Ensuring Quality Civil Engineering Education

Abstract

Excellent students, an outstanding and dedicated faculty, and well‐equipped facilities are essential components of a quality civil engineering educational experience. Civil engineers are in great demand to address the challenges and opportunity of rebuilding our national infrastructure. It is important that outstanding men and women enter civil engineering programs of study. The quality of life of the nation rests in the hands and minds of the bright young people who accept the challenges and opportunities in civil engineering. The primary role of engineering faculty is to teach a diverse audience, including undergraduate and graduate students, research and academic peers, engineering practitioners, and the public. Civil engineering faculty must be at the forefront in their area of expertise through research and practical experience. There is a fine line between research and testing, and faculty must direct their talents to the pursuit of fundamental research. Technology transfer is essential so that the results of research which can improve the design and construction of facilities and projects are available to the engineering practitioner. Adequate facilities, modern equipment, and qualified clerical and technical staff personnel also are required to support a civil engineering education experience that will prepare graduates to meet the opportunities and challenges of the last decade of the twentieth century and of the twenty‐first century.