Engineering Education Pursuing an Engineering Doctorate: Exploring the Role of the Combined BS/MS Program Erin Crede Maura Borrego Department of Engineering Education, Virginia Tech Presentation for the 2010 FIE Conference Funded by National Science Foundation EEC

Engineering Education Overview of the Presentation Introduction Group Discussion Data Collection Snapshot of Current Programs Future Research Directions

Engineering Education Combined BS-MS Programs Research questions: 1.What is the prevalence of combined degree programs among U.S. colleges and universities? 2.What are the aims of these programs, as they relate to students’ education and career plans? Majority of graduate education studies focus on doctoral level Limited and widely varying information on combined degree programs in engineering

Engineering Education What is a Dual Degree Program? Students earn both a BS and a MS degree from the same institution reduced course load often in a shortened period of time Completion times range 3 BS / 2 MS 4 BS +1 MS MS in one semester less than regular students Graduate Undergraduate Students take both undergraduate and graduate classes senior year May be Thesis or Non Thesis

Engineering Education What about your experience? Discuss with a neighbor: Does your university or department have a combined or dual degree program? What is the goal of the program? How long does it take for students to complete? How are students recruited? Do they complete a thesis?

Engineering Education Methods-Data Collection Baseline understanding of the types of programs in universities across the United States Internet search for “BS + MS engineering programs” 40 pages of relevant links, including 100 colleges and universities: ClassificationDescriptionPrivatePublic Masters LLarge University awarding primarily Master’s Degrees 56 DRUDoctoral Research Institutions22 RU/HHigh Research Universities827 RU/VHVery High Research Universities1337 Classification and status of schools with bs/ms programs

Engineering Education Methods-Data Analysis ThemesCategoriesCodes Timeline for Completion  Less than traditional  Five years  Accelerated program  Number of semesters less  Number of credits less Qualities of Applicants  General  Academics  Motivation  Highly qualified  Academically talented  Outstanding  Qualified  Engineering students Program Objectives and Benefits  Career possibilities  Start research early  Practical benefits  Increased salary  industry career options  Continue to PhD  Program flexibility Themes, categories and codes Content Analysis of published materials Level of detail varied 1-2 sentences pamphlets available for download

Engineering Education A Snapshot of Current Programs Timeline for Completion 41% listed a “five year” program, or “one year beyond the BS” 29% percent labeled as ‘accelerated’ Types of Students Who Should Consider the Program 20% searching for “outstanding” students 16% interested in “highly motivated” students 15% looking for “academically talented” or “academically excellent” students Program Objective and Benefits 33% to broaden students’ career possibilities in industry doctorate education 33% to get an early start on research

Engineering Education Conclusions Universities should articulate goals and consider establishing standards across engineering departments Overview of existing dual degree programs Foundation for future studies Students should ask questions early to determine the best course of study and understand career impacts

Engineering Education Directions for Continued Research Additional Research Questions: Do the ways that combined degree programs recruit students influence their expectations regarding graduate school? Do these experiences and expectations influence their perceptions about doctoral study? Future Plans for the Study Interviews with current BS/MS students regarding further graduate education

Engineering Education Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge the support of the National Science Foundation who funded this research under IEECI Questions?