ABET 2000: what are the most important criteria to the supervisors of new engineering undergraduates?

Abstract

Engineering curricula in the next millennium will be guided by outcome assessments. ABET Engineering criteria 2000 establishes 11 proficiencies. Which attributes are more important? This study focuses on determining the critical attributes from supervisors of Stevens Institute of Technology engineering graduates in the last 3 years (1994, 1995, and 1996) in order to better determine the industry skill set required of recent alumni. The most important attributes, in order of priority, were problem solving, ability to design and conduct experiments, recognition of the need to engage in life-long learning, understanding of professional and ethical responsibility and an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. Of less importance were depth and breath of engineering science indicating that the new curriculums will need to emphasize the 'softer skills.' Recent graduates attribute prioritization were nearly identical to their supervisors which further reinforces the relative importance of the attributes previously indicated.