Panel: Where are the Engineers? Perceived Costs and Benefits of Christian Engineering Education Matthew G. Green Manufacturing & Design Lab Mechanical Systems and Design The University of Texas, Austin June 24, 2004 CEEC 2004 Salt Lake City, UT

A Few Slides  Focus group research  Perceived costs of Christian engr. ed.  Perceived benefits of Christian engr. ed.  Overlooked benefits of Christian engr. ed.

Focus Group Research  Small focus group interview of UT Austin Christian graduate students, and a professor  Several students from secular schools, one from a Christian engineering school  Question: “For undergraduate engineering studies, why should a Christian choose (or not choose) a Christian institution?”  Conclusion: the perceived costs outweigh the perceived benefits  Further research question: “Are there overlooked benefits?”

Perceived Costs of Christian Engr. Ed.  Financial – “is $30k/yr worth it for the normal Joe?”  Fewer resources (e.g. labs, class variety) / less prestige  Lack of being “in the world” (over-protection) – “someone with a solid Christian foundation should be able to go anywhere”

Perceived Benefits of Christian Engr. Ed.  Small and “safe” community (bad company corrupts character)  Christian values

Overlooked (?) Benefits of Christian Engr. Ed.  Christian world view in core curriculum (especially humanities)  Christian world view in engineering (especially how technology is used)  Christian world view in career mentoring  Enhanced dedication and quality in teaching

Discussion  Are there overlooked benefits?  Are there misconceptions about the costs?