Developing An Educational Process For An Engineering Technology Program

The new criteria for engineering technology accreditation by ABET known as TC2K have been evolving for several years. The TC2K criteria create an outcomes-based assessment process rather than the traditional input-based ABET assessment process. There are fundamental changes in the accreditation criteria that make them significantly different. These changes warrant a new design of the processes used to prepare for accreditation. These new processes must clearly define and embed quality and self-assessment into engineering technology programs. This paper describes the educational process developed for the mechanical (MET) and manufacturing engineering technology (CIMT) degree programs at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Emphasis is given to the processes and plans developed in response to the TC2K Criteria 1 through 3.