Board Action Item
New Program Approval: Master of Science in Engineering Mankato State University
BACKGROUND
The Master of Science program in Engineering proposed by Mankato State University (MSU) would provide practice-centered graduate education for persons interested in advanced electrical and/or mechanical engineering. The program features a required core of advanced physics and engineering courses, with specialization opportunities in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and an electrical/mechanical engineering combination. Graduates of the program would be prepared to fill the increasing needs of Minnesota industries for master's-level engineers who can help technical industries respond positively to rapidly changing technology. External reviewers of the proposal have recommended approval.
The demand for graduates is expected to be high. MSU estimates there will be approximately 2045 openings for electrical and mechanical engineers with master's degrees in Minnesota within the next five years. This demand far exceeds the projected supply from existing programs. Currently, the MnSCU system does not have any master's programs in electrical or mechanical engineering which can help meet this need or the emerging need for engineers who have knowledge and skills in both electrical and mechanical engineering.
Letters from a number of employers in the southern Minnesota and Twin Cities regions show strong support for this type of program, particularly noting that access to master's degree programs and graduate-level continuing education are increasingly important for practicing design engineers. Likewise, potential students have shown strong interest. In the current academic year, MSU has received at least 60 inquiries from persons in Minnesota and surrounding states concerning the availability of a graduate program in engineering. In the previous two years, a total of approximately 55 such inquiries were recorded. If the program were available, MSU projects that the number of annual graduates will grow from five during the second year of the program to 20 in the fourth year. In addition, MSU would expect to serve the continuing education needs of 10-30 engineers each year.
MSU has a strong foundation already in place to support the proposed master's program. It currently provides nationally accredited baccalaureate programs in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering, as well as offering an extensive array of graduate-level courses in these areas. The faculty are actively involved in productive programs which have provided research grants and equipment as well as research opportunities for students. In 1994, a $7 million engineering facility was added to MSU's Trafton Science Center which includes state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. In addition to the existing facilities, AT&T Wireless Services has selected Mankato State University as its National Training Center for wireless education. This action, together with the recent formation of the Institute for Wireless Education, will provide the university with access to the most advanced facilities available in this region. With respect to library resources, the extensive collection of electrical engineering and mechanical engineering materials meets guidelines established by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for graduate engineering programs.
Program Description
Three program options may be selected: a) non-thesis degree option consisting of 51 quarter credits and a research paper, b) formal thesis leading to a dissertation which requires 48 quarter credit hours, and c) engineering design option leading to the publication of the project design and test documentation for 48 quarter credits.
The program of study must contain core courses (28-32 quarter credits), design specialization course work, and engineering support courses. Areas of specialization for electrical engineering include digital systems/controls systems, materials and microelectronic engineering, and communications systems engineering. Areas of specialization for mechanical engineering include solids/structures and dynamics and thermal/energy and transport.
Program Application Analysis
Mankato State University's Master of Sciences in Engineering (with an emphasis in electrical, mechanical or electrical mechanical engineering) program application has been reviewed against several criteria. Program applications must (1) demonstrate that the proposed program does not duplicate existing programs, (2) indicate student interest in the program significantly exceeds the projected number of enrollment openings, (3) show that current and projected job openings significantly exceed the expected number of graduates, (4) reflect the statutory mission of the institution, and (5) fall within credit length requirements as set by policy. Programs which meet these criteria are further reviewed on student and employer demand (three items), resources (four items), external relations, and collaboration. Proposals must score moderately well on these latter nine criteria.
Unnecessary Duplication. In Minnesota there is no Master of Sciences program in either electrical or mechanical engineering which emphasizes engineering practice. Master of Sciences in electrical and mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are focused on basic research and students headed toward a Ph.D. degree. Masters degree programs offered at the University of St. Thomas do not include electrical or mechanical engineering.
Student Interest. Minnesota awards fewer Master of Sciences degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering per 100,000 population that the nation (4.52) and six neighboring upper mid-west states which range from 2.82 to 7.36 per 100,000 population. Minnesota awards 2.79 per 100,000 population. The number of programs in these states is: Minnesota (2), Wisconsin (6), Iowa (4), South Dakota (3), North Dakota (4), Illinois (10), Indiana (6), and Missouri (13). Of these states, Minnesota also has the fewest number of Master of Sciences programs in proportion to electrical and mechanical baccalaureate programs (33% for Minnesota compared to Wisconsin, 60%, Iowa 100%, South Dakota 75%, North Dakota 100%, Illinois 59%, Indiana 40%, and Missouri 62%). In response to student demand, Mankato State University has offered graduate level Electrical Engineering and Electronic Engineering Technology courses since 1986. These courses, however, do not transfer because they are not part of a recognized Master of Sciences program. In the past two years Mankato State University has received 55 inquiries from within Minnesota and surrounding states concerning the availability of a graduate program in engineering. Mankato projects 20 annual graduates by the program's fourth year of operation and an additional 10 to 30 continuing education students per year.
Job Openings. From 1994 through 2005 the occupational growth plus net replacement projected by the Minnesota Department of Economic Security is 478 per year for mechanical, electrical and electronic engineers. These occupations are growing at a rate of 21 and 13 percent respectively. Nationally, the unemployment rate for Master of Sciences engineers in electrical and mechanical engineering is less than one percent. Letters of support for this program have been sent by 3M, Unisys, Honeywell, Rockwell, Blount, Winnebago, and numerous others. Many employers and the engineering profession are redefining the Masters degree as the de facto entry point for a practicing design engineer.
Mission. According to chapter 248, Section 10 of Minnesota Statutes 1994, section 135A.052, subdivision 1, "the state university system shall offer undergraduate and graduate instruction through the master's degree, including specialist certificates, in the liberal arts and sciences and professional education." The proposed Master of Sciences program is within the mission of Mankato State University.
Credit Length Policy. Past practice and proposed MnSCU policy direct that Master's degree programs may be awarded after the successful completion of 45-81 graduate quarter credits. The proposed program credit length is 48-51 credits depending upon the emphasis selected by the student.
Resources. Mankato State University is very prepared to offer the proposed program. Equipment, facilities, and faculty are largely in place. Currently, 36 courses applicable to the program already exist. Present laboratory equipment is adequate for the program courses and applied research. No construction and/or major renovations, nor rented space will be needed. Currently there are 15 Ph.D. graduate faculties in the mechanical and electrical engineering departments. Fourteen hold terminal degrees in electrical or mechanical engineering. Six faculties are registered Professional Engineers, one is a member of the Academy of Electromagnetics, one is an Associate Fellow of A.I.A.A. and two are senior members of I.E.E.E. All 15 have active and productive research programs and provide significant research opportunities for physics graduate students and/or electrical and mechanical undergraduates. Since 1986 grant activities have generated $880,000 from NSF, $202,000 from industry, $6,950,000 in equipment grants, and $1,500,000 in software grants.
AT&T Wireless Services, Lucent, and Ericsson have signed an agreement with Mankato State University to provide substantial financial and equipment support for an advanced electrical engineering laboratory facility in a wireless personal communications and radio frequency program. Also, AT&T Wireless Services has decided to place its National Training Center for wireless services on the Mankato State campus. In March 1994 a new $7 million engineering addition to Trafton Science Center was completed on the Mankato State campus. It features such equipment as an advanced communications lab, engine test cells, a vibrations lab, a wind tunnel, and outstanding computer equipment.
The library collection conforms to the ABET guidelines for advanced (graduate) level engineering programs.
Collaboration. Mankato State University is actively developing a virtual center for excellence in engineering in Minnesota in collaboration with St. Cloud State University. Proposed goals include the seamless transfer of courses, collaborative use of graduate students to teach lower division courses, ITV delivered courses, joint recruitment, a summer bridge program for high school graduates, cooperative internships, faculty exchanges, and shared laboratory and equipment resources.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Projected increases in expenditures include costs for six graduate assistants each year, with an additional faculty member added in the third year of program operation. Donations and grants are expected to range from $10,000-20,000 each year. No construction and/or major renovations or rental of space will be necessary for start-up of the program. (See below)
RECOMMENDATION
The Board of Trustees approves the request by Mankato State University to offer a new Master of Science Degree in Engineering.
Date of Adoption: December 18, 1996,
Fiscal Information related to Mankato State University's proposal for a Master of Science program in Engineering:
| Estimated Additional Revenue: |
First Year |
Fourth Year |
| Tuition |
$29,938 |
$67,133 |
| Donations/Grants |
10,000 |
20,000 |
| Campus Reallocations |
34,127 |
97,975 |
| Total estimated revenue |
$74,065 |
$185,108 |
Estimated Expenditures:
| Salary (1 additional faculty hired) |
$ -0- |
$60,000 |
| Salary (graduate assistants) |
45,900 |
76,500 |
| Supplies |
10,000 |
15,000 |
| Equipment |
10,000 |
20,000 |
| Other (half of tuition for graduate assistants) |
8,165 |
13,608 |
| Total estimated expenditures |
$74,065 |
$185,108 |
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