ASME Vision 2030's recommendations for mechanical engineering education

Abstract

The role and scope of the engineering practice is transforming rapidly and academia should change to better prepare graduates. The ASME Vision 2030 Task Force investigated the current state of mechanical engineering education and practice within industry through assessment of recent literature addressing the shape and content of engineering and engineering technology education, through conducting workshops among stakeholders at key conferences and gatherings, and by extensive surveys of industry supervisors and early career engineers. As a result, the Task Force has formally recommended, and begun to advocate for, specific actions to strengthen the following seven aspects of undergraduate mechanical engineering education curricula: creating curricula that inspire innovation and creativity, increasing curricular flexibility, offering more authentic practice-based engineering experiences, developing students' professional skills to a higher standard, attracting a more diverse student body, increased faculty expertise in professional practice, and adapting post-graduate education to support specialization for practicing engineers. Partnership between industry, professional societies, government, and academia is needed to successfully implement these recommendations and help develop the full potential of mechanical engineering graduates. Initial actions have been taken towards implementing several of these recommendations. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.