BELIEFS OF STUDENTS AND ALUMNI CONCERNING CURRICULAR NEEDS OF THE ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT MINOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER: A CASE STUDY
In recent years, engineering management programs have rapidly expanded. Currently, the Engineering Management Program (EMP) at the University of Colorado Boulder hosts a robust graduate program (Master of Engineering and several graduate certificates) but only a minor (Engineering Entrepreneurship or Engineering Management) option for undergraduates to serve students' needs for engineering management. A study has yet to be conducted to determine whether the curriculum prepared graduates for careers in engineering management in technical organizations. This study aimed to determine the skills and knowledge needed by graduates of the University of Colorado Boulder's engineering management undergraduate program for successful professional careers in fields related to engineering management. The University of Colorado Boulder's current strategy is to assess students and the needs of their employers, and engineering managers, before expanding offerings for undergraduate students. By fully understanding the needs through the lens of current students, alums, faculty, advisors, and engineering management recruiters, the EMP program can be reassessed to develop innovative programs and transform the curriculum into a program that will not only support the students throughout their careers but also create better employees for engineering managers.
