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S. Keith Hargrove, Ph.D., CMfgE, PE, Dean and Professor
ET 230 Andrew P. Torrence Hall
615-963-5401

General Statement

Engineering is the profession in which knowledge of mathematics and natural science is applied with judgment to develop ways to economically utilize the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.

The College of Engineering, offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences and Aeronautical and Industrial Technology. Concentrations include Computer Engineering in Electrical Engineering, Bioinformatics in Computer Science, and Aviation Management, Aviation Flight Training and Industrial Electronics Technology in Aeronautical and Industrial Technology.

The College’s curricula in these programs are structured to graduate quality students capable of taking their places in the mainstream of the engineering/technology/computer science profession. Students are prepared to satisfy the manpower needs of industry and to tackle the complex technical challenges facing a technology based society.

The educational goal of the College is to prepare students to think critically, interpret knowledge, pursue lifelong learning, and function effectively and productively as members of a global society, as professionals in a technology based work force.

Mission

Tennessee State University, established in 1890, as a land-grant institution is a major urban comprehensive university. The College of Engineering was established in 1951. Its Statement of Mission reads:

1. The College shall have an educational delivery system and research of uncompromising high quality which addresses the needs of the people and the goals of the State of Tennessee, the region and the nation in the areas of analysis, design and development of systems, system components and processes.
2. The College shall prepare students to think critical, apply knowledge, communicate effectively and function productively as members of professional teams, pursue graduate studies and engage in lifelong learning.
3. The College shall pursue basic and applied research in critical technologies including transportation and environmental engineering, design and manufacturing engineering, computer communication and networks, wireless and intelligent systems, robotics building technology, software productivity and security systems for networks manufacturing systems and individual facilities.
4. The College shall be a full partner with business, industry and related government agencies to enhance Tennessee’s economy through research activities in critical technologies, continuing education and technology transfer.

In carrying out this diverse mission, the College of Engineering at Tennessee State University serves Nashville and middle Tennessee, the State of Tennessee, the Nation, and the international community with University’s Motto, “Think, Work, Serve” as the basis of the College’s Mission. In this regard, the College seeks to provide its students with these experiences which lead to a wholesome, well-rounded and well-balanced quality life.

The College serves a diverse population of students of all races: traditional, non-traditional, commuter, residential, undergraduates, graduates, non-degree, full-time, and part-time. In doing so, the College seeks to develop the talents of its students, including those with special academic talents as well as those who have educational, cultural, environmental, social and/or economic constraints.

Educational Objectives

The educational objectives of the College are to prepare graduates to think critically, interpret knowledge, and pursue lifelong learning, function effectively and productively as members of a global society as professionals in a technology based work force. The graduates within a few years of graduation exhibit the following characteristic:

1. Familiarity with the systematic scientific approach to problem-solving, including the use of modern tools and current technology.
2. Development of a strong foundation in engineering / technology / computer science fundamentals.
3. Development of habits of orderliness, carefulness and objectivity.
4. Development of professional attitudes, communication skills, and professional ethics, including the understanding of the engineering / technology / computer science profession.
5. Development of an understanding and sensitivity for social, political, economic, and environmental implications of technological system in the real world.
6. Familiarity with intellectual challenges designed to arouse curiosity and a desire for lifelong learning.
7. Development of experiences that will prepare them to function effectively in multi-cultural and multi-discipline groups.

Student Outcomes

Graduates from an engineering program in the College of Engineering, shall demonstrate the ability:

1. to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering to a job assignment.
2. to design and/or conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data as it relates to completing a job assignment.
3. to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs as defined in a job assignment.
4. to function on multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams in the execution of a team project.
5. to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems as it relates to a specific project assignment.
6. The understanding of professional and ethical responsibility in the work place.
7. to communicate (orally, written, graphical computer) effectively aspects of a job assignment.
8. The understanding of the impact of an engineering solution for a project in a global and/or societal context.
9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning to keep abreast of the technological advances in present and future job assignments.
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues as it relates to the industry and products of a given company / organization.
11. The ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice in present and future job assignments.

Engineering Design Experience:

A major engineering curriculum objective is to provide engineering students with the ability to systematically apply engineering fundamentals to the design of engineering components, systems and processes.

Engineering design is the process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. It is a decision making process (often iterative). The fundamental elements of the design process are the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, construction, testing and evaluation, and may include a variety of realistic constraints, such as economic and environmental factors, safety, and reliability, aesthetics, ethics and social impact. In this regard, the College has in place, a series of required courses with engineering design content, which are integrated throughout the curriculum in each engineering program.

The engineering design experience is integrated throughout the curriculum, starting with the definition of engineering and engineering design in ENGR 1020 - Freshman Engineering Seminar 1(1,0) , in the freshman year. The design experience continues in the sophomore year with ENGR 2010 - Thermodynamics 3(3,0)  (or ENGR 2250 - Transport Phenomena 3(3,0) ) and ENGR 2110 - Statics 3(3,0) .

Engineering design continues in the junior year with the required course ENGR 3200 - Introduction to Design 3(3,0)  where upper divisions students are once again introduced to the design process in a much more rigorous and comprehensive manner, building upon concepts introduced at the freshman and sophomore levels. Specialization in each program begins in the junior year with program design courses. Program specific design courses are listed in each department curriculum. Further specialization takes place in the senior year.

Each program offers at least one course which is 100% engineering design. The engineering design sequence is completed with a two-semester capstone design course. Computer Science students are required to complete a two-semester long senior project course. An integral part of the design experience is the introduction of ethical, economical, social and safety factors required to make a design successful. These concepts are introduced during the freshman year, reinforced during the junior year and integrated into design projects in the junior level and senior level design courses. At each level, a formal written report and a formal oral presentation is required to communicate the design.

Admissions/Retention Requirements: All engineering students who plan to take upper division engineering courses, 3000 and 4000 level courses must have passed the Engineering Entrance Examination with a minimum score of 75% on each part (calculus, chemistry, and physics) of the examination.

Engineering Entrance Examination:

The eligibility criteria for taking the Engineering Entrance Examination are:

1. Minimum grade of “C” in each of the following courses: CHEM 1110, 1111 ; MATH 1910 , MATH 1920 ; PHYS 2110 , PHYS 2111 , PHYS 2120 .
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for the group of courses listed above in Item 1 at the time of taking the Engineering Entrance Examination.
3. Completion and submission of the engineering entrance examination eligibility form to the Dean’s Office at least one week prior to the examination.

The Engineering Entrance Examination is given at least five times per year. The dates for the examination may be obtained from the Dean’s Office. Each student is allowed three (3) attempts to pass the engineering entrance examination.

After the second unsuccessful attempt, the student is required to repeat at least one of the following courses: CHEM 1110, 1111 ; MATH 1910 , MATH 1920 ; PHYS 2110 , PHYS 2120  before the examination can be taken a third and final time.

Admission of Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions of higher education who plan to enter the College of Engineering must meet University admission criteria. Engineering transfer students must first take and pass the Engineering Entrance Examination before taking 3000 and 4000 level courses.

Specific College Requirements:

1. No student will be allowed to take any departmental courses, major courses, engineering courses, mathematics, and/or science courses without having successfully completed the proper prerequisites for those courses.
2. Engineering students earning a grade of “D” or lower in a mathematics course(s), science course(s), departmental course(s), or a major course(s) must repeat that course(s) the very next time the course(s) is offered.
3. Students earning a grade of “D” or lower in a major course(s) must repeat that course(s) the very next time the course(s) is offered.
4. Each engineering student must complete a practicum prior to graduation. A practicum may include, but is not limited to, an industrial internship, co-operative education experience, research experience, assistant in an engineering or technology laboratory, and other engineering/technology practical experiences. The practicum must be approved in advance by the student’s academic advisor and department chair. The practical experience must be at least eight (8) continuous weeks in length. A comprehensive report on at least one practicum is required. The report must be cosigned by a supervisor. The practicum report is to be given to the student’s faculty advisor. The departmental and college offices will assist students in locating a practicum.

Engineering Programs Core Requirements:

All engineering students are required to take the following engineering core courses:

Graduation Requirements

In addition to the University requirements for graduation, the following specific College graduation requirements must be met by students in the College:

All engineering students must repeat “D” grades earned in mathematics, science, departmental, or major courses the very next time the courses are offered until a minimum grade of “C” is earned. However, students may graduate with a maximum of two “D” grades in these courses.

All College graduating seniors must take and successfully complete all components of the ETS Exit Examination during the senior year.

Engineering students must take ENGR 4201  EIT/FE Review Laboratory and they are encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination ONLY with the consent of the department chair.

Accreditation: The Bachelor of Science degree programs in Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET). The Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science is accredited by Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (CAC/ABET). The Bachelor of Science degree program in Aeronautical and Industrial Technology is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering.

Courses

• ENGR 1020 - Freshman Engineering Seminar 1(1,0)
• ENGR 1151 - Computer Engineering Graphics and Analysis 1(0,3)
• ENGR 2000 - Circuits I 3(3,0)
• ENGR 2001 - Lab 1(0,3)
• ENGR 2010 - Thermodynamics 3(3,0)
• ENGR 2110 - Statics 3(3,0)
• ENGR 2120 - Dynamics 3(3,0)
• ENGR 2230 - Engineering Computer Programming 3(2,3)
• ENGR 2250 - Transport Phenomena 3(3,0)
• ENGR 3100 - Global Engineering Project Management 3(3,0)
• ENGR 3200 - Introduction to Design 3(3,0)
• ENGR 3300 - Materials Science 2(2,0)
• ENGR 3400 - Numerical Analysis 3(3,0)
• ENGR 3520 - An Introduction to Network Security 3(3,0)
• ENGR 4110 A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H - Special Topics in Engineering 3(3,0)
• ENGR 4201 - Engineering-in-Training 0(0,5)
• ENGR 4230 - Legal Ethical Aspects of Engineering 3(3,0)
• ENGR 4300 - Engineering Economics 3(3,0)
• ENGR 4400 - Probability and Statistics 3(3,0)
• ENGR 4440 - Mobile Robotics 3(3,0)
• ENGR 4500 - Capstone Design Project I 1(1,0)
• ENGR 4510 - Capstone Design Project II 1(1,0)
• ENGR 4900 - Professional Development Seminar 1(1,0)

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