University Senate of Michigan Technological University

Proposal 29-05

(Voting unit: Academic Senators)

Proposal to change

“Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with concentration in Construction Management Technology”

to

“Bachelor of Science in Construction Management”

1. General description and characteristics of program.

The School of Technology currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with three concentrations: Construction Management Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology. This proposal would create a separate Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (B.S.C.M.) degree. Separate proposals will similarly spinoff the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) concentrations.

2. Rationale.

The School of Technology at Michigan Technological University currently offers Associate of Applied Science degrees (AAS) in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Civil Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Science degrees (BS) in Computer Networking and System Administration, Surveying, and Engineering Technology. Currently the BSET degree serves as an “umbrella” for three concentrations: Electrical Engineering Technology (EET), Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), and Construction Management Technology (CMT). Since these three fields of study are listed only as concentrations, they lack the distinction and visibility of stand-alone degree programs. For example, ASEE’s Profiles of Engineering and Engineering Technology Colleges does not recognize concentrations, leading the PEETC reader to believe that MTU does not offer any educational opportunities in EET. Similarly, the MTU internal database fails (in many cases) to distinguish between the various BSET students. The Dean’s List only acknowledges the success of BSET students, recruiters have difficulty interpreting the generic BSET title, and at graduation CMTs, METs and EETs are all lumped together under the generic BSET heading. The lack of distinction between three totally separate disciplines truly results in tracking and identity problems spanning from initial enrollment through graduation.

Officially defining three explicit baccalaureate technology programs will enhance not only the recruitment of students, but will also serve to improve the employability of CMT, MET and EET students upon graduation. Additionally, the formal recognition of these programs will serve notice as to the diversity of programs within the School of Technology.

Eliminating “engineering” from the title will serve to better differentiate School of Technology offerings from those in the College of Engineering and increase awareness as to the diversity of programs within the University. The formal recognition of a broader spectrum of technology based programs is entirely appropriate for a technological university.

3. Discussion of related programs within the institution and at other institutions.

At Michigan Technological University:
BSCE (construction engineering not construction management)

Other Institutions:
With ACCE accredited BS degrees:
- 57 colleges and universities nationwide with ACCE accredited programs
In Michigan:
- Michigan State University
- Ferris State University
- Eastern Michigan University

Summary:
The relatively large number of universities and colleges with accredited construction management degrees and there reported placement with employers supports the proposition that there is a strong demand for graduates.

4. Curriculum design (refer to format of degree audit form).

No curriculum design changes are required or proposed.

5. New course descriptions. (New Course Add Forms are needed for each course and will be processed upon final approval of program.)

No new courses are required or proposed.

6. Additional resources required. (Additional information may be requested by the Senate Finance Committee.)

No additional resources courses are required or proposed.

7. Accreditation requirements.

For the Construction Management program, another driving force for the name change is to prepare for accreditation. This degree will not be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) so the technology component of the name is not required. The degree will be accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) and the title Construction Management is consistent with other programs of this type, accredited by this agency.

8. Planned implementation date.

August 2005.

13 April 2005: Adopted by the Senate
20 April 2005: Approved by President Mroz
24 June 2005: Approved Board of Control