Conclusion (CP)

Below are the critical paths along with each of the classes that were provided from the Critical Path Section of New EGRS. Note: It is important to remember the classes below in the engineering schedule example and provided in the critical path diagram are classes from the last two catalog years at Lafayette. This means that there are plenty of other classes that are still available from other years to fill out common course of study requirements and complete class schedules. In the example below, this is a demonstration of an engineering studies students class outline from Freshman to Senior year while using critical paths. This schedule can be manipulated however the student desires, in this case, the student below frontloaded common course of study and major requirements resulting in openings in their senior semesters to allow for selection flexibility. Overall, the schedule reflects the flexibility and direction of the critical path curriculum change by allowing the student to focus on engineering studies and another concentration like econ, IA, or policy studies. 

Figure 4. Critical Path Class Schedule. Conclusion (Major Jordan & Beatrice Arellano)

As the 50th anniversary of the Engineering Studies program and degree at Lafayette we are recognizing this time as a critical turning point to exemplify the interdisciplinary demand of engineering around the world. In order to allow Lafayette students the ability to become a diverse and efficient engineer, we guarantee the CPPT and its critical paths will be a viable solution to meet these demands. In addition to meeting the current demand, the change will allow for more growth and energy for the degree and program. We believe current students and incoming engineering students will recognize the importance of the interdisciplinary job market demand but also notice the valuable flexibility and guidance the engineering studies program has to offer. The degree has endless opportunities that go well beyond just engineering and creating the CPPT along with its critical paths emphasize that importance. As more students become aware of this new opportunity, marketing of the degree will begin to speak for itself and initial enrollment of students into the degree will naturally increase. In the end, what makes the critical paths successful is the benefits it brings for students, it allows students to optimize their engineering studies degree by strategically complimenting it with a critical path of classes that will benefit their engineering careers. This will have students more prepared for the current job market and allow them to thrive at their professional career.