Humanitarian Minor
The Humanitarian Engineering and Computing minor is designed to graduate engineering and computing majors who are globally-aware, culturally-sensitive, and socially conscious, and who would use their knowledge to design solutions that enhance the lives of and opportunities for people on a local, national, or international level. Students will select coursework supporting their interests from four broad categories, engage in a service/humanitarian focused activity or research, and complete a humanitarian-focused capstone project in CPB, CSE, ECE or MME.
About
Engineers have long recognized that engineering is not socially neutral. At the core of engineering is the idea that engineering is not just for "use and convenience," but for good ("A Historical Definition of Engineering," Edwin Layton). This is reflected in the codes of ethics of most of the major engineering and computing societies, and stands against the notion that engineering’s most important values are efficiency and grand scope. Engineering is not an end in itself, but must define itself through the pursuit of human flourishing.
The Humanitarian Engineering and Computing minor at Miami University is designed to graduate engineering and computing majors who are globally-aware, culturally-sensitive, and socially conscious, and who would use their knowledge to design solutions that enhance the lives of and opportunities for people on a local, national, or international level.
While we believe that Miami’s engineering programs already exceed traditional programs in these aspects, the Humanitarian Engineering and Computing (HE&C) minor will take advantage of unique strengths of Miami and the College of Engineering and Computing and give students additional educational opportunities to enhance their cultural competency and experiential learning through a variety of courses, projects and research opportunities.
Social science research has shown that there are widespread stereotypes about engineering and computer science that might cause a socially conscious student to steer away from these disciplines. By having a Humanitarian Engineering and Computing program, we make it more likely that such students will discover that engineering or computer science actually aligns with their life goals and values. Miami’s liberal-arts focus makes us an ideal institution for a humanitarian-focused engineering and computing education.
Student Outcomes
At the completion of this minor, students should be able to:
- Design solutions to engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics in socially conscious ways that enhance the lives and capabilities of others.
- Demonstrate social, and professional responsibility in engineering situations and make informed judgments that consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- Perform effectively and cooperatively on teams (in the broadest sense with a variety of stakeholders) that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and produce results that are mutually acceptable.
How will a minor in Humanitarian Engineering and Computing help when it comes to getting a job?
Companies will be interested in hiring you, a Miami University graduate with the Humanitarian Engineering and Computing minor, because you bring the breadth of an engineering or computing degree, complemented by a minor that attests you are globally-aware, culturally-sensitive, and socially conscious. Your experiences show that you are capable of using your knowledge to design solutions based on the specific needs and environment of the community the company serves. By enhancing your technical major with the Humanitarian Engineering and Computing minor you will clearly demonstrate to prospective employers your ability to bring a socially engaged, holistic approach to problem solving and designing under extreme constraints.
See what business and industry leaders say:
“Miami University’s Humanitarian Engineering and Computing minor is an important program for students that will be entering the workforce in a time of unprecedented change in technology, society, and the economy. The program provides an understanding of global issues in the world today, and how engineers play an essential role in solving problems and shaping the future. At Accenture, we are committed to a workforce with these capabilities as we work with our clients on solutions that improve the way the world works and lives."
Paul Daugherty, Accenture's Chief Technology and Innovation Officer
“If you want to grow, find a good opportunity. Today, if you want to be a great company, think about what social problem you could solve."
Jack Ma, Founder and Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group
Resources
If you are interested in working for government, public health agencies, policy, NGOs, Peace Corps - check out the following links:
Steering Committee
The Humanitarian Engineering and Computing (HE&C) Steering Committee consists of faculty and staff appointed by the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. This group developed the minor and is responsible for continuing oversight of the program.
This Steering Committee is also responsible for pre-approval of the following courses or activities to meet the requirements of the minor.
- Study Abroad course with a Service component
- Independent Study course (with a humanitarian or service focus)
- Project for capstone courses
To be approved courses, independent study projects, and senior design projects must require that students learn, extend, or apply domain knowledge through activities that have the potential to enhance the lives of and opportunities for people on a local, national, or international level.
For approval of one of these items/activities, a student must request and complete a petition that can be obtained from the HE&C Advisor in your department. Your advisor will assist with any questions and bring the petition to the Steering Committee for review.
Steering Committee:
Dr. Jason Boock
Chemical, Paper, and Bioengineering
513-529-0520
66B Engineering Building
Tim Cameron
College of Engineering and Computing
513-529-0713
106-J Benton Hall
Dr. Daniela Inclezan
Computer Science and Software Engineering
513-529-0355
205C Benton Hall
Dr. Miao Wang
Electrical and Computer Engineering
513-529-0741
260 Garland Hall
Dr. Jeong-Hoi Koo
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
513-529-0723
56M Engineering Building
The College of Engineering and Computing
