Global Environment and Continuing Education for Engineer-Planners

Abstract

The nature and significance of global environmental problems indicate that civil engineers are likely to be called on to assume an increasingly important role in solving these problems. The solutions to many will require expertise in the urban planning and development arena. As a result, civil engineers will need to improve their ability to effectively interact with planners, political decision makers, and the lay community at the international level. Therefore, it has been suggested that they should have some formal training in urban and regional planning. However, there is considerable debate among educators and practitioners regarding the extent to which planning courses should be incorporated into undergraduate civil engineering curricula. This paper discusses the need for continuing education programs and/or short courses in urban planning for the practicing engineer-planner. This approach is suggested as an alternative to requiring planning education for all undergraduate civil engineering students. Preliminary recommendations concerning the basic content and delivery of these programs and courses are also presented. This paper is intended to serve as a possible point of departure for a more detailed assessment of the need for continuing education for engineer-planners, including the needs of those who may practice on the international level.