Optimizing STEM Programs to Promote Enrollment and Retention Steve Shen Applied Computing & Engineering Technology The University of Montana steve.shen@umontana.edu

Description This presentation investigates how to optimize STEM programs to improve the enrollment and success rate. Research and investigations on Academic Alignment and Innovation for the STEM Programs How to implement STEM general education courses, especially with engineering technology concentrations, in the curriculum interdisciplinary programs.

Existing STEM Programs Electronics Technology Energy Technology Information Technology Computer Aided Design Industrial Technology General Applied Arts and Scinces

Topics of Discussion Low Enrollment Challenge Continuing Education, 2+2+2 The Big Sky Pathways Career Pathway Changing Job Market Interdisciplinary Programs New Fields of Study New Programs

Potential STEM Programs Biomedical Electronics Mechatronics Robotics Technology Nanotechnology Power Electronics Mobile Communication

Pre-Engineering Program General Math and Science Requirements General Engineering Requirements Major-Specific Courses Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering

The University of Montana Describe organizational structure, location, & demographics of Missoula College within UM. University of Montana: liberal arts, research-based, graduate programs Missoula College: embedded two-year college Defining 21st Century Education for a Vibrant Democracy

Enhancing General Education with STEM at UM The role of general education How to enhance general education with STEM Where does STEM “fit” in General Education? Development of more effective general education or liberal education program How to integrate engineering and technology into general education or liberal education

Role of STEM In the 21st century education In general education or liberal education In academic alignment and innovation In preparing a competitive workforce In educating tomorrow’s global leaders In international education

Challenge Technical skills are NOT considered a general education (old thinking)

Opportunities Electronics Technology and Energy Technology (STEM) coursework as a general education elective in natural sciences Basic Electronics as a general education course DC Electronics as a general education course AC Electronics as a general education course Basic computer programming as a general education course

Success Undergraduate Research Provide examples of undergraduate student research projects in Electronics, Energy, and Computing Creative and Scholarly Activities

Challenge AAS degree is viewed as “terminal”, lacking value in the liberal arts university. Ensure AAS degree contains transferable general education courses Avoid applied or technical general education courses (old thinking) Dissect transferable general education from AAS

Opportunity AAS to BAS/BS degree program of study developed through collaborations with 4-year faculty members. Computer Science Partnership

STEM Education Role of technical education Role of general education Skills Role of general education Professionalism (eg: communication) Role of liberal arts Creativity and reflectiveness

Discussion What are the skills, knowledge, and abilities employers want in STEM graduates? (Survey of STEM employers)

Steve Shen, Ph.D. Department Chair, Applied Computing and Engineering Technology Program Director, Electronics Technology / CAD Steve.Shen@UMontana.edu http://mc.umt.edu/acet/