Enhancing Civil Engineering Education and ABET Criteria through Practical Experience
Publication: Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 130, Issue 2
Abstract
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) has adopted a revised set of criteria for accrediting engineering programs. Nevertheless, as in the past, civil engineering departments will be required to demonstrate proficiency in specific subject areas which are included in the ABET program criteria. This paper investigates how civil engineering students at Lamar University improved their understanding of various subject areas required by ABET and listed in the Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs and the General Criteria (professional component) by being involved with cooperative, part-time, and summer work experiences. In particular, the findings suggest that both undergraduate and graduate students believe that three areas have been greatly enhanced with engineering work. They include structural engineering, project management/scheduling and estimating, and teamwork. In addition, undergraduates perceive that their understanding of health and safety issues and ethical considerations has also increased. In contrast, graduate students believe that their knowledge of hydraulics, hydrology, and water resources, constructability, and economic factors has been enhanced by civil engineering work experiences.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice
Volume 130 • Issue 2 • April 2004
Pages: 77 - 83
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 12, 2001
Accepted: May 29, 2003
Published online: Mar 15, 2004
Published in print: Apr 2004
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