Framework For Integrating Project Based Learning, Experience And Practice In Professional Graduate Education For Engineers In Industry Leading To The Professional Master Of Engineering

Abstract

This is the second of four papers prepared for a special panel session of the National Collaborative Task Force on Engineering Graduate Education Reform. The paper formulates a creative approach and framework for postgraduate professional education that fosters continuous development of the U.S. engineering workforce concurrently with engineering practice for technological innovation. The framework integrates innovative project-based learning, progressive experience, self-directed learning, and graduate studies concurrently with engineering practice leading to the professional Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) for early career development of engineering leaders. The intent is to build clusters of postgraduate professional education across the country that strengthens industry's innovative capability for continuous technology development to enhance U.S. competitiveness.

Toward An Interdisciplinary Graduate Degree In Technology

“…Western Carolina University has initiated and effort by providing partnership with industry to better prepare their graduate students to face challenges of growing technical fields 7 . Keating et al in a series of four papers formulated a framework for professional studies that promotes "the continuous development of the U.S. engineering workforce in industry concurrently with engineering practice for technological innovation" 1,8,9 . In addition, several institutions offer students individualized interdisciplinary graduate program that allows students to tailor their courses from more than one department to meet their needs.…”