Future of Engineering Technology Education

Engineering technology education in the United States can trace its history back to the Wickenden and Spahr study of 1931, which identified the place of engineering technology education in the technical spectrum [1]. By 1945, the Engineering Council for Professional Development developed the first accreditation procedures for two-year engineering technology programs and by 1946, the first program was accredited. On this timeline the Purdue University engineering technology programs at Indianapolis can trace their history back to 1946 [2]. Over the last 70 years, engineering technology education in the United States has distinguished itself by a history of evolution, development and continuous improvement. Engineering technology education faces significant challenges during the next several years. These challenges are driven by the rapid evolution of computer technology and changing expectations of the educational process by the stakeholders. Stakeholders include not only students and faculty but also various groups in both the public and private sectors including industry, professional organizations, funding agencies, state government and the university system. Two specific challenges facing engineering technology educators are ‘basic faculty credentials’ and changing expectations for ‘creative activities’. These two challenges can be delineated by the following questions: • Will a doctorate degree be necessary for engineering technology faculty in the future for promotion and tenure in the university environment? • Will applied research or pedagogical research be ‘good enough’ for tenure? This paper addresses these two issues using a study of current engineering technology faculty hiring practices as a basis. Ultimately, critical future discussions must occur as engineering technology education continues to evolve and move into the future.