Dec 21, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current] 
    
2024-2025 General Catalog [Current]

Department of Engineering and Technology


Person IconDepartment Chair
Scott Munro – TH 013
Faculty IconFaculty & Staff
Person IconAdministrative Assistant
Jamie M. Campbell – TH 129
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Overview of Programs

Engineers and Technologists play an increasingly important role in solving the varied problems of a complex and increasingly international society. Their work focuses on design, but it may include analysis, diagnostic measurements, supervision, operations, communications, and many other skills. There are many rewarding and high-paying job opportunities in the fields of Engineering and Technology, requiring proven skills and leadership.

The Department of Engineering and Technology offers a learning-centered environment with ABET-accredited programs.

The Civil Engineering (B.S.) degree at SUU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Civil Engineering Program Criteria.

The Construction Management (B.S.) degree at SUU is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Construction Management Program Criteria.

The Engineering (B.S.) degree at SUU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria.

The Engineering Technology (B.S.) degree at SUU is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria.

The Mechanical Engineering (B.S.) degree at SUU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Mechanical Engineering Program Criteria.

Mission

The Department of Engineering and Technology is made up of undergraduate academic programs in three areas-engineering, technology, and construction management. Our mission is to:

  • Foster a student-centered learning environment,
  • Nurture a student-oriented culture of curiosity, creativity, and discovery,
  • Maintain a commitment to continuous improvement,
  • Encourage community engagement,
  • Establish and maintain high-quality accredited programs, and
  • Prepare graduates to be successful in professional careers.

Department Vision

Establish a supportive educational environment for students of engineering and technology that is intellectually stimulating, academically rigorous, ethically sound, environmentally conscious, and practically relevant to help prepare students to be engaged in their communities and careers where they will serve responsibly and add value through creatively and proactively solving problems.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

Civil Engineering

The program educational objectives for the Civil Engineering program at SUU reflect the mission of the Department of Engineering and Technology and the University, the importance of effective professional practice, the skill of qualified leadership roles, the ability to engage in advanced degrees, and a dedication to enduring learning.

Graduates of the Southern Utah University Civil Engineering Program are considered successful if, after four (4) years from their graduation, they

  • Are prepared to attain professional engineering licensure.
  • Are effective leaders in public and private organizations in civil engineering fields.
  • Have innovative competencies for professional practice to perform multidisciplinary and cross-civil engineering applications.
  • Design, build, maintain, or improve safe, economical and reliable structures considering the codes and standards, as well the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts as needed.
  • Are prepared to engage in or have completed a graduate-level degree.
  • Have the skills required to identify, analyze, and manage complex civil engineering problems.

The student learning outcomes embraced by the Civil Engineering program are those proposed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Each graduate will take from the Civil Engineering program:

  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; and
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Construction Management

The Construction Management student outcomes prepare graduates to attain the program educational objectives. These outcomes undergo periodic review and revision to ensure they meet the needs of the program constituencies. Graduates from the Construction Management program will have the ability to:

  1. Apply their technical skills to solve broadly-defined problems related to construction project management from pre-design through commissioning, construction methods, site logistics, and project phasing;
  2. Complete their advanced degrees in construction management or other related disciplines if desired;
  3. Implement their management skills to deliver a construction project that is acceptable to the owner, on time, with high quality, safe, and within budget;
  4. Use their financial and business skills to prepare the quantity take-offs, project budget, project life-cycle and sustainability, project resources plan, project cost control, and risks management plan;
  5. Carry out their administrative skills to comply with regulatory, prepare contract documents, and prevent disputes and resolution; and
  6. Perform their communication and leadership skills to lead and manage labor and subcontractors, and identify the relationship between project stakeholders.

The outcomes of the Construction Management program are those proposed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Each graduate will take from the Construction Management program:

  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.

Electrical Engineering

The outcomes embraced by the Electrical Engineering program for students are those proposed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Each graduate will take from the Electrical Engineering program:

  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; and
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Engineering Technology

Graduates of the Engineering Technology program will be considered successful if, after a few years from their graduation, they can:

  1. Apply knowledge, techniques, skill, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems.
  2. Design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems.
  3. Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in technical and non-technical environments, including identification and use of appropriate technical literature.
  4. Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments to analyze and interpret results.
  5. Function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical and/or interdisciplinary teams.
  6. Engage in their communities in engineering and technology education opportunities.
  7. Exhibit ethical workplace behavior.

The student outcomes embraced by the Engineering Technology programs are those proposed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Graduates from the Engineering Technology programs will have the ability to:

  1. Apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
  2. Design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
  3. Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;
  4. Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes; and
  5. Function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.

Mechanical Engineering

At SUU, the Mechanical Engineering curriculum prepares students to succeed in industry, lead diverse teams towards a common goal, continually develop professional and technical skills, and encourages students to engage and contribute to their community and society. We strive to help our students learn key skills such that within a few years after graduation, they will have the ability to:

  • Apply and communicate their engineering knowledge, critical thinking, professional skills and problem-solving abilities in professional engineering practice in a broad range of engineering fields, or in non-engineering fields;
  • Complete advanced degrees in mechanical or other engineering disciplines if desired;
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams on significant projects from inception to completion;
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research;
  • Actively participate in professional organizations and embrace leadership roles; and
  • Apply their engineering background and develop new skills beyond engineering to contribute to their communities, society and the engineering profession.

The outcomes embraced by the Mechanical Engineering program for students are those proposed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Each graduate will take from the Mechanical Engineering program:

  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; and
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Other Information

The Disciplines

Engineering and Technology graduates work to meet the present and future technological needs of a complex society. Their work provides everything from basic necessities such as power, fuel, and water, to the modern conveniences of satellite communications, high rise office buildings, and supersonic aircraft. Graduates are well-versed and capable of solving problems in a wide range of engineering fundamentals. They communicate with the public, other engineers, technicians, and scientists in many different disciplines all over the world to better understand society’s needs and what is necessary to meet a specific need. Graduates are proficient problem solvers and well-trained in the latest, as well as traditional, methods of analysis, design, and construction. Department curriculum combines and emphasizes study in fundamental and advanced areas of science, technology, and engineering that are traditionally taught in a variety of engineering and technology disciplines. Graduates typically find work in consulting offices, manufacturing businesses, industrial companies, and government agencies, some of which utilize small, highly versatile engineering and technology staffs. Engineering and Technology graduates are also sought as technical and program managers in larger institutions where they work with specialists to meet program or project objectives. Cross-disciplinary engineering and technology solutions encompass an increasingly wide spectrum of methods, technologies, and materials to generate optimized economical solutions for the complex problems encountered in a constantly changing world. Engineering and Technology graduates are equipped with the knowledge and broad background necessary to effectively function in a multidisciplinary problem-solving environment. They achieve a level of knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and design that enables them to pursue successful careers in industry, consulting, or public service, or to continue their education in graduate studies.

Curriculum

The Engineering and Technology curriculum is founded upon fundamentals in mathematics, physics, chemistry, communications, and includes engineering and technology courses common to many in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering and Technology programs. Advanced engineering and technology topics maintain an emphasis on cross-disciplinary applications, versatility, and improved problem solving and communication skills. Engineering and Technology studies culminate in multidisciplinary team projects that integrate the principles of scientific research and analysis with the applied art of engineering and technology design. Opportunities for internships and service learning add depth to the educational experience.

Engineering Credit Transfer

Southern Utah University has course articulation agreements with other schools in the Utah System of Higher Education. Students transferring to SUU from any of these schools will be able to transfer courses provided the courses are equivalent in content and number of credit hours to those in the SUU engineering curricula. Transfer of SUU credits to another institution is normally on the same basis.

Engineering Technology Credit Transfer

Southern Utah University has course articulation agreements with a large number of other schools of higher education in the State of Utah. Students transferring to SUU from any of these schools will be able to transfer courses taken at any of these schools provided (1) the courses are equivalent in content and number of credit hours to those in the curricula and (2) a grade of “C” or better has been earned for the courses. In all other instances, transfer of credit will be determined by the faculty on a case-by-case basis. Transfer students should have completed Trigonometry and College Physics with the lab by the time they arrive at SUU so they are Calculus-ready. If transfer students have not completed Trigonometry and College Physics with the lab, they can expect to take longer than two (2) years to graduate.


Programs

    Associate’s DegreeBachelor’s DegreeAcademic Certificate (Undergraduate)Minor