1. Optimizing STEM Programs to Promote Enrollment and Retention
Steve Shen
Applied Computing & Engineering Technology
The University of Montana

2. 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.

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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

15. 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

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

17. Steve Shen, Ph.D. Department Chair, Applied Computing and Engineering Technology Program Director, Electronics Technology / CAD