Report of the EAB Committee to Study Programs in Engineering Technology

Many groups and many individuals are disturbed by the presence of baccalaureate programs in engineering technology (BSET), the rapid growth of these programs, and the presence in the job market of graduates from these programs along with graduates from baccalaureate programs in engineering (BSE). Apprehension has been expressed by engineering educators as well as by engineers working in industry; concerns have been articulated by students enrolled in BSET programs and by their parents. Individual members of the IEEE have brought related issues that have disturbed them to the attention of various groups within the Institute. In response to these concerns, the IEEE Educational Activities Board formed an ad hoc Committee to recommend a position for the EAB on the questions concerning BSET programs, and to suggest whether the IEEE should change its position regarding baccalaureate programs in engineering technology. This report attempts to describe the problems from which the apprehensions have arisen, the nature of BSET programs, as well as employment and career opportunities for graduates of BSET programs. The recommendations suggest several directions IEEE efforts may take that the committee believes would be effective in alleviating many of the problems and questions that have been raised.