The First Professional Degree: A Historic Opportunity

Abstract

Historically, ASCE has worked to develop civil engineering (CE) education to ensure that the profession is continuously strengthened. Based on recent events, ASCE is poised to lead CE education into the twenty-first century. Of specific interest in this regard is the recent support shown by the Board of Direction for the master's as the first professional degree (FPD) for CE practice. To understand the ramifications of the board's policy statement, it is necessary to grasp the evolution of the FPD concept as well as undergraduate engineering curricular reform in general. Examining the shape of past debate opens a window onto the board's historic policy statement, which in turn helps illuminate the future course of action. Moreover, the writers contend that significant educational reform is necessary for CE to confront the changing, competitive global marketplace. Accordingly, three possible models to implement the FPD are explored: (1) Current master's degree programs; (2) 150-credit hour requirement used by accountancy; and (3) professional school.