SACS Outcomes and Methods

SACS accreditation requires assessment of Student Learning Outcomes as well as Administrative or Support Outcomes for each degree program.  These outcomes are assessed via two Assessment Methods which are embedded in various courses, and which produce data used in ongoing continuous improvement processes.

The Ingram School of Engineering manages data collection, outcomes, and assessments for undergraduate programs via an extension of ongoing ABET accreditation activities which are specific to each undergraduate program.

ABET assessment activities do not extend to graduate programs in the Ingram School of Engineering.  As a result, this page describes the Outcomes and Methods required by SACS for the program entitled "Master of Science, Major in Engineering."

Click here to visit the Data Entry page.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • This Outcome is focused on the ability of a student to complete a traditional assignment.

    To demonstrate achievement of this Outcome, students will apply advanced knowledge of math, science, and engineering to resolve engineering problems.

  • Assessments

    • In ENGR 5310 Probability, Random Variables, & Stochastic Processes for Engineers, the instructor will select one or more relevant graded submissions which relate to achievement of this Outcome. Student performance will be measured by the instructor using a [1..8] Likert Scale.

    • Method 2 assessment uses a required course for each of the four concentrations: Civil Engineering (CE), Electrical Engineering (EE), Industrial Engineering (IE), and Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (MME). The instructor of each of these courses will select one or more relevant graded submissions that relate to achievement of this Outcome. Student performance will be measured by the respective instructors using the [1..8] Likert Scale. The average of the scores over all four courses will be used as the Method 2 assessment score and compared against the target score.

  • This Outcome is focused on the ability of a student to formulate a problem and solution method.

    To demonstrate achievement of this Outcome, students will identify an advanced engineering problem and formulate an appropriate solution methodology to meet specified requirements while abiding by realistic constraints.

  • Assessments

    • In ENGR 5310 Probability, Random Variables, & Stochastic Processes for Engineers, the instructor will select one or more relevant graded submissions which relate to achievement of this Outcome. Student performance will be measured by the instructor using a [1..8] Likert Scale.

    • In ENGR 5x98 Project or ENGR 5x99 Thesis, the instructor will select one or more relevant graded submissions which relate to achievement of this Outcome. Student performance will be measured by the instructor using a [1..8] Likert Scale.

      Go to the Data Entry page.

  • This Outcome is focused on the ability of a student to analyze and communicate results.

    To demonstrate achievement of this Outcome, students will resolve, in whole or in part, an advanced engineering problem through research and will analyze, interpret, and communicate the results of their work.

  • Assessments

    • In ENGR 5x98 Project or ENGR 5x99 Thesis, the instructor will select one or more relevant graded submissions which relate to achievement of this Outcome. Student performance will be measured by the instructor using a [1..8] Likert Scale.

      Go to the Data Entry page.

    • In ENGR 5100 Seminar in Engineering, the instructor will select one or more relevant graded submissions which relate to achievement of this Outcome. Student performance will be measured by the instructor using using a [1..8] Likert Scale.

Support Service Outcomes

  • The academic program will promote and realize gains in student success.

  • Assessments

    • Student retention success will be measured by observing one year retention rates of students enrolled in the academic program from their first to second year. Data will be obtained from the university’s certified enrollment records at the end of the fall semester. Rates of retention success will be expected to be at or above the university average for this level of program.

    • Student graduation success will be measured by observing the number of graduates from the academic program in during the fall, spring, and summer semesters and comparing the number of graduates to the number of students enrolled in the program. Data will be obtained from the university’s certified enrollment records for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The number of graduates is expected to be at or above the university rate of graduation for this level of program.

  • The academic program will promote and realize efficiency in the delivery and completion of the program.

  • Assessments

    • Delivery efficiency will be measured by reviewing the total number students enrolled in the academic program during the fall semester. Data will be obtained from the university’s certified enrollment records at the end of the fall semester. Delivery efficiency will be expected to increase from year to year.

    • Completion efficiency will be measured by observing the average time-to-completion for students in the academic program. Data will be obtained from the university’s certified enrollment records for the fall semester. The time-to-completion of graduates is expected to be at or below the university average for this level of program.