Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Learning Goals for the MS Degree Programs

  1. Knowledge of Disciplines. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Mechanical Engineering disciplines, and develop competence within a student-chosen area of emphasis in Mechanical Engineering (MS Thesis and ME 10-Course Option).
  2. Independent Original Research: Demonstrate ability to conduct guided and original research in area of emphasis in Mechanical Engineering. (MS Thesis only).
  3. Communicate Research Results (MS Thesis only).

 Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the MS Degree Programs

Learning Outcomes Supports Learning Goals Assessment Method/Measure Achievement Target/Criterion for Success Types of Assessment
SLO 1: Solve mechanical engineering problems – Students can utilize applied mathematics, computational methods and engineering methods to solve mechanical engineering problems.  Goal 1

 Course requirement: Successful completion of department core and area of emphasis course requirements.  85% of students will score a B or better in (i) a continuum mechanics course (ME511 or ME550); (ii) a computational course (ME517 or ME541); (iii) a math course (ME535 or ME533).  Direct
SLO 2: Original contribution to mechanical engineering – Students can perform directed research culminating in an original contribution to an area of emphasis in mechanical engineering. Goal 2 Students writes and defends thesis.  100% of students pass thesis defense.  Direct
SLO 3: Communicate research results – Students can clearly and convincingly articulate their research results.  Goal 3  Presentation of research.  85% of students will receive positive advisor feedback on their presentations.  Direct

Learning Goals for the PhD Degree Programs

  1. Knowledge of Disciplines: Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Mechanical Engineering disciplines, and develop competence within a student-chosen area of emphasis in Mechanical Engineering.
  2. Independent Original Research: Demonstrate ability to conduct guided and original research in area of emphasis in Mechanical Engineering. 
  3. Communicate Research Results.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the PhD Programs

Learning Outcomes Supports Learning Goals Assessment Method/Measure Criterion for Success Types of Assessment

SLO 1: Solve mechanical engineering problems – Students can utilize applied mathematics, computational methods and engineering methods to solve mechanical engineering problems. 

 Goal 1

Performance in Continuum and Computational courses.  

Score B or better in (i) a continuum mechanics course; (ii) a computational course; (ii) ME535 and ME635.

 85% of students meet this target (score B or better in ME535 and ME635). Direct
Qualifying Evaluation – Passing of the Qualifying Evaluation.  100% of students will pass the Qualifying Exam.  Direct
Comprehensive Exam – Passing of the Comprehensive Exam 100% of students will pass the Comprehensive Exam.  Direct
SLO 2: Original contribution to mechanical engineering – Students can structure and execute a research program that culminates in an original contribution to area of emphasis in mechanical engineering Goal 2  Prospectus 100% of students will have Prospectus approved.   Direct
Thesis - Student writes, defends and publishes thesis. 100% of students will pass defense.  Direct
SLO 3: Communicate research results – Students can clearly and convincingly articulate their research results.  Goal 3 Publication - Students submit manuscripts for publication.  100% of students publish at least one manuscript in an archival journal.   Direct