Accreditation

Academic programs are reviewed periodically, both internally (Provost's Office) and externally (accreditation agencies).

Internally, the Provost's office requires that all academic programs clearly define and meet educational outcomes. The Provost Office requirements are designed to meet Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities standards.

ABET accreditation requires a rigorous outcomes assessment, and a "closing-the-loop" process. The objective is to monitor various components of the programs such as course content, student learning (inside and outside classrooms), extra curricular activities and stakeholder opinion, with the intent of constantly improving. Stakeholders include current students, alumni, employers and the departmental advisory boards.

The College of Engineering and Mines offers 8 undergraduate degrees accredited by ABET. Below you can find more detailed information for each of the program's accreditation.

CEM Program Enrollment and Graduation Data

Enrollment

Major Fall 2018 Fall 2019 Fall 2020 Fall 2021 Fall 2022
Civil Engineering 106 94 82 75 70
Computer Engineering 31 26 25 38 27
Computer Science 107 99 81 75 81
Electrical Engineering 68 72 70 55 52
Geological Engineering 37 33 27 18 17
Mechanical Engineering 162 133 140 122 98
Mining Engineering 17 14 15 17 16
Petroleum Engineering 49 30 21 22 19

 

Degrees Awarded

Major AY 17/18 AY 18/19 AY 19/20 AY 20/21 AY 21/22
Civil Engineering 22 23 24 19 16
Computer Engineering 3 2 4 1 2
Computer Science 5 14 24 6 15
Electrical Engineering 15 7 13 17 11
Geological Engineering 5 7 9 4 6
Mechanical Engineering 48 31 21 24 26
Mining Engineering 5 6 1 3 1
Petroleum Engineering 15 17 16 3 3
 

The B.S. program in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

Educational Objectives of the B.S. Civil Engineering Program

  • Our graduates use their education to pursue professional careers in civil engineering and/or related fields in the public or private sectors, and/or graduate education.
  • Our graduates possess knowledge required to meet the challenges of civil engineering problems, including those unique to remote locations and cold regions including Alaska.
  • Our graduates demonstrate professionalism through clear communication, actively serving the community, teamwork, commitment to ethical standards, and pursuit of licensure.

Student Outcomes of the B.S. 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
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
  8. an understanding of northern issues

The B.S.  program in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

B.S. Computer Engineering Program Educational Objectives

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the UAF B.S. in Computer Engineering program are expected to: 

  1. Function independently and in diverse multidisciplinary teams as technically proficient, productive, and ethically responsible members of their profession. 
  2. Apply their fundamental understanding, acquire and apply new knowledge and skills, and allocate resources to solve real-world problems, including engineering for extreme environments. 
  3. Effectively communicate with technical and non-technical audiences, including employers, colleagues, clients, professional organizations, and the public. 

B.S. Computer Engineering Program Student Outcomes

These are the outcomes that our students attain:

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

The B.S. program in Computer Science accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs Program Criteria.

Computer Science Program Educational Objectives

The faculty of the Department of Computer Science at UAF provides a positive learning environment that enables students to pursue their goals in an innovative program that is rigorous, challenging and supportive. The B.S. program develops practical skills by emphasizing hands-on experience in the design, implementation, and validation of computer systems in an environment that fosters and encourages innovation and creativity. This approach builds the foundation for the following program educational objectives:

  1. Breadth: Graduates will utilize their broad education emphasizing computer science to serve as the foundation for productive careers in technical and leadership roles in the public or private sectors, graduate education, and lifelong learning.
  2. Depth: Graduates will apply the fundamental knowledge that is prerequisite for the practice of and/or advanced study in computer science.
  3. Professional Skills: Graduates will communicate clearly, work effectively in teams, and hold themselves and their organizations to a high ethical standard.

Student Outcomes

According to the ABET Criteria for Accrediting Computing Programs 2.0, the program must enable students to attain, by the time of graduation, the ability to:
    1.    Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
    2.    Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set
 of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
    3.    Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
    4.    Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in
computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
    5.    Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities
 appropriate to the program’s discipline.
    6.    Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to 
produce computing-based solutions.

The B.S. program in Electrical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

B.S. Electrical Engineering Program Educational Objectives

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the UAF B.S. in Electrical Engineering program are expected to: 

  1. Function independently and in diverse multidisciplinary teams as technically proficient, productive, and ethically responsible members of their profession. 
  2. Apply their fundamental understanding, acquire and apply new knowledge and skills, and allocate resources to solve real-world problems, including engineering for extreme environments. 
  3. Effectively communicate with technical and non-technical audiences, including employers, colleagues, clients, professional organizations, and the public. 

B.S. Electrical Engineering Program Student Outcomes

These are the outcomes that our students attain:

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

 The B.S. program in Geological Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Geological and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

Educational Objectives of the B.S. Geological Engineering Program

  • Our graduates use their broad education to serve as the foundation of successful careers in geological engineering and/or related fields in the public or private sectors, and/or graduate education.
  • Our graduates possess technical knowledge required to meet the unique challenges of geological engineering problems, especially those germane to cold regions including Alaska.
  • Our graduates demonstrate professionalism through clear communication, actively serving the community, teamwork, commitment to ethical standards, and life-long learning.

Student Outcomes of the B.S. Geological 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
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
  8. a knowledge of engineering applications as related to geological resources and geohazards in Alaska and an ability to practice engineering in Arctic-related projects

The B.S. program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

Educational Objectives of the B.S. Mechanical Engineering Program

After completing the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program, students will be able to:

  • Compete successfully on the world stage at the professional level
  • Understand the significant local, regional, national, and global issues facing humankind
  • Continue to develop as engineers through lifelong learning
  • Serve as resources of technical knowledge for the state as well as the nation, especially with respect to extreme latitude issues

Student Outcomes of the B.S. Mechanical Engineering Program

These are the outcomes that our students attain:

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

The B.S. program in Mining Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Mining and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

Mission of the B.S. Mining Engineering Program

As the nation's northernmost accredited Mining Engineering Program, our mission is to advance and disseminate knowledge for exploration, evaluation, development and efficient production of mineral and energy resources with assurance of the health and safety of persons involved, and protection of the environment, through creative teaching, research, and public service with an emphasis on Alaska, the North, and its diverse peoples.

Educational Objectives of the B.S. Mining Engineering Program

The mining engineering program educational objectives are to graduate competent engineers who:

  • apply their engineering skills and knowledge with consideration to health, safety and the environment,
  • pursue careers in mineral-related industries,
  • are active among the local and professional mining communities, and
  • seek professional advancement of mining engineering technology and practices

Student Outcomes of the B.S. Mining 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
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

The B.S. program in Petroleum Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Petroleum and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Program Criteria.

Educational Objectives of the B.S. Petroleum Engineering Program

  • Our graduates will apply their technical knowledge and data analytics skills and have successful careers in the oil and gas industry analyzing real-world petroleum engineering problems, developing innovative solutions underpinned by data, and communicating these to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders within the global community.
  • Our graduates will demonstrate professionalism, commitment to ethical standards, and lifelong learning through continuing professional development during their careers.
  • Our graduates will contribute significantly to the global petroleum engineering profession and they will exemplify the behaviors, including integrity, empathy, tolerance and respect and fair dealing, necessary to become industry leaders within and beyond Alaska.

Student Outcomes of the B.S. Petroleum Engineering Program are:

  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
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
  8. an understanding of northern issues