Through the statement by the college of Mechanical and Aerospace in Seoul National University and the college of Electrical Engineering in Korea University to withdraw from the ABEEK (Accreditation Board for Engineering Education of Korea) program, doubt over the program's feasibility has been raised among universities across the nation. It has been eight years since the program began, but it is still little known and has become controversial. So students would be curious to know what's happening. What is it and what is the controversy? The Dankook Herald examined the program. We probed the institution and reveal its condition in our university at this moment. Initially we surveyed our university schoolmates about it.

"How much do you know about the ABEEK program?"

Q1. I know the ABEEK program in detail.

- Yes 28%, No 72%

Q2. After I made my intention clear concerning the ABEEK program, I then completed it.

- Yes 34%, No 66%

Q3. I know problems of the ABEEK program.

- Yes 3%, No 97%

Q4. I'm well aware of the benefits of the ABEEK program.

- Yes 46%, No 54%

(Answered by 06~09 engineering schoolmates in Dankook University)

  The results of the poll above show that many students are aware of the benefits but not the problems. But we can confirm that they don't know exactly what the program is. Additionally, it is a significant matter that they didn't clarify their opinion about it.

  Do you know the ABEEK program? It is a system that educates engineering students to have a major knowledge and ability to solve a problem and to communicate with others. The program assures that the graduates of accredited programs are qualified to start their professional careers in engineering. ABEEK was introduced from the United States to promote the growth of engineering education and produce human resources in Korea with outstanding ability. In 2000, ABEEK announced the plan that presented the standard and guide about the engineering education program to universities.

  What problems does the program have presently? First, if students don't apply to these companies, then they don't get any benefit. The greatest problem is that there has been no correction to the program to fit the domestic situation since Korea introduced American's ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Also ABEEK requires taking lots of credit majors for engineering students unlike other students in other departments who take less credit majors. If you want to complete the program, you would need to take credit majors in excess of 63 credits including planning subjects above 18 credits, basic engineering subjects above 30 credits - mathematics subjects above 9, basic science subjects above 9 and computer subjects above 3 credits.

  Besides, the program has another problem in the diploma. If you completed the program, you'd take a diploma in your major. If you didn't, you'd just take a diploma of 'A Bachelor of Engineering' without your major. But students with other majors who don't need to carry out the ABEEK program can take a diploma in their major, too. So it goes counter to equity. Also other problems are that students' originality is low because of conventional major lessons and that most companies cannot recognize the ABEEK program.

  Then, what do experts think about the program?

  The ABEEK program is either insufficient or excessive, but most students of Dept. of Engineering in DKU need it. So if you decide to complete that, you'd better take part in the program with a positive mind. Once you determine a possible objective, please study in that direction. For example, when you draw up the portfolio of the program specifications, you'd arrange your work well.

  Because ABEEK applies to all kinds of universities with a single standard, it can't match the direction of each university. Let's take an example of Seoul National University. Our direction to combine majors in order to train students to have diversity is the opposite of the aims of the ABEEK program. That is, it is too early to take the program.

  Considering some problems mentioned above, it is certain that ABEEK has a double appearance. DKU endeavors to permit it for most of engineering students because DKU is getting ready to use it for lifting students up. However, not running only for 'Accreditation,' DKU should devise complementary countermeasures at the same time. Since, there may be unexpected results.

  Now students should decide their own mind. That is, they should conclude whether they need to complete it or not. In addition, they should decide whether this program suits them; they should not follow it without thinking. In the case of discontinuing it, after you consult your academic advisor, you could alter the course. Nevertheless, if you determine to complete the ABEEK program, you could practice various experiments during university life which will be helpful for you after graduation. It is up to engineering students to choose whether to complete or discontinue the program.