History
In the late 1990s, the Robert Morris University board of trustees initiated the idea for a new school that would embrace degree offerings in engineering, mathematics and science as a new and strategic direction for RMU. A proposal to offer a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with separate concentrations in software and logistics was submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and approved for launching during the fall semester of 1999. Today, ten years later, this Engineering program features four separate concentrations: Biomedical, Industrial, Mechanical, and Software.
A second degree, the Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, was approved and launched in fall 2000. By fall 2001, the state had approved and the school had begun to offer a program leading to a Master of Science in Engineering Management. The first graduates in engineering received their diplomas in 2003.
Educational Objectives
We want our engineering graduates to be prepared for the professional demands of the 21st century. Accordingly we have designed educational programs that will satisfy the following educational objectives:
- Develop technically competent engineers--RMU graduates will be recognized for their sound engineering skills. This will be demonstrated by their ability to systematically apply the fundamental principles of science and mathematics to solve engineering problems and the ability and motivation to continually adopt and appropriately apply the latest tools and technology.
- Graduates will be hands on practitioners of engineering--The hands-on nature of the engineering education at RMU will prepare graduates to immediately assume entry-level engineering positions in industry. They will be exposed to industry standard processes, systems and guidelines.
- Graduates will possess basic business understanding and strong communications skills--RMU engineering graduates will possess communication skills and basic knowledge of business operations that will enable them to cooperate efficiently with professionals in industry with a variety of backgrounds. The development of these skills will help them to incorporate diverse constraints and tradeoffs, within appropriate ethical and professional boundaries, in specific application areas such as manufacturing, logistics and software engineering.
- Graduates will be prepared to embrace the continuous learning necessary to practice engineering over their entire professional lifetimes--The RMU engineering program will impart in its graduates current engineering expertise as well as lifelong learning skills enabling them to effectively adapt to both the present and future needs in their workplace and in society. This lifelong learning will take place in both formal and informal educational settings.
Developing the Program
Prior to designing the RMU engineering program, department members spent time talking with leading engineering employers. Companies like PPG Industries, Bayer Corporation, Westinghouse, Eaton/Cutler Hammer and J&L Specialty Steel urged the University to design non-traditional programs that would be tailored to meet their current needs. Reflecting these companies' advice, our programs provide students with communication and business skills in a project-based hands-on educational program.
Program Accreditation
Robert Morris University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The undergraduate Engineering degree programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone: (410) 347-7700.
After completing a rigorous self-study process, RMU received its official accreditation notice in August 2004 and the accreditation was extended retroactively to the first graduating class. The University achieved its accreditation in the minimum amount of time permitted under ABET regulations.
ABET accreditation assures that RMU's programs meet educational standards and effectively prepare graduates for professional practice.