1. Knowledge and Scholarly Formation (UMD Learning Goal Category #1)
Learning Goal #1: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will have acquired a depth of knowledge in one of the following areas in civil engineering: geotechnical, structures, transportation and water/environmental.
Learning Outcome #1a: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will demonstrate a depth of knowledge in a minimum of one of the following concentrations: geotechnical, structural, transportation, water/environmental.
Evaluation process:Â This outcome will be evaluated through a series of course work and course projects that demonstrate depth in the concentration area. Written work from the courses will be assessed by the faculty.Â
Learning Outcome #1b: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will demonstrate effective collaboration with their colleagues, students and professors to fully participate in a rigorous educational experience that combines coursework with discovery in their scholarly formation.
Evaluation process:Â This outcome will be evaluated though a graduate course plan (already required to be filed by graduate students) and through a research thesis proposal (MS Plan A) or a project proposal (MS Plan B). The CE Department will require all graduate students, in collaboration with their faculty advisor, to develop and present (in written or oral format, i.e., as a report or set of slides) a research thesis proposal (MS Plan A) or a project proposal (MS Plan B) one or more semesters in advance of delivering the final thesis or project. This outcome will also be evaluated through student participation in graduate seminars (CE 8020).
2. Research and Methodological Skills Relevant to Field (UMD Learning Goal Category #2)
Learning Goal #2: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will have acquired graduate level skills in civil engineering problem solving and/or civil engineering design.
Learning Outcome #2a: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will employ sound methodologies in developing solutions for the topics of interest to the profession and/or research community.
Evaluation process:Â This outcome will be evaluated through a combination of thesis/project proposal and final thesis/project. A rubric will be developed and applied to specifically address their competence in using effective methodologies to find solutions. The Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) will provide feedback on an annual basis.
3. Communication Skills (UMD Learning Goal Category #3)
Learning Goal #3: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will have developed effective communication skills.
Learning Outcome #3a: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will demonstrate sound written and verbal communication skills through reporting and sharing their research/project with the profession.
Evaluation process:Â This outcome will be evaluated through a combination of thesis/project proposal and final thesis/project with the evaluation focused on written and oral communication effectiveness. Additionally, publications and presentations at conferences outside of UMD will be evaluated.
4. Leadership and Collaborative Skills (UMD Learning Goal Category #4)
Learning Goal #4: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will have developed professional leadership and collaboration skills.
Learning Outcome #4a: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will demonstrate effective collaboration with their colleagues, students and professors to fully participate in a rigorous educational experience that combines coursework with discovery in their scholarly formation.
Evaluation process:Â Same as for outcome 1b above.
Learning Outcome #4b: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will recognize the need for developing cultural competence and gaining a global context to become a leader in their field while demonstrating advancement of their own skills in these areas.
Evaluation process:Â This outcome will be evaluated through graduate seminars (CE 8020) delivered by speakers who will address topics related to ethics, cultural and global issues in civil engineering. For these seminars, graduate students will be required to complete assignments on the topics addressed in the seminar.
5. Cultural Competence and Global Context Formation of the field (UMD Learning Goal Category #5)
Learning Goal #5: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will have recognized the need for developing cultural competence and global context formation.
Learning Outcome #5a: Graduates with a MS in Civil Engineering will recognize the need for developing cultural competence and gaining a global context to become a leader in their field while demonstrating advancement of their own skills in these areas.
Evaluation process:Â Same as for outcome 4b above.