The first professional degree: Master of engineering?

Abstract

This chapter deals with the issue of the first professional degree first professional degree in engineering in the United States of America (USA). At the present time, the bachelor's degree is commonly recognized as the first professional degree. However, there is increasing recognition that a 4-year bachelor's degree is no longer sufficient to properly prepare an engineering professional. The US National Academy of Engineering recommends that the 4-year bachelor's degree be a pre-engineering program, and that a master's degree be the first professional degree. This chapter explores a practice-oriented Master of Engineering Master of Engineering degree, as a candidate for the first professional (ABET accredited) engineering degree.