Redeveloping a Senior-level Highway Design Course Considering Industry Feedback

The lack of practical real-world applications in a classroom setting has been identified as one factor inhibiting student interest in STEM fields. One approach to address this concern is the implementation of a course structure that largely mirrors professional practice. To this end, this study details the results of a project oriented toward developing a framework for the implementation of a highway design course that better prepares students entering the profession. To better align the course with industry needs, a questionnaire survey was distributed to public and private transportation agencies in order to assess the importance of various skills, resources, and classroom topics as they relate to the field of highway design. Results of the survey are discussed with emphases on differences between public and private transportation agencies of various sizes.