Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering ABET assesment

The Bachelor of Science program in Mining Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET, www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Mining Engineering Program Criteria. The program regularly assesses student attainment of learning outcomes that prepare graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering. This page documents ABET student learning outcomes; program criteria developed by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration; program educational objectives; and student numbers in each of the programs.

Student outcomes

Students enrolled in the program will demonstrate:

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Program criteria

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration defines program criteria specific to each degree.

Students in the Mining Engineering program will demonstrate:

1. the ability to apply mathematics through differential equations, calculus-based physics, general chemistry, and probability and statistics as applied to mining engineering problem applications
2. fundamental knowledge in the geological sciences including characterization of mineral deposits, physical geology, structural or engineering geology, and mineral and rock identification and properties
3. proficiency in statics, dynamics, strength of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and electrical circuits
4. proficiency in engineering topics related to both surface and underground mining, including: mining methods, planning and design, ground control and rock mechanics, health and safety, environmental issues, and ventilation
5. proficiency in additional engineering topics such as rock fragmentation, materials handling, mineral or coal processing, mine surveying, and valuation and resource/reserve estimation as appropriate to the program objectives
6. laboratory proficiency in geologic concepts, rock mechanics, mine ventilation, and other topics appropriate to the program objectives.

Program educational objectives

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the Mining Engineering program will be capable of:

1. Work in a safe, ethical, and professional manner,
2. Master in planning, designing, and operating technically sound and safe mines in an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner,
3. Excelling in a multi-disciplinary and diverse work environment at the regional, national, and global levels.

Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering enrollment and graduation data

The following table shows the number of students enrolled in and graduating from the Mining Engineering program by academic year.