Electric Power Engineering Education: Regressive and Revitalizing Forces

This paper reviews the forces which have caused engineering education to diverge from engineering practice. Simultaneously, these same forces drove electric power engineering programs to near extinction except at a few schools. A further consequence of the latter situation was the extraordinary and costly effort which was required to establish in-house modes of education and other training in industry where possible. In addition, other major efforts were required to plan, organize and implement electric power engineering programs at a reasonable number of sincerely interested schools where such education rightfully belongs. The American Electric Power Service Corporation was among the first companies to recognize the foregoing situation, and at the same time it decided to organize a revitalization effort. Implementation of its deliberate involvement in education matters began in the 1950 decade. Its constructive programs have evolved and expanded ever since.