Today's technology is moving fast and ASU East is helping lead the pack with its new Multidisciplinary Engineering Program.
The program will start in the fall with 25 to 50 incoming freshman.
The new degree is more general than the current programs offered, and will allow students to not only broaden their study base, but to learn in a more hands-on environment.
"This new program offers students a flexible foundation that crosses the traditional discipline-specific boundary lines in engineering," said Dr. Chell Roberts, chair of the Department of Engineering in the College of Technology and Applied Sciences.
The program's main focus is engaged learning, in which students spend less time in lectures and more time working hands on in studios that incorporate real-world situations.
In addition to the knowledge students will obtain, they will also develop essential communication skills through projects and demonstrations.
There are currently six faculty members developing the new engineering program. Roberts said that an additional six faculty members will be hired over the next two to three years to assist in developing courses for the degree.
First-year courses include Mathematics of Change, Engineering Design Studio and other general studies courses that will focus on engineering's impact on society.
In the second year, students will be offered one-hour core modules such as Thermo Science, Mechanics of Materials, Design in Context, Manufacturing Process, Dynamics and Signals and Instrumentation.
Third- and fourth-year courses will be based on the student's primary and secondary specializations.
According to Roberts, most universities limit their engineering students to a traditional program that specializes in civil, mechanical, aeronautical or biomedical engineering.
After doing a great deal of research that involved conducting focus groups and visiting campuses around the country, Roberts said, "...there was a great opportunity to create a broader-based engineering program."
Reach the reporter at Rachel.hawkinson@asu.edu.
