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Definitions

While ABET recognizes and supports the prerogative of institutions to adopt and use the terminology of their choice, it is necessary for ABET volunteers and staff to have a consistent understanding of terminology. With that purpose in mind, the Commissions will use the following basic definitions:

Program Educational Objectives – Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years after graduation. Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the program’s constituencies.

Student Outcomes – Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program.

Assessment – Assessment is one or more processes that identify, collect, and prepare data to evaluate the attainment of student outcomes. Effective assessment uses relevant direct, indirect, quantitative and qualitative measures as appropriate to the outcome being measured. Appropriate sampling methods may be used as part of an assessment process.

Evaluation – Evaluation is one or more processes for interpreting the data and evidence accumulated through assessment processes. Evaluation determines the extent to which student outcomes are being attained. Evaluation results in decisions and actions regarding program improvement.

College-level Mathematics consists of mathematics that requires a degree of mathematical sophistication at least equivalent to that of college algebra. For illustrative purposes, some examples of college-level mathematics include college algebra, precalculus, calculus, differential equations, probability, statistics, linear algebra and discrete mathematics.

Natural Science increases the knowledge base of a field of research and science collectively that are involved in the study of the physical world and its phenomena.  Natural science consists of but is not limited to biology, physics, chemistry, geology and other natural sciences including life, earth and space sciences.

Applied Science uses the knowledge base in natural science to solve specific problems.

Criterion 3. Student Outcomes

The program must have documented student outcomes that prepare graduates to attain the program educational objectives. There must be a documented and effective process for the periodic review and revision of these student outcomes.
A. Associate degree program student outcomes must include, but are not limited to the following:

(1) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly-defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.

(2) An ability to conduct experiments or test theories, as well as to analyze and interpret data

(3) An ability to function on teams

(4) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

(5) An ability to communicate effectively

B. Baccalaureate degree program student outcomes must include, but are not limited to the following:

(1) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly-defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.

(2) An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.

(3) an ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions

(4) an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

(5) An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts

(6) An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.
Criterion 5

The curriculum requirements specify subject areas appropriate to applied or natural sciences programs but do not prescribe specific courses. For the purposes of accreditation, mathematics and statistics programs may be reviewed under the definition of applied and natural sciences.  The program’s faculty must assure that the curriculum devotes adequate attention and time to each component, consistent with the objectives of the program and institution.

The curriculum must include:

a. combination of college-level mathematics and sciences (some with laboratory and/or experimental experience) appropriate to the discipline

b. advanced technical and/or science topics appropriate to the program

c. a general education component that complements the technical and scientific content of the curriculum and is consistent with the program and institution objectives.

Students in baccalaureate degree programs must also be prepared for practice in a field of applied or natural sciences through a curriculum culminating in comprehensive projects or experiences based on the cumulative knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work.

 

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Question Title

* 1. If you would like to provide comments regarding the proposed criteria, please provide them below.

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