Globalization Challenges, Legacies, and Civil Engineering Curriculum Reform

• Published in: Journal of professional issues in engineering education and practice Vol. 131; no. 2; pp. 105 - 110
• Main Authors: Cheah, Charles Y. J, Chen, Po-Han, Ting, Seng Kiong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Society of Civil Engineers 01.04.2005
• Subjects: TECHNICAL PAPERS
• ISSN: 1052-3928; 1943-5541
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)1052-3928(2005)131:2(105)

Across nations and industries, numerous changes are taking place due to globalization. Naturally, the effects are channelled back to the academic world and prominently felt at the level of higher learning in view of its constant contact with the industries. Universities and institutions have to reassess the adequacy of their existing curricula in fulfilling the needs arising from globalization. With reference to issues encountered in southeast Asia, this paper examines the necessity to rethink the curriculum of a baccalaureate degree in civil engineering and presents some recommendations for revamping the curricular structure. The context discussed is most relevant to small, developing countries, but generally concerns those countries with a legacy of educational systems similar to this region. One rising trend is the move toward a general engineering education at the undergraduate level; a professional degree is emphasized only at the master’s level. More management-related subjects may be included in the undergraduate curriculum to equip engineers with skills to cope with globalization challenges.