Objectives and Outcomes

Objectives and Outcomes

B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

Program Educational Objectives

The educational objectives of the Penn State Behrend Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Program are to produce graduates who, within three years of graduation are able to:

  1. Be employed in fields of engineering such as design, research, development, applications, testing, manufacturing, processing, safety, quality, and technical sales or service:

For B.S. degree recipients, as an engineer or engineering technologist

  1. Achieve positions of increased responsibility (technical and/or supervisory) within an organization; and
  2. Progress through advanced degree or certificate programs or participate in continuing education in engineering, business, and/or other professionally related fields.

Student Outcomes (Bachelor's Degree)

  1. An ability to select and apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline to broadly-defined engineering technology activities;
  2. An ability to select and apply a knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to engineering technology problems that require the application of principles and applied procedures or methodologies;
  3. An ability to conduct standard tests and measurements; to conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments; and to apply experimental results to improve processes;
  4. An ability to design systems, components, or processes for broadly-defined engineering technology problems appropriate to program educational objectives;
  5. An ability to function effectively as a member or leader on a technical team;
  6. An ability to identify, analyze, and solve broadly-defined engineering technology problems;
  7. An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;
  8. An understanding of the need for and an ability to engage in self-directed continuing professional development;
  9. An understanding of and a commitment to address professional and ethical responsibilities including a respect for diversity;
  10. A knowledge of the impact of engineering technology solutions in a societal and global context; and
  11. A commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.

Program-Specific (ECET) Outcomes

  1. Students must demonstrate knowledge and hands-on competence in the application of circuit analysis and design, computer programming, associated software applications, analog and digital electronics, microcomputers, operating systems, local area networks and engineering standards to the building, testing, operation, and maintenance of computer systems, associated software systems, and electrical/electronic(s) systems.
  2. Students must demonstrate knowledge and hands-on competence in the application of natural sciences and mathematics at or above the level of algebra and trigonometry to the building, testing, operation and maintenance of computer systems, associated software systems, and electrical/electronic(s) systems.
  3. Students must demonstrate that they can analyze, design, and implement control systems, instrumentation systems, communications systems, or power systems, and hardware and software computer systems.
  4. Students must demonstrate that they can apply project management techniques to computer systems and electrical/electronic(s) systems.
  5. Students must demonstrate that they can utilize statistics/probability, transform methods, discrete mathematics, or applied differential equations in support of computer systems and networks, and electrical/electronic(s) systems.

According the ABET accreditation agency, Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years after graduation. Program Educational Objectives were established through the input from employers of our students, alumni, and industrial constituencies of the program.

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program. The Student Outcomes are assessed using a combination of the following instruments:

  • Direct assessment of Student work. Each year faculty members in the program assess graded examples of student work to determine the level of achievement. The examples of student work are linked directly the Student Outcomes.
  • Senior Exit Surveys. This assessment survey is completed by all graduating seniors in which they are asked to rate how well the Student Outcomes were achieved.
  • Senior Design Industrial Sponsor Surveys. This assessment survey is completed by supervisors of senior design projects to measure how well the outcomes of the senior design experience were achieved.

More detailed information is available upon request.