The Body of Knowledge in Mechanical Engineering Technology

In November 2004, the ASME Council on Education promulgated a vision of the future of mechanical engineering education based on the work of the ASME Body of Knowledge Taskforce. Unfortunately, the vision gave only a cursory nod to Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) as a part of the educational and professional spectrum. This paper presents an amended vision for the future of mechanical engineering technology education and a discussion of the body of knowledge as applied to engineering technology. A case is made for how the vision of the future for MET educational programs differs from mechanical engineering (ME) programs. In this, the relation of MET education to the practitioner and industry is a recurring theme. A vision is proposed speaking to the strength of MET graduates as engineering practitioners and as implementers of technology; job-ready, and focused on applied engineering. A discussion of the body of knowledge appropriate for an engineering practitioner and the impact of that perspective on mechanical engineering technology education is offered. The challenges facing MET as a result of the perceptions and misconceptions regarding its graduates and their strengths are discussed. Following the lead of the ASME vision for ME education, considerations for reshaping MET education are also proposed. A positive view of the strengths of an MET education is taken and a dialog is opened on the challenges facing MET education.