Industrial curriculum for engineering technology graduate programs

Abstract

Industry is an influential force in technology education. At the undergraduate level this influence is exemplified in many fashions such as internships, advisory boards, and selected survey populations. One measure of a successful technology program is the number of graduates that find employment in their major. Therefore, input from the employer (industry) is critical to the effective development of a viable program. These employers provide employment that has a critical influence on the life of the graduate. Since employers are a critical component in the success of a technology graduate, it is reasonable to assess the needs of employers as to the need for a Master of Science degree in Technology and their opinions concerning curriculum content. This study reports the results of a needs assessment performed on the immediate supervisors of Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology bachelor graduates. Support for a Master of Science degree in Technology and the curriculum content as perceived by these immediate supervisors is reported.