Abet Program Accreditation Criteria Applied In A School Of Mathematics, Science, And Engineering

Abstract

Degree programs in mathematics and the natural sciences have similar characteristics of engineering programs. Many of the program differences can be explained by differences in the requirements of governing professional societies and the research emphasis of the program. Typically, engineering programs have more emphasis on applied science and mathematics.

Because many of the characteristics of industrial engineering and engineering management graduates that are desirable in industry also apply to mathematics and science program graduates, it seems reasonable that the ABET 2000 Criteria can be applied directly to mathematics and natural science degree programs.

This paper presents results of implementing the ABET 2000 Criteria in a School of Mathemat ics, Science, and Engineering in a small, liberal arts based institution. The implementation is in the context of developing an industrial engineering program and long range plans for engineering management at the graduate level.

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a small, predominately Hispanic, Catholic institution in San Antonio, Texas. At this institution, professional degree programs are embedded in a liberal arts environment. The University recently reorganized the School of Arts and Sciences into the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and the School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering (MSE). As part of the re-organization, the School of MSE was charged with developing an organizational structure and program management procedures within the context of the University policy and procedures.

There are approximately twenty-five full-time equivalent faculty in the School. The School administers degree programs in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, and Mathematics. Efforts are underway to develop engineering and computer information systems degree programs.

The mathematics, computer science, and natural sciences degree programs at UIW have characteristics similar to the proposed engineering program. For example, advanced topics in mathematics, computer science, engineering, and natural science programs have similar basic mathematics and natural science degree requirements. The engineering and computer science degree programs have more emphasis on applied mathematics. In general, differences can be explained by requirements of the governing societies and the program research emphasis.

Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright Ó 2002, American Society for Engineering Education

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