Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering

The mission of the Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering of the West Virginia University Institute of Technology closely reflects the mission of the Institute. The programs in the College of Engineering address the professional engineering and computer science needs of industry, government, and business and prepare their graduates to be citizens of the state, national, and global communities. The programs provide for a student-centered education that balances career preparation with an understanding and appreciation of the traditional humanities and social sciences. The programs strive to prepare tomorrow's engineers and computer scientists with a broad education necessary to effectively communicate technical concepts to a wide audience and to place technical solutions in a societal context. In addition, the College of Engineering gives qualified students the opportunity to gain valuable experience practicing the fundamentals of engineering through the Co-op program, as well as through the placement of students in intern positions.

The undergraduate programs in the Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering culminate in Bachelors of Science degrees by providing a quality, well-rounded education based on the knowledge of mathematics and science with applications to solving problems in engineering, design, innovation, and/or computer science. All programs impart the ability to use the tools of modern engineering and computer science in professional practice. The programs enhance the ability of the students to be critical thinkers, lifelong learners, team players, and responsible and ethical citizens. Furthermore, the College of Engineering seeks to provide graduate engineering education and currently offers a multidisciplinary program leading to a Masters of Science in Control Systems Engineering. The means to accomplish these goals are the faculty members who are dedicated to teaching, research and scholarship through disseminating knowledge, applying knowledge to new problems, generating new knowledge, and enhancing the methodology of engineering education.

The College of Engineering seeks to have all of its programs achieve (if not already accredited) and maintain accreditation. The chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and all engineering and computer science programs are committed to continuous improvement in quality.

The College of Engineering also seeks to enhance the economic development of the community and improve the quality of life in the region through educational and intellectual opportunities. The College of Engineering addresses the needs of West Virginians to have access to engineering and computer science education. Examples of this access include the following:

• Placing students who do not meet the necessary requirements for a degree program into WVU Tech's Pre-engineering Program where their progress can be carefully monitored and improved to meet the necessary admission requirements.
• Providing professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Developing articulation agreements with schools housing pre-engineering, math and science programs.
• Offering the first two years of some engineering programs such as Aerospace Engineering so that students can study at WVU Tech and then transfer to WVU.
• Developing web-based and web-enhanced as well as interactive video courses for distance
delivery.

The Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering collaborates with the main campus of West Virginia University by the exchange of courses, mutual offering of degree programs, and joint research projects with faculty at both campuses. The College of Engineering also collaborates with other institutions in the state, as well as regional industries and businesses through educational offerings and research and development projects. The College of Engineering seeks to attract and retain highly capable students and faculty and to foster intellectual, professional, and personal growth of its students and faculty in an open, ethical, and stimulating environment characterized by an appreciation for excellence, diversity, personal respect, and frequent collegial interactions.