Development and accreditation of a mechatronic systems engineering option within electrical engineering programs

The Mechatronic Systems Engineering option for the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering program (BSEE-MSE) at the University of Denver addresses the growing technological need of the world community for engineers with comprehensive interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, especially in the area of computer controlled electromechanical systems - mechatronics. This new program is an important complement to existing research in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and augments our internal "feeder system" tracking students from undergraduate to graduate studies. Development of the BSEE-MSE began in Fall 2008; it was approved in Spring 2009 for implementation in Fall 2010. Development of the BSEE-MSE was accomplished in tandem with a restructuring of the degree requirements for the Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering programs, and development of the dual degree programs in engineering. All of the engineering BS programs were evaluated by ABET in Fall 2010. Accrediting the program was somewhat problematic as there are no ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Criteria for accrediting programs with the title "Mechatronic Systems Engineering." The program was, therefore, accredited using the EAC Criteria for Electrical and Electronics Engineering programs. Feedback received thus far from students, faculty and members of the ECE Industrial Advisory Board are positive, justifying further the need for such a degree.