Learning outcomes
Olin College of Engineering is committed to preparing graduates who recognize the complexity of the world, appreciate the relationship of their work to individuals, to society, and to sustainability, expect to work in diverse and inclusive environments, and are ready to engineer a better future for the world. What follows are the learning outcomes Olin intends to instill in graduates and represents a vision of the key abilities, skills, and mindsets necessary for success, both in the engineering field and beyond. The vision has been constructed through careful research and consideration into engineering practice and competencies necessary to approach emerging technical, environmental, and societal challenges in a global context. Through intentional educational design, the Olin community supports the development of graduates who:
Develop and Apply Knowledge, Skills, Approaches and Methods
Students build the appropriate breadth and depth of content, techniques, and methodologies from diverse fields in order to systematically and appropriately design experiments, gather data, model, analyze, and/or draw conclusions.
Think Critically
Students engage in analyzing, evaluating, synthesizing, and applying diverse information and experiences to support decision-making, attitude formation, action, and expression.
Develop and Apply Creativity
Students generate novel ideas and approaches, taking into account authentic constraints, that lead to innovative outcomes.
Prioritize Doing Good in the World
Students use a holistic approach that integrates diverse backgrounds, perspectives, ethics, beliefs, and values, and considers the individual, social, and environmental impacts of their decisions to produce positive transformations while minimizing unintended consequences.
Develop and Apply Self-Directed Learning Abilities
Students diagnose learning needs, set learning goals, identify learning resources, select and implement learning strategies, and self-evaluate and reflect on learning outcomes.
Collaborate Successfully
Students create and maintain successful working relationships, maintain accountability for contributions, and identify and resolve interpersonal teaming conflicts to achieve a common goal.
Design and Implement Processes to Achieve Desired Outcomes
Students scope, plan, and implement projects, continuously evaluate progress, navigate uncertainty and adversity, and iterate as needed.
Communicate Effectively
Students express meaning successfully through oral, written, and visual media and listen actively to comprehend the meaning of others.
Develop Personal and Professional Identity
Students actively reflect on their backgrounds and experiences and integrate them into their evolving sense of self.
In keeping with Olin's institutional value of continuous improvement, these learning outcomes are fluid, and they are assessed on a yearly cycle.