Boston College launches human-centered engineering program

Boston College will begin recruiting the first class for its highly anticipated Human-Centered Engineering program, a major that will integrate BC’s core liberal arts focus and a rigorous engineering curriculum to prepare students to find solutions that address critical human needs.

Launching in the fall of 2021 and guided by the fundamentals of engineering education, the Human-Centered Engineering program will emphasize experiential learning and application-based course offerings, giving students opportunities to work in collaborative teams and across disciplines to address critical issues in the areas of the environment, health, and energy.

Aligned closely with the University’s new Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, the program will create new avenues for faculty and student research in the applied sciences and respond to the high level of interest in engineering among prospective applicants considering majors in STEM fields.

Graduates will be well positioned to solve complex problems with scientific, technological, human, and societal dimensions that confront the world. The program will integrate the liberal arts focus of BC’s core curriculum with foundations of engineering, design and systems thinking applications, and service-focused capstone experiences.

““Drawing upon our liberal arts offerings and our professional schools will allow us to offer a broad-based, interdisciplinary program of human-centered engineering, which many traditional engineering programs have struggled to develop.””
TOM CHILES, VICE PROVOST FOR RESEARCH
The Bachelor of Science in Engineering will require 120 credits, with two thirds in engineering, mathematics, and science topics and one third in liberal arts and humanities. Projected course offerings include: Introduction to Human-Centered Engineering and Design, Human Factors in Engineering Design, Engineering for Sustainable Development, Data Science, Introduction to Machine Learning, and Applications of Control Theory and Robotics.

“Boston College’s enduring strength is rooted in the University’s ability, developed over many generations, to uphold core elements of our tradition while identifying and investing in emerging contemporary opportunities,” said Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley. “This commitment to engaging the spirit of the age helps fuel our investments in the Schiller Institute and its academic programs. The launch of an undergraduate engineering degree promises to position Boston College and our graduates to help lead the way on ethical, human-centered explorations of the possibilities and perils of technology in the 21st century.”

Anchored by a human-centered, inclusive approach and design-thinking methodologies, engineering study at Boston College will be bolstered by a global viewpoint, ethical underpinnings, and distinctive capstone projects that address real-world challenges.

“We find ourselves in a unique position based on the complex problems the planet now faces and a seismic shift that is taking place in undergraduate engineering study,” said Vice Provost for Research Tom Chiles, who has led the planning efforts. “Introducing the Human-Centered Engineering program builds upon our mission to educate students and improve the lives of others. Drawing upon our liberal arts offerings and our professional schools will allow us to offer a broad-based, interdisciplinary program of human-centered engineering, which many traditional engineering programs have struggled to develop.”

Approved by the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences Education Policy Committee, the new major is marked by several distinctive characteristics, including:

Human-centered design: Guided by a significant human-centered design focus, students will learn to work with stakeholder groups, using design-thinking strategies to develop user-oriented engineering solutions. Students will develop an understanding of the intersection of technology and society, as well as an appreciation for technology’s positive and negative impacts on the world.
Engineering core: Students will be exposed to a set of engineering subjects through the Engineering Fundamentals Studio course, providing a shared knowledge base during sophomore year that can support later specialization.
Concentration areas: Students in the program will be required to build depth in a particular field of engineering by taking three advanced courses in a concentration area of their choice. Available concentrations might include mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, or environmental engineering.
Reflection: Each semester, students will be given time for weekly reflection. The objectives of these sessions will help tie together the components of their technical, engineering education; integrate their engineering education with their core classes; and examine their training in light of the needs of society.

pb: you left out a key ingredient, ABET accreditation:

@bluebayou

Good point. They specifically did mentioned in the release that they will be working towards this and anticipate it to be awarded with graduation of this first class.

They went over the timing of it and seem to have an eye on the process from day one. What it entails I have no idea. Lol.

^^ABET is a big deal, particularly for a 4-year program “drawing on our liberal arts…”. For example, Dartmouth offers an engineering major, but if you want the BS that is ABET approved, it takes a 5th year of course work in addition to its liberal arts undergrad.

This sounds very similar to Wake Forest’s engineering program which started in 2017. It has been received well. Wonder if this will be a new trend and viable alternative to traditional engineering programs. In addition to integration with the LAC core and focus on solving human problems, Wake’s program covers several engineering disciplines but does not offer segmented degrees like EE, ME, CE, etc.

Far more females entering the program which is great to see. In fact the department head is female with a very strong background.

@rickles

I hope so. Good for the industry and good for more young women.

Has it been mentioned anywhere how many of the 25 spots have been filled in the early round?

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Yikes- only 25 spots for this freshman class of 2021?

That’s what everything I read said. Hoping for a miracle.

Anyone have additional info on HCE? My daughter has been admitted and is very excited. I will be addressing BC directly but curious if there is any new knowledge of the program since the previous posts.