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CCSU School of
Technology – Educational Excellence through Experiential Learning Nicholas Massa, Associate Dean, School of Technology, Central Connecticut State University |
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The School of
Technology at Central Connecticut State University is currently
undergoing some new and exciting changes in its programs and facilities
in an effort to address the growing need for skilled engineers,
technologists, scientists and technology educators across Connecticut. Quality in engineering and technology education is measured by the ability of graduates to skillfully apply knowledge in solving real-world problems. These skills are developed through a good balance of classroom, laboratory and work-related |
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experience. For
students to obtain these skills, engineering and technology curricula
must not only be grounded in theory, but also emphasize practical
real-world applications if classroom experience is to be transformed
into knowledge that can be applied on the job. This requires a
curriculum that is responsive to industry; state-of-the-art equipment
and facilities; and opportunities for students to solve genuine
real-world problems through industry-sponsored projects and cooperative
work assignments. CCSU’s School of Technology programs are designed to provide students with a world-class education aimed at developing the skills needed for today’s high tech workforce. With an emphasis on “practical ingenuity,” engineering and technology courses are strongly application-oriented, requiring a two-term senior capstone project intended to provide team design experience and 400 hours of cooperative work assignments with local industry. Similarly, the Biomolecular Science program, through collaboration with the bioscience and pharmaceutical industries in Connecticut, actively engages students in undergraduate research to respond to the State’s growing need for a well-trained biotechnology workforce. This combination of classroom, laboratory and work experience focused on the practical application of engineering and technology sets CCSU graduates apart from other public and private institutions. According to a recent survey conducted by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), industry is extremely satisfied with CCSU School of Technology graduates. This year the university has spent over $500K in new state-of-the-art equipment and laboratory facilities to support the School of Technology’s engineering and technology programs. Included are a 3D Rapid Prototyping (RP) system which allows students to create solid three-dimensional models of mechanical parts such as jet engine turbine blades, gears, linkages and other components through computer-aided design (CAD), and an Instron Tensile Tester which allows students to measure the mechanical strength of materials and devices by subjecting them to several thousand pounds of pulling force. These and a number of other highly sophisticated pieces of equipment for computerized data acquisition, measurement and control will provide students experience in real-time automated testing and further enhance CCSU’s state-of-the-art engineering and technology laboratories. Current School of Technology facilities include labs for mechanical engineering design, CAD/CAM, fluid mechanics, electromechanical technology, robotics, computer electronics and networking, materials testing, civil engineering, manufacturing and CNC machining, graphics technology, construction management, biomolecular science, technology education, as well as eight dedicated computerized classrooms. CCSU’s School of Technology programs are committed to providing Connecticut with the highly skilled and qualified engineers, technologists and educators needed to maintain the State’s competitive edge in the global marketplace.
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