Comments Solicited on Draft Body of Knowledge (Second Edition)

ASCE Policy Statement 465 states that “The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports the attainment of a Body of Knowledge (BOK) for entry into the practice of civil engineering at the professional level.”  The BOK is defined as the depth and breadth of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of an individual entering the professional practice of civil engineering.  The BOK is strategic and foundational to our profession because it ultimately influences public understanding of our profession, accreditation criteria, curricula, the Engineer Intern experience, and licensure requirements.

ASCE released the first edition of the BOK in early 2004 and is now releasing a refined, enhanced, and updated version in draft form for your review.  This second edition of the BOK was prepared by the Body of Knowledge Committee of CAP^3 (Committee on the Academic Prerequisites for Professional Practice) in response to widespread stakeholder interest in, use of, and comments about the first edition.  CAP^3 is pleased to note that the BOK has stimulated thinking and discussion about education and practice within and outside of civil engineering.  The BOK has proven to be a productive forum in which educators and practitioners come together to proactively determine how tomorrow’s civil engineers should be prepared.

You can download your copy of the draft report from www.asce.org/raisethebar anytime after July 15th.  Your thoughts and comments should be sent to CAP^3 at comments@bok.asce.org.  Your input will be reviewed by the committee, and the final report will be modified as appropriate.  To consider your comments, the Body of Knowledge Committee must receive your comments on or before October 1, 2007.  The Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge for the 21st Century (Second Edition) is scheduled for release during Engineer’s Week in February 2008 – and will be available through www.asce.org/raisethebar.