An off-road equipment minor

The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Penn State began offering an Off-Road Equipment (OFFRD) minor in the fall of 2002. This article reviews the rationale for the minor, the content of the minor, and the impact on students and course enrollments. With 52 students enrolled in the minor in four years, the formation of the minor has increased exposure of ABE and ASM courses to students in other majors and other colleges. The OFFRD minor has helped several students launch careers in a variety of off-road equipment industries. The course requirements for the minor are matched to specific learning objectives which include understanding engines, power transmission systems, sensors and controls, off-road equipment application challenges, vehicles as integrated systems, ergonomics, fluid power, and safety.