Objectives and Outcomes

Mission of Brigham Young University

The objectives and learning outcomes of the Electrical and Computer Engineering programs are intended to support the mission of Brigham Young University, which is "to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life" (BYU Mission Statement). "To this end, BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives" (Aims of a BYU Education).

Program Educational Objectives

Program educational objectives are the life and career accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve.

The BYU Electrical and Computer Engineering Programs prepare graduates to:

1. Apply knowledge in service to community and family and engage in lifelong learning through personal study and continuing education.
2. Develop a fulfilling profession which may include employment in industry or academia, technology-based entrepreneurship, and postgraduate study in engineering or other disciplines.
3. Leverage technical background to make innovative contributions to society and serve in responsible positions of leadership.
4. Be an example of faith, character, and high professional ethics.

Learning Outcomes

In order to prepare students to achieve the program educational objectives, the department has set forth the following set of attributes and capabilities that students should possess upon completion of the program:

1. Engineering Problems: An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. Engineering Design: An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration for public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. Communication: An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. Ethics: An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. Teamwork: 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. Experimentation: An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. Lifelong Learning: An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Course Competencies

A course competency is a specific, measurable skill, attribute, or area of knowledge associated with a program learning outcome. Competencies are taught and assessed as part of the courses and educational activities which comprise the undergraduate curriculum. Course competencies for each class are listed on the learning outcomes page.

Assessment and Quality Improvement

Assessment and quality improvement processes are used to ensure that students receive a quality education and are prepared to achieve the program education objectives. Additional details are available at the program assessment and quality improvement page.

Terminology

Program educational objectives: Life and career accomplishments that the BYU Electrical and Computer Engineering programs are preparing students to achieve after graduation.
Student outcome: Abilities, attributes, and knowledge that students should possess at the time of graduation in order to achieve the program educational objectives.
Course competency: Specific, measurable skills and knowledge associated with a program learning outcome. Each class in the program curriculum teaches one or more competencies.