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Beyond the Bachelor of Science

Terrance E. Boult and Jeremy Haefner College of Engineering and Applied Science University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Abstract This paper summarizes a novel approach to multi-disciplinary engineering education that moves beyond the BS in engineering fields. It introduces the Bachelor of Innovation™ (BI) family of programs and some of the challenges faced as we successfully defined and sought approval for this non-traditional program.

The paper briefly examines the motivation and need for a radical new approach, not a new major or a new course, but a new common core and new family of degrees. The BI is a unique multi- disciplinary undergraduate program supported by the College of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) and College of Business (COB) at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS). The Bachelor of Innovation™ (BI) is a family structure, much like a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA), in which particular majors are defined. The BI degrees have been designed, where appropriate, to be consistent with ABET and AACSB accreditation guidelines. We expect to seek formal accreditation as we graduate our first class of students. Included in the initial offering are (in alphabetical order) BI in Business Administration, BI in Computer Science, BI in Computer Security, BI in Electrical Engineering, and the BI in Game Design and Development Each member of the family is composed of an emphasis/major, an innovation core, a cross-discipline core, and the general education requirements.

The paper summarizes the unique aspects of the program and the rational behind them, from the 3-year multi-disciplinary team experience to the trademarked name. It reviews the key challenges we faced, so hopefully others can anticipate them as well. The papers ends with our lessons learned.

1.0 Introduction The Bachelor of Innovation™ family of programs is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program with a family structure, much like a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts, in which particular majors are defined. The program is very structured with a common core in innovation, a cross- disciplinary core to help ensure the breadth needed for innovation, and an in-depth major field of study. After a brief overview of the program we address the motivation for such a radical new approach.

Similar to the way in which schools have collections of common requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in various fields or for a Bachelor of Science in other fields, the Bachelor of Innovation™ (BI) does not specify the content of a major. Rather the BI specifies the common elements for a family of degrees, where specialization areas define the details of their major. The goal of this

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Boult, T., & Haefner, J. (2007, June), Beyond The Bachelor Of Science Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--2941