FMU’s Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering.

Continuous Improvement Process

The Continuous Improvement Process is driven by a schedule that involves Mechanical Engineering Faculty participation and discussion every fall semester, advisory board participation and discussion every spring semester, and change/corrective action implementation (if deemed necessary) at the end of the academic year.  Student Outcome measurements and assessments are reviewed every year.  Program Educational Objectives are reviewed in year 2 of the 3-year improvement cycle.  The Student Outcome platform (course mappings, question bank, and measurement/assessment methodology), as well as the curriculum, are reviewed and assessed during year 3 of the cycle.

Program Educational Objectives

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) for the Mechanical Engineering program at FMU have been developed as a representation of acknowledged and anticipated needs of the program’s constituents. These learning outcomes also represent and support the educational mission of Francis Marion University, the Department of Physics and Engineering, and the Mechanical Engineering Program. These objectives (listed below) are statements of expected accomplishments of Mechanical Engineering graduates within 3-5 years of graduation.

1. Use ethically-sound judgement in an engineering-related career.
2. Employ technical communication, leadership, and teamwork skills to lead and manage projects.
3. Pursue further education and/or training (graduate studies, professional engineering licensures, certifications, etc.)
4. Serve the community (including organizations such as universities, charities, and local governments) by engaging in outreach activities.

Program Constituents

a. Engineering employers with an emphasis on those from the Pee Dee region
b. Faculty in FMU’s Mechanical Engineering program
c. FMU Mechanical Engineering alumni (minimum 2 years work experience or advanced degree obtained post-FMU)

Student Outcome Measurement

Outcome measurement and assessment is a continuous activity that engages all faculty members of both Engineering programs at FMU.  The Student Outcome assessment plan was developed and approved by the Mechanical Engineering faculty and the department chair.  The compiled plan includes a staggered platform across (a) individual courses and (b) the four-year curriculum, with an emphasis on consistent, balanced assessment.

Mechanical Engineering Program Enrollment

ABET Student Outcomes

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.