduates are prepared to:
1) function as engineers in technologically-intensive firms
2) succeed in post-baccalaureate study;
3) transfer their engineering skills to different environments and
4) contribute to society as broadly educated, articulate, and ethical professionals and citizens.
In order to achieve these objectives, our program is designed so that while our students are preparing to become engineers they develop the ability to:
- apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering fundamentals to the solution of electrical engineering problems;
- design and conduct electrical engineering experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data from these experiments;
- design electrical/electronic devices, components and/or systems, to meet specific needs with realistic constraints;
- function effectively on teams involving students from diverse backgrounds;
- identify, formulate and solve electrical engineering problems;
- understand the professional and ethical responsibilities of a practicing engineer;
- communicate effectively in oral, written, graphical and visual ways;
- understand the role and impact of engineering solutions in the broader societal context;
- recognize the need for and engage in self-directed learning;
- gain knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues;
- use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools, such as computer languages, instrumentation, engineering and business applications and electronic media, necessary for electrical engineering practice.
