AU Launches Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Anderson University recently announced a new degree program to the university campus, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering. After extensive review, the university is actively recruiting and accepting students into the new program for the 2013-14 academic year. The focus of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering will not be to simply prepare students for technical careers, but to serve the church and society and to effect change in communities around the world. For more information, visit: www.anderson.edu/engineering.
“Initiated by our gifted science faculty, engineering is a bold new development with enormous potential to match student interests and global needs,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “We are delighted that approvals have been given by our regional accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, to establish the program. We are making a major commitment that involves adding faculty and facilities and will seek collaboration with a number of resourceful business and educational partners in this region. Ours is a vision that AU graduates will bring much to the various professional engineering fields and also will be drawn to vast needs in our country and beyond. This is one of the most compelling additions to Anderson University in recent years, within our mission to educate for a life of faith and service in church and society.”
The university recently received approval through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and will aggressively seek accreditation through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Anderson University is one of only a few schools in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) nationwide to offer an engineering program. The new degree program will introduce new majors within the university academic catalog. New majors within the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree include Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering.
“One of the myths of a liberal arts college is that we do not innovate,” said Dr. Marie Morris, provost for Anderson University. “That couldn’t be further from the truth! The very creative, innovative, and forward thinking faculty at Anderson University crafted and approved a proposal for an engineering program preparing competent engineers with a heart for positively impacting communities. With overwhelming support of internal and external constituents, and the approval of the Higher Learning Commission, I am excited that AU is embarking on this exciting new venture in our commitment to build intellectual and professional capital in Indiana. Our mission to educate for a life of faith and service will be furthered as we add engineering to our other excellent academic offerings. Anderson University is boldly moving forward and I am delighted to be part of the journey.”
Students graduating with the Bachelor of Science in Engineering will obtain six outcomes built into the program. Outcomes of the degree program include:
■ Service: Anderson University’s engineering program will have an impact on a global scale. Students will be encouraged to participate in an international service trip and work through classes that are meant to meet needs of the developing world.
■ Problem Solving Ability: Students will be assessed in this ability through specific engineering problems that will be given to the students in their various design courses. The engineering program will be assessed by the proficiency gained by the students.
■ Proficiency with Engineering Tools and Skills: Familiarity with various tools and engineering skills will be obtained during the course of the degree program. Students will put these tools and skills to the test in their senior design course.
■ Communication Ability: Each major will contain writing intensive courses, usually through laboratory work and design courses. The senior design course will require a significant communication component, both oral and written.
■ Design Proficiency: All engineering students will be expected to have sufficient ability in the area of design. Various courses and laboratories will be devoted to honing this skill. The student’s ability in this area will be evaluated with the senior design course.
■ Educating for a Life of Faith: Students will describe their studies and outline how their education at Anderson University has impacted their faith. These papers will serve as a tool to assess the program’s progress in creating an environment that is meant to both educate and promote a life of faith.
The new degree program requires 31 hours in general science with enough engineering courses to reach a total of 80 hours total in the major. In addition, all majors leading to a B.S.E. degree will require the complete liberal arts curriculum as outlined by Anderson University.
Anderson University is a private Christian university of about 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, music, nursing, and theology.
