Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Session 1221

Attributes for Engineering Accreditation Enno “Ed” Koehn Lamar University

Abstract

Recently, the American Society of Civil Engineers sponsored an Education Conference to recommend changes for the Civil Engineering curriculum. In addition, various studies have been conducted to investigate methods to strengthen undergraduate education.

The present study suggests that both practicing engineers and undergraduate/graduate students believe that 3 educational attributes have been and should optimally be incorporated into the engineering program at a high level. They include: an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; an ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems; and an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. In contrast, all three groups rate a knowledge of contemporary issues at a relatively lower score. The foregoing attributes are among those that have been proposed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as criteria that should be satisfied in order to be awarded an accredited engineering degree.

Introduction

Over the years there have been studies conducted by employers and various technical/professional organizations to revise the engineering curriculum to ensure that students are prepared for the future engineering workplace.3, 7 Practicing engineers and educators have also indicated that they are not completely satisfied with the average engineering program.4, 8 This paper reviews a number of recommendations concerning possible changes in engineering education. In addition, it presents the results of an investigation of the perceptions of a group of undergraduate and graduate students as well as practicing engineers.

The data for the study was obtained from a survey instrument which was distributed to students enrolled in various civil engineering degree programs as well as a group of practitioners attending an alumni meeting. Respondents were requested to indicate whether, and at which particular level, various educational attributes have been and should optimally be incorporated into the curriculum. The attributes consist of 11 items which future students of accredited programs may be required to satisfy.1

Engineering Accreditation

Recently, there have been recommendations from educators and technical/professional societies to revise the engineering curriculum that is being required in accredited institutions.1, 6 One item of concern is the lack of teamwork in design classes.10 In this regard, it has been mentioned that good engineering consists of the following:9

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Koehn, E. E. (1997, June), Attributes For Engineering Accreditation Paper presented at 1997 Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 10.18260/1-2--6429