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Session 2650

The Doctor of Industrial Technology Degree: A Unique Opportunity for Applied Technology Disciplines John T. Fecik Shahram Varzavand Recayi Pecen Teresa Hall Department of Industrial Technology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa

Abstract

In recent years, graduate programs in engineering and technology fields have experienced a variety of challenges. Many programs have been forced to adapt curriculum and delivery methods as new and emerging technology, heightened demand for graduates, and changing student demographics have altered the landscape of higher education. In this dynamic environment, the Doctor of Industrial Technology degree program at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is a unique contribution to the fields of industrial technology and technical education.

Forecasters and scholars have noted the increasing demand for university faculty with terminal degrees. The growing number of university faculty who will retire or leave the teaching profession in the next decade will put additional pressure on graduate programs to generate qualified persons to teach and conduct research. The Doctorate Recipients from United States Universities; Summary Report 2000 lists 48 different terminal research degrees (including the Doctor of Industrial Technology) and is recognized by U.S. government agencies.

This paper will analyze trends in graduate education, the purposes and goals of traditional vs. non- traditional technical graduate degree programs, and the needs in industrial technology and technical areas, such as technology and vocational education. A recapitulation of conventional graduate degree programs noting their orientation or emphases will be covered. The degree levels normally ascribed to graduate education will also be reviewed and contrasted by discipline. Doctoral program paradigms will be recognized, including an historical and contemporary portrayal, and an overview of doctoral program core components will be discussed. The configuration of the premise behind the Doctor of Industrial Technology program shall be reflected upon and compared to other doctoral programs in the field. The final aspect of this paper will note the challenges, transformations, and complex interactions that doctoral programs may face in the 21st century. As technology and applied science graduate programs seek to meet the needs of higher education and industry, the Doctor of Industrial Technology degree is a unique and increasingly relevant opportunity for technologists and technology educators.

I. Doctoral Antecedents

Doctoral degrees have a long yet consistent history of attainment. They have dispersed in type and number, however, the doctor of philosophy remains the most common. Because of the 800 year

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

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Varzavand, S., & Fecik, J., & Pecen, R., & Hall, T. (2003, June), The Doctor Of Industrial Technology Degree: A Unique Opportunity For Applied Technology Disciplines Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--11520