ICE-TI: PRoject to Initiate the Master of Science in Engineering (PRIME)

Navajo Technical University, Crownpoint NM

Investigators

Abstract

A goal of the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) is to increase the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructional and research capacities of specific institutions of higher education that serve the nation's Indigenous students. Expanding the STEM curricular offerings at these institutions expands their students' opportunities to pursue challenging, rewarding careers in STEM fields, provides for research studies in areas that may be culturally significant and encourages a community and generational appreciation for science and mathematics education. The sustainability of capacity gains is significantly enhanced by retaining the talent of credentialed STEM faculty. This project aligns directly with that goal. Navajo Technical University (NTU) is transforming its STEM programs and the landscape of TCU post-graduate opportunities by developing and offering a Master of Science degree in engineering. In addition to preparing engineers for the technical workforce, this project will provide students a pathway to complete graduate education, and may open more career options in STEM. A slight boost in the numbers of Native faculty in TCUs and other Native-serving institutions of higher education will catalyze significant and positive growth in the interest and success of Native students in engineering disciplines. The activities of this project are to design and offer a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) with concentrations in electrical and industrial engineering, accompanied by the development of a pedagogical model for graduate education incorporating experiential problem-based learning and Native ways of knowing. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.