Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge for the 21st Century: Preparing the Civil Engineer for the Future

Abstract

  • Prepared by the Body of Knowledge Committee of the Committee on Academic Prerequisites for Professional Practice of ASCE.

    This report focuses on outcomes of proposed changes in the way civil engineering is taught and learned, including the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for entry into professional practice. The first Body of Knowledge report, published in 2004, outlined 15 areas of knowledge that, when fulfilled by means of formal education and experience, prepare an engineer for practice at the professional level. This new edition expands the 15 outcomes to 24 organized into three categories: foundational, technical, and professional. It also makes use of Bloom's Taxonomy to describe minimum cognitive levels for each outcome.

    This report offers a detailed roadmap for engineering educators and professionals to change the way civil engineering is practiced by reforming the manner in which tomorrow's civil engineers are prepared for tomorrow. The body of the report defines the body of knowledge, presents the means of fulfilling those requirements, and offers guidance for faculty, students, engineer interns, and practitioners. The numerous appendixes include ASCE Policy 465, Emergence of the Body of Knowledge; an explanation of Bloom's Taxonomy; rubrics for measuring a student's knowledge according to the taxonomy; and the importance of education in humanities and social sciences, sustainability, globalization, public policy, and personal attitudes.

    This report is essential reading for anyone involved in the education of student and younger engineers.

    The PDF of the report may be downloaded free of charge.

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