Assessment of a Regional Transportation Education Alliance to Improve Mobility (SWUTC/98/167103-1)

The emphasis in surface transportation is shifting from a construction-based paradigm to a more operations based approach to mobility. This increased emphasis on transportation system operation and management requires a skill set not available in traditionally trained students. A need exists to improve undergraduate education experiences to foster new skills and to also create interest among students to pursue advanced degrees in transportation. Currently, most university programs have minimal expertise in transportation and course material is often limited or nonexistent. An opportunity exists to take advantage of expertise at universities for the benefit of the entire transportation program. This study presents results from an investigation of a number of issues related to undergraduate education and provides an approach to improving undergraduate transportation education through appropriate alliances of universities to encourage more students to pursue graduate education.. Results include an assessment of current education needs in the Southwest University Transportation Center region. The report also looks at educational resources in transportation education at universities in the region and outlines potential delivery mechanisms for needed curriculum. It also provides recommendations on fostering continued collaboration between universities to enhance education and encourage students to seek transportation as a viable career choice.