According to the National Research Council’s Board on Engineering Education, engineering institutions should adapt to this changing landscape by embracing a shared vision of the overall system and its goals, emphasizing the importance of thinking globally and acting locally. To achieve this, they recommend incorporating early exposure to engineering practice and design into the curricula and offering students diverse pathways that provide varied knowledge and experiences throughout their degree program.

UTPB has proactively updated and transformed its engineering programs in response to these industry demands and recommendations. As the second most affordable institution in Texas, UTPB ensures academic excellence and provides ample resources to its students, making it an ideal choice for any aspiring engineer looking to attend the right college.

From Experimental Vision to Educational Excellence

UTPB has a rich history that began as an experiment in 1969 when the Texas Legislature sought to establish an “upper-level” university in Odessa, focusing on junior, senior, and graduate students.

However, this ambitious plan faced a setback when a lawsuit challenged the validity of the University’s property deeds, leading to a temporary halt in construction. Thankfully, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the University, and in April 1972, the construction of UTPB’s new campus resumed.

After a little more than a year, on September 4, 1973, UTPB opened its doors for classes, welcoming 1,112 students. Since the permanent facilities still needed to be completed, these pioneering students studied in temporary buildings and trailers until the campus was fully ready, which took almost another year.

In a significant change 18 years later, the Texas Legislature passed a bill to transform UTPB into a four-year institution. This marked the beginning of freshman classes, affectionately known as the “Pioneer Freshmen,” joining the campus in the fall of 1991.

Since its humble beginnings, UTPB has experienced substantial growth and development. As a regional and comprehensive institution, it caters to a diverse community of students from the region, the state, and beyond. The University’s mission revolves around providing student-centered teaching, learning, research, and public service of exceptional quality. By doing so, UTPB aims to cultivate engaged citizens, positively impact lives, advance technology, and serve the public interests of West Texas.

Shaping the Future of Engineering with Adaptive Industry Advancements

UTPB offers a range of BS-degree engineering programs that have evolved over the years to meet the demands of various industries.

1. Chemical Engineering: UTPB’s chemical engineering program equips students with fundamental skills to design energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and economically profitable processes, aiming for a sustainable future.

2. Electrical Engineering: UTPB trains electrical engineers to design systems prioritizing safety, reliability, and energy efficiency. This prepares graduates for successful careers across diverse industries.

3. Mechanical Engineering: UTPB’s Mechanical Engineering program trains students to become professional engineers capable of formulating and solving today’s and tomorrow’s challenges in the field.

4. Petroleum Engineering: With the unique advantage of being above the world’s largest oil reserve, UTPB’s Petroleum Engineering program positions students at the forefront of global energy production. Graduates are well-prepared for rewarding and lucrative careers in multiple sectors.

Over the years, the Mechanical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering programs have seen significant development, enhancing the quality and scope of education provided. Notably, a recent addition to the institute’s offerings is the introduction of an MS in Mechanical Engineering, providing students with advanced knowledge and expertise in the field.

On the other hand, the Chemical and Electrical Engineering programs are relatively newer and are currently in a developmental stage. As UTPB continues to grow and evolve, these programs will likely undergo further expansion and improvement, offering students even more opportunities to excel in their chosen fields.

Nurturing Diversity, Fostering Excellence

The campus of UTPB reflects its commitment to inclusivity and fostering a supportive learning environment for all students. As a Hispanic Serving and Minority-Serving Institution, UTPB takes pride in its diverse community, with 42% of students being first-generation learners. The institute’s primary goal is to equip this varied student body with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful careers, both locally and globally while nurturing a lifelong passion for learning.

UTPB’s identity revolves around five core values that define their aspirations and aspirations:

1. Extra mile service: Start with an attitude of Yes! Be flexible and proactive.

2. Kindhearted: Be nice, positive, friendly, and respectful. Be generous with your gifts and talents. Invest in the success and well-being of others.

3. Integrity: Do right. Be forthright, honest, honorable, and trustworthy.

4. Collaboration: Be a partner. Embrace and consider diverse perspectives. Pursue positive collective impact.

5. Be curious, adaptable, and responsive. Embrace the wildcatter spirit!

To ensure that every student feels comfortable and included, UTPB maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 22:1. This setup allows for personalized attention, enabling students to engage closely with faculty while enjoying the benefits of a larger institution. The institute’s faculty and staff genuinely invest in their student’s academic success and overall growth, creating a strong sense of family that students deeply value. Beyond academics, UTPB creates a nurturing environment that supports students’ journey to success.

Preparing the Youngest Minds for Coding and AI Success

With technology continually advancing, new fields like coding and artificial intelligence are rapidly emerging. STEM subjects, including AI, IT, design, and engineering, offer students with diverse interests ample opportunities for creativity through specialized programs. Some educational institutions have even begun teaching coding and AI courses to children as young as eight. At UTPB, engineering, and science programs prioritize teaching programming languages and coding to equip students for future challenges and to meet the demands of the industry.

To support this focus on technological advancement, the university recently invested a significant sum of $55 million in constructing a state-of-the-art engineering building spanning 105,801 square feet. This modern facility houses advanced technologies, including classrooms, lecture halls, study rooms, labs, conference rooms, and office spaces, providing a valuable addition to the university’s infrastructure.

In addition to cutting-edge facilities, the College of Engineering at UTPB offers various activities and resources to enhance students’ college experience and prepare them for their future careers. Students can join engineering student organizations that align with their interests and connect with the broader community. Moreover, they can access industry-standard technologies, such as 3D printing machines, the GrabCAD program, SolidWorks, Petrel from Schlumberger, PhDWin, and other advanced tools. UTPB takes pride in offering a wide range of options, including more than 45 student organizations and 14 NCAA athletic teams, enriching the overall university experience for its students.

UTPB’s Career Events Opening Doors for Students

At UTPB, the institution is keenly aware of the rapidly changing expectations of employers. To ensure that students are well-prepared to meet industry demands and face future challenges, the management focuses on equipping them with practical skills and experiences through its career services offices.

UTPB’s dedicated career services team is committed to helping students secure valuable internships that provide real-world, hands-on experience in their chosen fields. Recognizing the high impact of internships on students’ competitiveness in the job market, Megan Baeza, the Director of Internships and Employer Relations, emphasizes the importance of these opportunities.

Thanks to Handshake, UTPB’s online job board, the university has established connections with over 1,350 employers nationwide, making it convenient for students to find job openings. As a result of these efforts, numerous UTPB students have participated in summer internships, and many have been placed with employers in the thriving Permian Basin region.

UTPB’s Career Services goes above and beyond in facilitating connections between students and potential employers, hosting various events throughout the year. This ensures students have ample opportunities to network and gain insights into potential career paths.

The university’s focus on engineering education is particularly noteworthy, as UTPB’s career services team has been highly successful in helping almost all engineering graduates secure employment before graduation. With a wide range of engineering disciplines available, its students can explore diverse career opportunities nationally and internationally.

Furthermore, UTPB’s engineering building holds a strategic advantage, situated atop the world’s largest oil reserve. This advantageous location presents abundant job prospects in the oil and gas industry, offering students valuable opportunities for employment and growth right within their local community.

ALOS READ: The 10 Elite Engineering Colleges of 2023

The post The University of Texas Permian Basin: A Hub of Academic Excellence in Advanced Engineering Programs appeared first on The Education Magazine.

Established in 1934 and recognized as an “America’s Best College” in the South for more than 15 consecutive years by US News & World Report, the university’s main campus stands on a beautiful riverfront setting in suburban Jacksonville, across the St. Johns River from downtown and just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. The 250-acre campus harbors a half-mile of riverfront, oak-lined paths, and a mix of historic and new campus buildings.

Effectual Curriculum

Jacksonville University is home to an ethnically and geographically diverse, predominantly undergraduate student body, including adult learners, in select undergraduate, master’s, doctorate, and professional certification programs. The university’s effectual learning experience emphasizes applied skills, co-curricular career opportunities and the combination of professional preparation with a strong liberal arts foundation. It offers more than 100 majors, minors and programs, including degrees in distinctive fields of study such as  Business, Marine Science, Engineering and Nursing, as well as degrees in the more contemporary and specialized fields of Aviation, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Film, Animation, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Exclusive Opportunities

Along with a vast array of educational programs, Jacksonville University also offers many pre-professional and honors programs, as well as a vast number of extracurricular activities. There are more than 100 clubs and organizations on campus, as well as a thriving NCAA Division I athletics program and numerous varsity sports teams. In addition, students are also encouraged to participate in the many undergraduate research and hands-on learning experiences that are available in and out of the classroom. For example, the Marine Science Research Institute and brand new Psychology Lab at JU offer unique research opportunties for students across diverse disciplines at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Along with its future-focused curriculum and career programs, Jacksonville University offers numerous forms of financial assistance to students. Financial aid at the undergraduate and graduate levels is available through a number of generous institutional scholarships; grants awarded based on academic ability, talent and/or financial need; and federal and state financial aid programs.

Challenging and Nurturing Learning Environment

Encouraging strong academic and professional ties, Jacksonville University provides an environment where each student is valued and appreciated, where individual attention is provided, and positive relationships are formed. This is a university that strikes a beneficial balance between challening and nurturing, and that welcomes students, not just academically, but as part of the larger JU Dolphin family. As a result, JU students are encouraged in every way to pursue their interests and excel in their chosen career fields.

With a mission to prepare each student for life-long success in learning, achieving, leading and serving, the university accomplishes its goals in a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. The educational setting lends itself to personalized learning services that allow for plenty of encouragement and interraction among students and faculty.

Spearheading the STEM Domain

Under the direction of Dr. Murat Tiryakioglu, Jacksonville University is spearheading an evolution in STEM education that incorporates applied creativity into traditional STEM degrees. The resulting STEAM initiative focuses on the applied aspects of engineering, design-and-build opportunities, service learning, creative problem-solving and critical thinking.

The addition of the “A” in the STEAM acronym stands for the “Arts” and is reflective of the growing importance of soft and creative skills in STEM fields. A well-rounded knowledge of the arts, including design and writing, helps STEM professionals leverage their technical and creative skills to solve problems in more innovative ways, and at JU, students are given plenty of opportunities to do just that.

As the university’s executive vice president of STEAM initiatives, Dr. Tiryakioglu’s creativity-infused approach encourages active, experiential learning. It also allows students to take full advantage of the hundreds of corporate and community partnerships JU has cultivated across the state and the region as they participate in an unprecedented eight-semester design sequence.

At Jacksonville University, engineering students are learning more than basic career skills. They are being challengd to think critically and creatively, to be more agile and adaptable, and to think in different ways. They are learning to see opportunities for improvement, new businesses, new products — to keep thinking critically every day and keep developing solutions. In turn, this will broaden their career horizons, unlock multiple career opportunities or give them an idea for their own businesses as engineer entrepreneurs.

Robust Career Management Programs

Over the years, Jacksonville University has actively sought to expand its connections to industry and today offers an impressive career management program. On campus, the JU Student Success Center serves as a one-stop shop for career-oriented opportunities, and co-locates the university’s educational high-impact practices. These include internships, study abroad trips, international student services, undergraduate research, and service-learning experiences. Providing students with one place where they can access resources and opportunities that position them for success beyond graduation has resulted in increased participation and the development of professional skills that further prepare graduates to enter their field of choice.

Unlike most universities, the Student Success Center integrates multiple student-focused support services, which ensures that career-building opportunities are pursued hand-in-hand with course selection, co-curricular activities, resume building and the entire college experience.

Pivoting Amidst Challenging Times

Thanks to the breadth of its corporate partnerships and its decades of experience with online adult learning programs, Jacksonville University was uniquely positioned to weather the academic challenges of COVID-19. Using the same creativity prized by its STEAM program, the university was able to pivot quickly, moving many programs online and adopting a remote-ready approach alongside the rest of the business world. By working closely with corporate partners, many experiential learning experiences were also moved online, not just in engineering, but in many other programs as well. The ability to quickly adapt is now a prized quality in today’s workforce as well as a quality instilled in JU students through a variety of experiential learning opportunities.

Encompassing Vision

As an institute of higher learning, Jacksonville University strives to produce graduates who are not only career-ready, but who are ready to excel and accelerate quickly in their chosen career fields. That is why, ingrained in its curriculum and throughout all of its degree and certification programs, is a commitment to real-world experience. Whether it’s offering a major engineering design experience every year or providing internship and networking opportunities with its numerous industry partners, Jacksonville University is increasingly bringing the real world into the classroom and vice versa in some very progressive and cutting-edge ways. From its standard majors, minors and advanced degree programs to its Pathways of Distinction option which allows students to customize their education, the University is truly committed to assisting and encouraging students in the best ways for them. Its growing alumni base, strong industry contracts and devoted faculty and staff are all a part of that, but the real rewards are the lifetime ties that this approach fosters. Preparing each student for life-long success in learning, achieving, leading and serving is not just a mission of the university, it is a way of life, every day and in every way.

ALOS READ: The 10 Elite Engineering Colleges of 2023

The post Jacksonville University: Inculcating Collaborative Learning Curriculum appeared first on The Education Magazine.

Mainstream technical education institutions like Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy have undergone several changes to incorporate STEM education into the curriculum. The university has enhanced its offerings with technologization, modernization with electronification of education, especially in computational and pictorial pedagogical methods and requirements. Alongside, it has also increased the participation of students in the research work of teachers, emphasizing practical training of the students.

Presently, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Markov – Rector of the UACEG is at the helm of the university. He graduated with a specialty in Structural Engineering in 1982. He spent his entire career at the University, starting from 2008 as the Head of the department ‘Structural Mechanics.’ Later, he severed as the Dean of the faculty of Structural Engineering until becoming the Rector of the UACEG. Prof. Markov is a well-known expert in the field of structural mechanics, dynamics, and stability of building structures. Alongside, he also developed software systems like CESAN-FRAME and CESAN-PLANE.

“Construction is an eternal profession—creative, creatively responsible, and builds a complex material environment in which the entire life cycle of society and individuals takes place,” states Prof. Markov.

The Bequest of Knowledge

The University of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy (UACEG) was founded in 1942 as Higher Technical School—marking the beginning of higher engineering education in Bulgaria. The school was later transformed into a State Polytechnic which was further divided into several institutes, one of them being the Institute of Civil Engineering. Finally, by the resolution of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria on July 21st, 1995, the institution was transformed into the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy.

Today, UACEG has over 6 decades of experience and tradition, qualified academic staff, and well-equipped laboratories to enhance education for the students. It has paved a platform for the students to effectively and creatively acquire architectural and engineering knowledge. The alumni of the institution have worked on a variety of remarkable projects and facilities—designed and executed by architects, civil engineers, and surveyors of the Bulgarian institution.

A Comprehensive Educational Institute

UACEG is an education and research-oriented institution with ample architectural and civil engineering knowledge to offer. Students acquire practical skills while experiencing the architectural beauty of Bulgaria, its traditions, and its culture. UACEG’s mission is materialized in the form of its degree programs on various aspects of construction and architecture education. Its public mission is secular, and is education- and research-oriented. The university accepts applicants of all countries, irrespective of privileges or restrictions such as sex, religion, race, age, social status, or views.

The university offers specialized courses on Architecture, Structural Engineering, Water Supply and Sewerage, Geodesy, Transportation Engineering—based on the study of road and railway construction, and Hydraulic Engineering which is a study of hydraulic structures, irrigation, and drainage engineering. UACEG’s curriculum is curated such that all its degree programs offer a master’s level education. The institution also has unique bachelor’s-only courses on Urban Planning, Land and Real Estate Management, and Planning and Construction Management. UACEG is also constantly developing projects on significant and current issues including seismic engineering, urban planning in crisis conditions, etc. The institute admits students into the following degree programs:

• MA in Architecture
• MA in Landscape Engineering
• MEng Geodesy
• BEng in Land and Real Estate Management and Planning
• MA/BA in Environmental Engineering
• MEng in Hydraulic Engineering
• MEng in Water Supply and Sewerage
• MEng in Structural Engineering
• BEng in Construction Management
• MEng in Transportation Engineering
• MA/BA in Urban Planning

The architecture programs span for a duration of 11 semesters i.e. 5.5 years, which includes work and presentation of a diploma thesis. For the engineering programs, the duration is 10 semesters i.e. 5 years, and the bachelor curricula are scheduled for 8 semesters.

Diverse Student Body Inclusion

It has been a constant policy of the UACEG’s management body to attract as many international students as possible. Currently, the university’s student body has the highest number of international students among the engineering educational institutions in the country. These students mainly hail from the Balkans, Middle East, and Northern Africa. Moreover, the international student inclusion also serves as a sign of international recognition of the university’s level of education. Additionally, it also paves the way to future better international co-operation in the field.

Practical Approach to Learning

At UACEG, practical training is a priority educational activity and is carried out throughout the span of all courses. The institute constantly focuses on the provision of practical and field knowledge. The students at the UACEG are exposed to the real design and construction market through practices, internships, lectures, and real-world tasks assigned by the partners in the construction business. The institute encourages the participation of representatives from construction and design businesses for the evaluation of diploma projects.

Additionally, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute projected the values of persistence, responsibility, professionalism, and intelligence. It conducted lectures online, by developing a system for electronic communication in-house. Alongside, it also continued to conduct practical classes on an individual basis with the students in compliance with the safety measures and social distancing. Over the years, more than 6300 architects and 27000 civil engineers have taken the advantage of UACEG’s unique approach to education.

The Ideal Student

The UACEG is unique when it comes to its students. The institute is highly selective as it looks for highly responsible, hardworking, ethical, and ambitious dreamers who can tame the leaders of tomorrow.  Prof. Ivan mentions that specialists in the architecture and engineering professions need to possess diverse qualities. A student must be ambitious to create function, aesthetics, and sustainability for their material environment. They should understand their responsibility towards society, their communities, and individuals along with influential contributions for the past, present, and future. Above all, a student must develop an ability to work hard with honesty and intransigence in the face of difficulties, professional and life obstacles.

“When a profession is practiced with love – it is passion—when practiced without love it is stress,” adds Prof. Markov.

Providing with Exceptional Opportunities

UACEG is a state university so it offers scholarships granted by the state. The University Center for Career Development offers a variety of opportunities for companies in the construction industry to connect with students. They are also presented with opportunities to take on paid internships abroad. Additionally, graduate students can also choose to work with one of the over eighty partner companies of UACEG for a period of either half or one year.

ALOS READ: The 10 Elite Engineering Colleges of 2023

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Established in 1960, Broward College is one of Florida’s largest public colleges. Originally named the Junior College of Broward County, Broward College was created as a part of a network of the country’s two-year colleges. It was further renamed Broward Community College afterward. In 2008, the college was finally named ‘Broward College’—when it was granted the approval to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees. The college is spread across three campuses and various centers throughout Broward County. Currently, it is home to over 60,000 students on an annual basis with a huge faculty and staff composed of more than 2000. In 2021, University HQ ranked Broward College the most affordable college in Florida from more than 100 higher education.

Abundant Academic Opportunities

Broward College is committed to fostering a learning-centered community which celebrates diversity and inclusion by empowering and engaging students, faculty, and staff. Be it a traditional or a non-traditional student, a first-generation college student, or a student from a low-income community, the college couples its commitment with immense support to guide students towards success.

Broward College offers several academic services to its students through the following initiatives:

Academic Success Center (ASC) – Provides a variety of quality support services in a comfortable, collaborative atmosphere. Services provided by the ASC include certified tutors and online tutoring services, collaborative project space, laptop loans, and open computer centers with printing and scanning access.

Accessibility Resources – Ensures seamless access to all Broward College programs, activities, and services and promotes college-wide access that leads to an inclusive and equitable opportunity for students with disabilities.

Career Center and the Career Services Team – Helps with choosing a major, exploring career pathways, advice on resumes, job searches, internships, practice interviews, and other career-related activities.

Seahawk Outreach Services (SOS) – Provides wrap-around services and holistic support to students by connecting them to key campus resources and referring them to community organizations. Its goal is to help reduce food and housing insecurities, stress/mental health challenges, homelessness, and financial obstacles among the student population.

Enriched College Experience

Every higher education institution must strive to produce graduates by offering opportunities for personal development and civic engagement—transitioning students into responsible and active citizens. Broward College offers an encompassing teaching experience which goes beyond what is taught in classrooms.

Broward College constitutes a rich student life network offering abundant opportunities such as community outreach initiatives, and fun activities. The college also provides students the option to participate in events it hosts such as the annual Hackathon, most of which were available even during the pandemic.

During the pandemic, the college adopted a remote learning environment by hosting events via zoom and other streaming and interactive platforms. Broward College highly believes that college is a time to broaden horizons and build real-life experiences, and offers a plethora of activities for the students. These are namely—student government, clubs, volunteering and philanthropy, cultural presentations, civic dialog, and study abroad programs.

Supervised by Idealistic Mindset

At the core of Broward College, Dr. Nichole Vaughan (Dean of Science and Wellness) works collaboratively with the faculty to develop high-quality academic programs. Being a senior-level administrator, she beholds experience in areas of curriculum development, assessing institutional effectiveness, managing department resources including budgets, facilities and physical assets, faculty development, and performance reviews.

People at the college work together to accomplish its goals and missions. Dr. Vaughan supervises the associate deans for the department, and also works in collaboration with other deans and district directors at the college as well as institution leadership to maximize opportunities for ensuring student success.

‘STEM Education’ for Academic Benefits

As a critical aspect to the nation’s ongoing economic success, Broward College emphasizes STEM Education in its curriculum as it drives innovation and the generation of new ideas. STEM education involves a seamless integration of four cornerstones—computer technology; mathematical science; engineering; and natural, physical, and life science. Although employment in STEM education has grown over the years, a shortage of STEM professionals graduating from programs continues to exist.

To promote and strengthen STEM education, the Department of Education, in general, has invested more than $500 million. The investment aims to provide avenues for curriculum development and access to materials, to recruit and train innovative STEM educators, as well as investment in attracting more diverse representation. To thrive in the global competition, the STEM investment must bear varied and diverse results in the STEM curriculum in elementary schools. This should further incorporate hands-on learning and real-world applications in order to promote STEM education to children at an early age.

Leveraging Potentials of STEM

Leveraging the potentials and possibilities of STEM Education, Broward College offers more than 33 programs inculcating STEM. These include eight programs at the associate degree level and four at the baccalaureate degree level along with varied technical certificates. These are namely—Spatial Computing, Information Technology, Cloud and Virtualization Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Technology Management, Web Development, and many more.

Broward College looks for two important areas prior to enrolling students for STEM education. These are—interest in discovery, and the ability to engage in an inquiry to find its solutions. To do this, students need to be problem solvers and possess strong analytical and critical-thinking skills. STEM students also need to be able to communicate well and work collaboratively with others toward a common goal. Additional skills such as being adaptable, creative, and persistent are also important.

Escorting through Vast Opportunities

With an abundance in the availability of engineering colleges around the world, students should emphasize three important areas before opting for a college to pursue higher studies. The first one is the available academic majors. Students should enquire whether the concerned college is offering their preferred major and a strong network for placement in internships or career counseling.

Secondly, students should seek for affordability and availability of scholarships at their desired institution. They should keep looking out for the availability of work-study or jobs on campus in accordance with their financial situation. The third important aspect is the diversity of the campus. Students should keep in mind whether the campus feels inclusive and provides important services to them while deciding whether they feel represented or not.

Adapting to Changing Educational Spheres

Dr. Vaughan states that she expects a renewed push to return to normalcy for the 2021-22 academic year and on-campus learning. She adds that students will have to adapt to the new normal of learning in new ways, by merging lessons learned from remote learning with on-campus experience. “Faculty and students will need to be creative in how they can safely interact with each other, which may lead to novel methods of engagement.” Says Dr. Vaughan.

ALOS READ: The 10 Elite Engineering Colleges of 2023

The post Broward College: High-Quality STEM Education with Innovation and Excellence appeared first on The Education Magazine.