ABET Outcome

2) Prepare students for life long learning by providing academic preparation for graduate study and an appreciation for and excitement about electrical and computer engineering.

Outcome 2 covers EC-2000 criterion i.

This outcome is meant to specifically address the EC2000 “i” criterion. The key definition that is made is that of life long learning. ECEN interprets life long learning as a fundamental attitude expressed by an individual. This can best be stated as the belief that one has made the correct choice in pursuing a given career path, may positively influence the human condition by diligence in one’s chosen career, or feels motivated to continue the process of professional self improvement and discovery started in college. Major avenues for this voyage of discovery are graduate and post graduate education, career success and advancement including job satisfaction, and further professional development.

Such attitudes are difficult to measure and are strongly affected by events in life outside control of the ECEN department or faculty. Nevertheless, instructors can impart these attitudes to students, and it is the goal of this program that this is a necessary part of any student’s education. Students who engage in life long learning are expected to exhibit one or more attitudes about their professional knowledge, choices, and education. While not all inclusive, these attitudes may include:

• A belief that technology has a net positive impact on standards of living and society.
• A desire to continue with education either expressed as enrollment in a graduate program or plans to continue at some future time.
• The desire to build or invent a specific device, technology, or process.
• An interest in a specific topic or subtopic related to science, engineering, or technology.
• Continuation in professional schools including law, business, or medical school with the intention of using engineering in these fields.
• Becoming a registered professional engineer.
• Starting a technologically related business.

The term academic preparation for graduate school is defined to mean that a diligent student who has graduated from the OSU program has the background and knowledge to enroll and be successful in a graduate degree program in electrical and computer engineering.

An appreciation for electrical and computer engineering simply means that the student recognizes the impact that technology has on our lives, that the student understands the interdependence of related engineering and science disciplines.

Excitement about electrical and computer engineering is interpreted to mean that students develop a passion for areas of electrical and computer engineering they are directly involved in during their college years. Although this excitement will not be present at all times, students should develop this passion for at least some professional activities. This is demonstrated by active participation in design projects, performing above minimum standards set by the instructor, or voluntary participation in engineering related student organizations.