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, an interdisciplinary BS degree in Data Science.

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 modern computer technology. The many faculty involved with significant research projects bring a deeper layer of knowledge 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 Concentrations in Artificial Intelligence, Astronomy-Astrophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Game Design, Cybersecurity, Environmental Resources Engineering, Manufacturing, and Software Engineering, as well as minors in Artificial Intelligence, Bioengineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Game Design, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mobile Applications Development, and Physics. Each department also offers an accelerated BS/MS program in which qualified students can earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in five years. The accelerated BS/MS program is designed for highly motivated and qualified undergraduate students who wish to pursue an advanced degree.

Students have several learning opportunities outside the classroom. Engineering Ambassadors cultivate leadership skills while outreaching to local and broader communities. Student organizations including, but not limited to: American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Big Data Club, Biomedical Engineering Society, Engineers without Borders, IEEE, National Society of Black Engineers, oSTEM, Society of Physics Students, Society of Women Engineers, and the UMassD IDEA Club, provide a variety of extracurricular engineering activities. Other opportunities include experiential learning, study abroad, and undergraduate research.

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 income to help offset college expenses.

The Bioengineering, Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

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 Transform2020 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

Engineering Student Support & Services (ES³)

The College of Engineering is committed to supporting the academic and extracurricular success of our students and the ES³ office provides a one-stop solution for student support and services. Staffed by full-time professional advisors, support is provided in the form of academic advising, peer mentoring, and enrichment opportunities. ES³ is a valuable resource for information about internships, the honors college, faculty-led research opportunities, scholarships, student professional organizations, and study abroad. Services offered include referrals to other campus departments for tutoring, academic accommodations, counseling, and career development.

Transfer Agreements

The College of Engineering has agreements that facilitate the transfer of students from community colleges and four-year institutions that do not offer 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 online undergraduate programs. UMass Dartmouth also has articulation agreements with several community colleges for those programs in which MassTransfer does not apply. With completion of an Associate’s degree in engineering or computer science, 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). 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 Center.

An internship may earn academic credits in certain majors. Students are allowed to apply a maximum of three credits for an internship experience, which is formalized through a technical or free 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 sponsor, the department chair and Dean’s office prior to the start of the internship. There may be other requirements to satisfy the internship, for example, the faculty sponsor may setup periodic meetings with the student to monitor progress or require daily journals of activities. A summary report about the internship is required at the conclusion of the experience.

Alternative Paths

Depending on the results of math placement tests, students are placed into one of three courses in the fall semester: (a) Calculus, MTH 153 (or 151); (b) Precalculus, MTH 150 or Precalculus Enhanced, MTH 150E; or (c) Introductory & Intermediate Algebra, MTH 100. 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 or more, which may extend 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 Course 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 work part-time. 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 advantageous to adopt a 5-year schedule from the beginning. Personalized programs can be arranged through consultation with the student’s academic advisor.