A model for aligning engineering technology curriculum with industry needs

In order for students to master the skills and competencies required by industry, academic programs must be focused on, and oriented towards, the skills that have the most relevance and value. Achieving a well-designed academic program requires industry partners and faculty to work in tandem to provide input regarding curriculum development and delivery. This paper details the efforts of a multi-year project between a two-year college and a university to create curriculum, academic programs and career pathways resulting in meaningful employment in the Advanced Manufacturing sector. Curriculum developed will include both Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) with an emphasis on Advanced Manufacturing. Through a collaborative curriculum development process, Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) and Rowan University (RU) have created a clearly articulated pathway from the AAS degree to the BS degree. This academic pathway will include a "3+1" delivery model where the first three years of instruction are delivered by the two-year college, and the final year is delivered by the university, on the two-year college campus. This curriculum development effort has been achieved through activities including an industry forum as well as a week-long faculty curriculum development workshop. Additional work will include the development of real-life examples of underlying curricula principles through an applications library, as well as the creation of stackable certificates and continuous career pathways between secondary schools, higher education institutions, and industry partners.