A Successful Engineering Program-Corporate Partnership

This paper addresses the benefits and challenges of creating a customized ABET-accredited engineering program and presents a case study of such a development for a large multinational company. A brief review of the engineering program’s structure is provided as it plays an important role in being able to successfully adapt the degree to the needs of the company. The case study explains the university-company planning process, how criteria were developed for the program design and customized aspects of the degree program. The case study also explores the difference in program expectations of the industry partner from those of the University, including student preparation, and how these differences were resolved. The case study shows how the planning process moved from higher levels of planning to successful implementation. Finally, nuances related to offering such program in an international setting and related engineering education capacity building efforts are briefly discussed.