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Session 3246

The Future of Graduate Education in The School of Technology

Dennis R. Depew, Robert J. Herrick Purdue University

As we consider the future of technology education, one should ask a basic question: Will tomorrow be different from today? Most will agree that the obvious answer is “yes.” In a day when technology is transforming all aspects of our lives, both at home and at work, it is important that we consider the future of those individuals completing undergraduate degree programs in technology and engineering technology.

As the number of students completing an undergraduate degree in technology related programs continues to increase, the demand for graduate education opportunities for this growing population will continue to increase. Also, as this demand continues to grow, the need for greater flexibility in delivery will also increase. Competition for this potential customer base will encourage higher education to design new and innovative delivery systems to serve the educational needs of these customers.

As technology and engineering technology programs continue to change and evolve in striving to meet society’s technological expectations and needs, it is imperative that graduate education be considered as an important element. A study conducted at Purdue University reported that 92% of the alumni and faculty surveyed indicated that graduate education in technology is important for the professional development of individuals working in industry and that there exists a perceived demand for graduate education in technology and engineering technology (Brauer, August 1993). Although this study surveyed only faculty and alumni of Purdue University, and generalizing these findings to broader level would be inappropriate from a true research point of view, the fact remains that graduate education for technologists is an important issue that must be addressed.

As more individuals graduated from technology-related programs enter the work force, the need for graduate education appropriate for their future professional development will become an important priority in remaining competitive in the international market place. In addition to providing advanced studies for individuals in industry, providing graduate education for the future professors of technology at the two-and four-year college level will also become critical in delivering high-quality education for future generations of technologists.

When one merely considers the number of individuals graduating from technology and engineering technology programs today, the need for graduate programs appropriate for these individuals becomes more evident. At Purdue University, the School of Technology graduates approximately 800 individuals each year with baccalaureate degrees from technology and engineering technology programs. The School currently has over 15,000 alumni in the work

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Herrick, R. J., & Depew, D. R. (1997, June), The Future Of Graduate Education In The School Of Technology Paper presented at 1997 Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 10.18260/1-2--6587