Work in progress: ethics and the development professional identities of engineering students

Abstract

How do undergraduate students in engineering conceive of themselves as professionals? How does a course on engineering ethics affect the development of a student's professional identity and potential for moral courage? In this project, students responded to questions about the characteristics and responsibilities of professional engineers. They identified people and experiences that shaped their understandings of these characteristics and responsibilities. They reflected on their own development of these characteristics and preparation for these responsibilities.