Engineering Education

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Department Head: Ning Fang
Location: ENGR 224
Phone: (435) 797-2948
E-mail: ning.fang@usu.edu
Website: eed.usu.edu

Research

The Department of Engineering Education (EED) has six areas of research that define the research direction for the department, including engineering learning and problem-solving, technology-enhanced learning, online engineering education, K-12 STEM education, engineering workplace and training, and broadening participation in engineering.

Degrees offered: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering Education; Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering Education.

Full details of the learning objectives, assessment plan, student outcomes, and evidence of continuous improvement for these programs of study can be found at eed.usu.edu/assessment/index.

Graduate Programs

Engineering Education (EED)

The Engineering Education (EED) graduate programs prepare students to be engineering instructors, engineering education researchers, and specialists with solid knowledge and skills in:

• Designing and assessing engineering curriculum and engineering knowledge (Ph.D. and M.S.).
• Implementing evidence-based instructional approaches in student-centered engineering learning environments (Ph.D. and M.S.).
• Identifying and synthesizing relevant theories to frame the research problem (Ph.D. and M.S.).
• Applying appropriate and creative research methods to studies in engineering education (Ph.D. and M.S.).
• Understanding engineering education foundations and the role of cognition in engineering education (Ph.D.).
• Developing competitive grant proposals for improving engineering education (Ph.D.).

Potential job markets after graduation include:

• University or college faculty member.
• University or college administrator.
• Education or training specialist in government and non-profit organizations.
• Education data specialist in government and non-profit organizations.
• Educational hardware/software developer and specialist in the education industry (companies).

Master’s students can also pursue Ph.D. study in engineering education or engineering.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the university’s general admission requirements at gradschool.usu.edu/apply/ they must have a:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, or computer science discipline.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) during the most recent 60 semesters (or 90 quarter credits) of college instruction.
• International applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency through one of the options specified by the School of Graduate Studies at gradschool.usu.edu/apply/. 
• The requirement for submission of GRE scores is waived for all Ph.D. and M.S. applications.

To apply for a Ph.D. study, applicants are expected to have earned a master’s degree which can be in any discipline. Prior teaching experience and publications are preferred but not required. 

Applicants must complete the online application gradschool.usu.edu/apply/ which includes:

1. Online application form.
2. Official transcript of bachelor’s courses.
3. Official transcript of master’s courses (if applicable).
4. Names and email addresses of three professional references who the USU Graduate School will contact after the online application form is submitted.
5. Resume or curriculum vitae (i.e., detailed form of resume) highlighting your relevant qualifications and achievements, and typed, single-space written response to each of the following prompts (1-2 pages for each prompt).
6. Background: How does your background (work, study, and life experiences) prepare and inspire you to pursue a graduate degree? Why are you passionate about engineering education?
7. Career Goals: What are your career goals? How will a graduate degree further those goals? What do you know about engineering education practices and/or engineering education research?
8. Why USU: Why is USU the place for you to pursue your EED graduate program? How are your interests aligned with the research conducted within EED? Which professors would you like to work with and why?

Admission Deadlines

The Department of Engineering Education admits and funds selected students on a rolling basis. Applicants can submit their applications anytime. They are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, typically 3-4 months before the spring or fall semester. International students are encouraged to apply much earlier to allow sufficient time for visa applications.

Financial Assistance

The Department of Engineering Education offers a limited number of graduate research and teaching assistantships to qualified students. Research assistantships are provided by the department and by individual faculty members research projects. Teaching assistantships are supported by the department and course fees. Tuition waivers and 80% health insurance coverage are also available for graduate students. For further information, contact the Department of Engineering Education.

Additional Information

Additional information about the Department of Engineering Education and graduate programs can be found on the department website at eed.usu.edu. For inquires, call (435) 797-7467 or email at eedinfo@usu.edu. Student applicants are also welcome to contact individual faculty members.

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