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Session 3647

MISSION CREEP IN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION?

Professor Kenneth Rennels, P.E.

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology Purdue School of Engineering and Technology Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis

Abstract

At this juncture in the development of engineering technology education, it is critical not to lose sight of the mission of engineering technology. Two specific challenges to the engineering technology traditional mission are the issues of ‘basic faculty credentials’ and changing expectations for ‘creative activities’. These two challenges can be delineated by the following questions:

Will a doctorate degree be necessary for engineering technology faculty in the future for promotion and tenure in the university environment?

Will applied research or pedagogical research be ‘good enough’?

This paper addresses these two issues by analyzing a research study of current engineering technology faculty hiring practices. Data are presented showing the change in faculty credentials and faculty hiring practices over the last two years. Ultimately, discussion within the engineering technology community must occur as engineering technology education continues to evolve and move into the future.

Academic Institution Background

The Purdue School of Engineering and Technology is located on the Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus. The IUPUI campus was formed in 1969 to combine the Indiana University and Purdue University degree programs, which were located on separate regional campuses in Indianapolis1. IUPUI has an enrollment of 29,032 students (fall 2002) and is the third largest university in Indiana. The North Central Association (NCA) accredits IUPUI.

The School of Engineering and Technology offers seventeen undergraduate associate and/or baccalaureate degree programs in engineering technology and eight baccalaureate or graduate degree programs in engineering. The majority of the engineering and engineering technology degree programs are ABET accredited. The school has an enrollment of approximately 2,600 full and part time undergraduate students. In terms of relative size in the engineering technology community, the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology ranks 3rd nationally in enrollment by school, 2nd in the number of degrees awarded to women and 8th in the total number of Bachelor of Science degrees awarded2.

“Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Rennels, K. (2003, June), Mission Creep In Engineering Technology Education? Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--11945