Non-technical Studies for Engineers: The Challenge of Relevance

SUMMARY We cannot deal effectively with the question of non-technical studies for engineers without considering the views of the students themselves, as well as those of educators and employers of engineers. This entails reflecting on the role of the engineer in the greater society. In the US, there are serious problems of ‘status’ that complicate the matter. If engineers are viewed as mere technicians, then the relevance of non-technical studies is called into question. Yet non-technical studies are a means by which we hope to change engineers from technicians into true professionals. We must find ways to break this paralyzing cycle.