Future of Civil Engineering Profession and Role of Education

Abstract

The professional civil engineer of the future must be a leader in society. The 200‐year heritage of civil engineering in the United States is that of a great technological provider of shelter, transportation, and sanitation. Yet these needs are increasingly taken for granted, a mark of success of the civil engineer's task; in the process the profession has become a mature one. Together with this circumstance the perception has grown that civil engineering does not offer sufficient career excitement to potential young engineers. The current typical student view of civil engineering is presented, along with implications this has for the future. The real role of technology, and especially high technology, in many civil engineering problems of today and tomorrow is reviewed. A clear conclusion is that the profession must raise its image, and in doing so differentiate between an applied technologist and a true professional. The latter will, increasingly, be a leader and decision maker in society, no longer content to serve just as a technical consultant to others. The role of education, and engineering schools in particular, in producing this new professional is examined. It is recommended that a few universities make a commitment to review their curricula and accommodate this technologically and culturally educated individual. These exemplars will undoubtedly be programs involving both undergraduate and at least one graduate degree.