College of Engineering

The College of Engineering (COE) offers programs leading to the BS degree in Bioengineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Physics. In addition, the COE offers jointly with the College of Arts and Science a BS degree in Data Science, which is an interdisciplinary major.

Engineering students acquire a strong foundation in the basic sciences and mathematics along with applied sciences associated with their major. Subsequently, a progression of innovative design experiences culminates in a senior design project. Beginning in the freshman year students in the college use high-tech laboratories and sophisticated computer systems. The many faculty involved with significant research projects bring excitement into the classroom and tie theory to practical applications.

Students develop the knowledge, creativity and expertise to succeed in today’s rapidly changing technical world. Graduates recruited by industry find rewarding careers; others earn advanced degrees in competitive graduate programs around the country. Furthermore, in a rapidly engaging interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary world, and competitive job market, the COE provides engineering students educational opportunities to leverage their majors with minors in Computer Engineering, Computer Game Design, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mobile Applications Development, and Physics, as well as options in Software Engineering, Manufacturing, and Astronomy-Astrophysics.

Students have several learning opportunities outside the classroom. Student organizations including, but not limited to the: Biomedical Engineering Society; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Society of Mechanical Engineers; Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, IEEE; Engineers without Borders, and National Society of Black Engineers, provide a variety of extracurricular engineering activities. Other opportunities include study abroad, undergraduate research, co-op and internships, and service learning.

Through cooperation with industry and government agencies, the COE also offers students the opportunity to obtain valuable work experience before graduation. Qualified students can participate in co-op or internship education programs, gaining practical engineering experience, a taste of the “real world” and significant income to help offset college expenses.

The Civil, Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. The Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Goals of the College of Engineering

Mission

The College of Engineering strives to serve the needs of the region and the nation by creating and disseminating knowledge through research and teaching and preparing students to excel in their chosen profession and to be contributing citizens in a diverse, changing world.

Vision

The vision of the College of Engineering is to be recognized globally for excellence in engineering/science education and research and for innovative and interdisciplinary solutions for societal needs.

Values

The College of Engineering is committed to the following core values: integrity, excellence, innovation, respect, responsibility, collaboration, and inclusiveness.

Strategic Goals

Developed to align with UMass Dartmouth’s Transform 2020 strategic plan, the College of Engineering’s strategic plan includes the following goals:

Enhance and enrich educational opportunities and ensure a focus on the student
Recruit, retain, and enable a diverse community of exceptional faculty, students, and staff
Increase research enterprise and impact
Develop strategic partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations
Develop a sustainable infrastructure
Increase visibility, outreach, and community engagement
Devise a business model to manage and increase resources, funding and efficiency
Establish a culture of innovation and change

Transfer Agreements

The COE has agreements that facilitate the transfer of students from community colleges and four-year institutions that lack the engineering baccalaureate. Students with an associate degree from any Massachusetts community college may be eligible for MassTransfer. MassTransfer is available for transfer students entering traditional undergraduate programs, but is not available for students in University Extension and online undergraduate programs. UMass Dartmouth also has articulation agreements with several colleges for those programs in which MassTransfer does not apply. With completion of an Associate’s degree, a student can expect guaranteed admission to UMass Dartmouth with a GPA of 2.50 or higher.

Transfer applicants from institutions that have not entered into agreements with UMass Dartmouth are assessed individually.

Cooperative Education and Internship Program in the College of Engineering

Exposure to career development and planning is provided through the Cooperative Education and Internships Program (CEIP), which is coordinated through the Career Development Center. The CEIP offers experiential learning opportunities in the form of co-op sessions or internship sessions. The CEIP is optional and is not mandatory for graduation. Students go through career-related advising through their faculty advisors. The coop and internship opportunities can be very insightful for career development by exposing participating students to real world experiences in engineering.

Internships

Many faculty in the COE have excellent relationships with engineering employers in the region and nation, generating many opportunities for engineering internships. In addition, students often contact employers directly and arrange internships with the assistance of faculty advisors and the Career Development Center. Internships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on course load.

An internship may earn academic credits. Students are allowed to apply a maximum of three credits for an internship experience, which is formalized through a technical elective listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. In order to obtain credits for an internship, the student is required to fill out a proposal and have the proposal approved by a faculty advisor, the department chair and Dean’s office prior to the start of the internship. There may be other requirements which must also be met, for example the faculty advisor may setup periodic meetings with the student to monitor progress or require keeping a daily journal of activities. A report summarizing the internship is required at the conclusion of the experience.

Special Admission Programs

Alternative Paths

The engineering programs are rigorous, requiring strong high school preparation and high motivation. Students who have demonstrated an aptitude for engineering based upon their SAT performance, or have demonstrated the ability and motivation for engineering studies as evidenced by their high school record, but have some deficiencies in their high school program, may still be offered admission to the COE.

Depending on the results of placement tests in mathematics, students may be placed into one of three courses in the fall semester: (a) MTH 153 (or 151), Calculus; (b) MTH 150, Precalculus; or (c) MTH 150E, Precalculus Enhanced. In the first case, the students will follow one of the standard programs shown on the following pages for each major. In cases (b) and (c), the start of Calculus is delayed a semester, which then extends the program completion beyond four years. Some students in cases (b) and (c) may be able to improve their mathematics standing by taking courses during the summer.

Reduced Load

Students may carry a lighter course load than that defined by the standard curriculum. A five-year schedule is recommended for those students who need time for a part time job, sports or other time-consuming extracurricular activities. Some students who start on the standard curriculum later find it necessary to extend their program to 4 1/2 or 5 years. Some students may find it better adopt a 5-year schedule from the beginning. Personalized programs can be arranged through consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.