Engineering Education: Paragon Or Paradox?

    Authors

    R. D. Kersten

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Prof. Issues Eng. Educ. Pract.

    Keywords

    Education, Scientific Disciplines; Engineering, Multidisciplinary

    Abstract

    Engineering remains largely a profession based on a baccalaureate education while most other learned (and licensed) professions have some graduate education requirements based on a general undergraduate program. The model for engineering should include at least the master's degree in order to ensure inclusion of the most essential elements of education preparation. In a cultural milieu of ever increasing complexity in all its dimensions and midst a rising tide of expectations for what modem engineering can do for society, we should not be content with maintaining the status quo based on some nominal minimum standard, but seek to raise the level of educational preparation. It is the author's contention that Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology (ABET) should be the forcing function in this regard, and set the standards/criteria somewhat higher than at present. We should demand a higher educational standard for entry into practice generally, and for licensed practice in particular. To do less than our very best is not in the public interest. Further, the educational requirement for licensure should be dependent on graduation from an accredited program at the master's level, and not on some further examination (supposedly aimed at confirming the result of accreditation).

    Journal Title

    Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice

    Volume

    122

    Issue/Number

    4

    Publication Date

    1-1-1996

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    147

    Last Page

    150

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:A1996VH56600014

    ISSN

    1052-3928

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