Panel: Where are the Engineers?
Perceived Costs and Benefits of
Christian Engineering Education
CEEC 2004
Salt Lake City, UT
Matthew G. Green
Manufacturing & Design Lab
Mechanical Systems and Design
The University of Texas, Austin
matthew.green@alumni.utexas.net
June 24, 2004
A Few Slides
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Focus group research
Perceived costs of Christian engr. ed.
Perceived benefits of Christian engr. ed.
Overlooked benefits of Christian engr. ed.
Focus Group Research
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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.
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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?