Accreditation

ABET

The Mercer University Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria.

ABET, the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology, is a federation of 28 professional and technical societies representing these fields. Accreditation ensures the quality of the postsecondary education students receive. Among the most respected accreditation organizations in the U.S., ABET has provided leadership and quality assurance in higher education since 1932 [ABET].

ABET mandates that each educational program have a set of program educational objectives and student outcomes. Program educational objectives describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve. Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know or be able to do by the time of graduation.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates who are practicing engineers demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to:

  • Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems through analysis and design using the principles of science and mathematics and the modern tools of engineering. Graduates will demonstrate attainment of this objective within the first five years following graduation by refining their proficiencies in the use of modern engineering tools, their production of high-quality products and processes, and their sound engineering judgment.
  • Work effectively in a variety of contexts using superior communication skills and  knowledge of contemporary issues with a commitment to professional ethics.  Graduates will demonstrate attainment of this objective within the first five years following graduation by their significant contributions to the success of their work teams, by their effective written and oral communications, and by their demonstrated sensitivity to the ethical dimensions of professional practice.
  • Pursue life-long learning through additional graduate or professional education. Graduates will demonstrate attainment of this objective within the first five years following graduation by achieving one or more of the following: successful use of opportunities for licensure, certification, and professional development;  successful use of opportunities to master new technology; and/or by their engagement in, or successful completion of, graduate education.
  • Participate in their local and global communities through sustaining service and leadership. Graduates will demonstrate attainment of this objective within the first five years following graduation by their service and/or leadership roles in community organizations, and by their participation in professional societies to promote professional practice.

Student Outcomes

  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  • An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  • An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Metrics

In Fall 2022, the Mercer University School of Engineering had 606 undergraduate and 129 graduate students actively registered for classes. 142 BSE degrees and 55 MSE degrees were awarded in May 2022.