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Session 2793

Eliminating the Double Standard for the Batchelor of Science Degree in Engineering

J. R. Burger Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering California State University Northridge

Abstract -- This paper presents a vision that promises a major benefit to the engineering profession. Although the author’s experiences are mainly in Electrical and Computer Engineering, the basic idea has importance to Mechanical and Civil Engineering as well.

Introduction ABET has a definite structure involving EAC (Engineering Accreditation Commission), TAC (Technology Accreditation Commission) and other commissions as explained by their home web site1. Professors who are not members of commissions are less involved directly, but could very well have something constructive to say2. For example, Professor Eades of Lehigh University sees a conflict of interest between having the power to accredit a particular program and having a mission to improve education3. He thinks that the same organization ought not to pursue both objectives, since they might be tempted to impose their own, possibly mistaken views of what engineering education should be.

Obviously it would be difficult to prove any given view is mistaken, and even more difficult to prove that an institution is being pressured to accept a mistaken view. Eades’ readers may not agree with him. However, it can be admitted that he contributes a useful thought, since any organization can easily fall into the trap of trying to reach beyond reasonable bounds. Useful thoughts may exert a corrective influence, and possibly help avoid a destructive crisis later.

Proposal – Specify that EAC encourage and accredit engineering technology programs at the baccalaureate level. That is, TAC would accredit only 2-year programs while EAC would accredit only 4-year programs.

Reasons in favor discussed below 1. Joining the two would eliminate considerable duplication of accreditation criteria. 2. Joining the two would help clarify the term ‘engineer’ 3. Engineering as a profession would appear stronger under one type of accreditation. 4. EAC criteria could work for both types of programs. 5. Accreditation criteria for a 2-year program would not have to be mixed with that for 4- year programs. 6. Fairness to students would increase.

“Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2002, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Burger, J. (2002, June), Eliminating The Double Standard For The Bachelor Of Science Degree In Engineering Paper presented at 2002 Annual Conference, Montreal, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--10061