Tsai, H. (2011). Comparative curriculum analysis of mechanical engineering technology programs at Purdue University and the National Taipei University of Technology. Journal of Cooperative Education and Internships, 45(1), 45-51.
Career and technical education in tertiary education in the US or Taiwan is always linked to employment preparation in specific occupations or careers, which differs from traditional academic postsecondary education. Academic education at the tertiary education stage encompasses formal undergraduate programs designed to impart knowledge and skills. However, career education instruction typically involves more application and less theory than that taught in academic programs. Many manufacturing careers have transferred to Mainland China, causing the curriculum in a technological university in Taiwan to reform to the current situation. Comparing the curriculum for mechanical engineering technology between the USA and Taiwan may provide suggestions for reshaping the curriculum for employment preparation in specific occupations. The mechanical engineering curriculum for the department of National Taipei University of Technology differs from that of Purdue University in theory and applied courses because of more implementation of the cooperative activities in Purdue University. This analysis shows that Taiwan does not offer the fundamental courses of Physics and Calculus. Manufacturing processes are more important at Purdue University due to six credit courses within two semesters. NTUT offers fundamental theories in mechanical engineering such as Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Strength of Materials, while Purdue University provides courses such as Heat Power, Fluid Power, and Applied Strength of Materials, projecting more application details. Oral communication and technical writing courses in the USA help students meet employment requirements. A curriculum comparison of mechanical engineering technology between the USA and Taiwan gives a reshaping approach to course arrangement in Taiwan.