The University
Senate of
PROPOSAL 15-06
(Voting
Units: Academic Departments)
Proposal for
Bachelors Degree Title Change
Proposal to change
“Bachelor
of Science in Engineering Technology”
Mechanical
Engineering Technology Concentration
to
“Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology”
1.
General description and characteristics of program.
Industrial Technology is a recognized field of study based on a foundation of science and math. Degree programs range from the associate to doctorate level. Industrial technology programs are designed to prepare technical and/or technical management-oriented professionals for employment in business, industry, education, and government. The BSIT curriculum is well suited for students having associate degrees in engineering technology or applied technology from community colleges. The major requirements incorporate appropriate math and science course work along with upper division management oriented courses that serve to integrate a wide variety of technical disciplines. The technical concentration is defined by the AAS degree. These courses in conjunction with the general education requirements are sufficient to meet the educational outcomes of an industrial technology degree eligible for accreditation under the criteria of the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT). The program is designed to accept all courses that apply to the associate degree allowing us to create a seamless transfer process while maintaining the manufacturing flavor of the existing degree program.
2.
Rationale.
In 2005 the BSMET degree was approved as a spin-off of the Bachelor of Science in
Engineering Technology - Mechanical Engineering Technology Concentration (BSET/MET). Subsequent curricular changes to the BSET/MET
concentration focused on expanding access to the baccalaureate degree
and improving the transfer process from community colleges consistent with
Cherry Commission recommendations. Input from
our Industry Advisory Board (IAB) addressed the need for more management type
courses in conjunction with a technical curriculum. Implementation of
these changes resulted in a curriculum that is more appropriately identified as
Industrial Technology.
Previous efforts to accommodate community college transfer
students were hindered by a narrow focus
on traditional engineering technology disciplines and perceived accreditation
concerns. By shifting this focus to the
broader discipline of industrial technology we can simultaneously expand access
to a broader range of associate degrees to include applied technology as well
as engineering technology. The formal
recognition of a broader spectrum of technology based programs is entirely
appropriate for a technological university and will further expand access to
programs.
3. Discussion of related programs within the
institution and at other institutions.
At
The main difference between
the Industrial Technology degree and existing engineering technology degrees is
in the amount of math required, number of required business courses, and
accrediting agency. The most similar
degree program is the BS in Construction Management.
Other
Institutions:
NAIT currently accredits a total of 103 Baccalaureate level programs (130
program/options) in 54 institutions and a total of 108 Associate level programs
(184 program/options) in 29 institutions.
Summary:
The recent successful program startups in the
1.
Curriculum
design (refer to format of degree audit form).
Name change only, no curricular revisions.
2.
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.
3.
Additional
resources required. No additional resources required.
Name change only.
4.
Accreditation
requirements.
NAIT
accreditation.
5.
Planned
implementation date.
August
2006.
Introduced in Senate: 18 January 2006
Adopted by Senate: 1 February 2006
Approved by Administration: 6 February 2006