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Engineering at JCU has “leveled up”:�� Engineering Physics (EP) BS – 4-year JCU degree

• Beginning in the Fall of 2021, the EP curriculum was significantly updated so that it fully aligns with ABET accreditation standards. ABET accreditation means that it will be a fully recognized “engineering” program for the first time, and it signals to future employers that the program meets all of the expectations/standards of the engineering profession.
• This incoming class of students (Class of 2027) is the 3rd cohort to follow our significantly revised/updated curriculum.
• We are not currently accredited, though much of the work is already done. Our first opportunity to formally apply for ABET Accreditation is after our 1st cohort graduates (Class of 2025). We hope to be accredited before the Class of 2027 has graduated. We will seek to be accredited under the “General Engineering” classification.
• What has changed:
  • New engineering-based coursework has been newly developed, including “Intro to Engineering” lecture/lab course sequence in the first year, a broader range of foundational and interdisciplinary engineering topics covered throughout the curriculum, and a significantly expanded year-long Capstone experience in Engineering Design.
  • We are increasing engineering-related laboratory and computational infrastructure and activities (equipment, laboratories, industry-standard engineering software, etc.), and infused more teamwork and problem-based learning.
  • With our Alumni network, we are increasing the level of connections to industry partners and internships for students.
  • Two recent hires of tenure-track Engineering faculty in the department bring in ABET-relevant expertise, exciting new research opportunities.
  • Our students can take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam before they graduate, which is the first step to becoming a Professional Engineer (an important certification for some engineers).
  • There will be no barriers to applying for and obtaining jobs requiring an ABET degree after completing our BS in EP.
• This unique engineering program sets students up to enter interdisciplinary and fast-changing fields at the cutting-edge of engineering and technology. It is highly interdisciplinary and foundational, rather than deep and narrow in one particular sub-field of engineering. The more rigorous science underpinnings through the physics content with “from the ground up” problem solving will position students to pursue work at the interface between fields, and where new discovery and innovation is happening. Finally, our program integrates the liberal arts core for a complete, whole-person education vital for engineers in today’s society.

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