Penn State's Engineering Leadership Development Minor

Abstract

A summary of key elements of the new Engineering Leadership Development Minor being developed at Penn State is presented. The program was started during the 199.5-96 academic year, and progress made, student feedback, and program status are discussed.

Purdue University’s Engineering Leadership Program: Addressing the Shortfall of Engineering Leadership Education

“…Building upon successful engineering leadership programs in the U.S. at institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Pennsylvania State University, this new program utilizes coursework, discussions, one-on-one mentoring by distinguished leaders, experiential learning, e-portfolios, and guest speakers to help students define and to take ownership of engineering leadership principles, practices, and tools learned in a multicultural context. The innovative features of this model includes: engaging engineering students in leadership development as early as their first-year, unlike some other programs [3,4,6] , and focusing on experiential learning, faculty coaching, and technical leadership.…”

“…The engineering leadership minor targets students early in their engineering careers, unlike some other notable programs that engage engineering students in leadership activities during their junior or senior years [3,4,6] . This approach will minimize the burden on the engineering curriculum and will ensure thorough leadership training for enrolled students by utilizing the entire duration of students' time in school to distribute the engineering leadership course load and professional requirements.…”

The Development And Implementation Of An Expanded Capstone Design Experience By Replacing An Internship Course

“…Schools such as Purdue and Penn State offer courses in Leadership Studies. 5,6 Also, findings of institutions conducting a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for "Educating the Engineer 2020" recommended that an engineering curriculum should have the capability to equip student with knowledge, skills and experience in the area of leadership and management. 7 Recognizing the importance of this recommendation, the revised IE 471 will have a component of leadership and team dynamics training.…”

15 Years Of Engineering Education Reform: Lessons Learned And Future Challenges

“…From the early years of the Center, the most significant effort was the design and implementation of the Engineering Leadership Development Minor. 14 The Advisory Board was crucial in developing the overall design of the Minor and in supporting its implementation through its early years. One member of the Advisory Board even taught courses within the Minor.…”