HARMONIZED MASTER PROGRAMS AS A TOOL FOR ORGANIZING INTERDISCIPLINARY TRAINING OF ENGINEERS

Abstract

The modern labor market demands engineers to be able to identify and solve complex problems at the intersection of various scientific and technological fields. The existing tools such as interdisciplinary courses and projects, or Double Degree programs either solve a particular, narrow spectrum of tasks or require significant resources to master. This article presents a fundamentally new approach to organizing systemic interdisciplinary training: harmonized master programs. Aim: to identify stakeholders’ demand
for interdisciplinary training of engineers and to propose a mechanism for developing harmonized master programs. Methodology: a survey of potential employers’ and engineering bachelor students’ opinions was conducted to determine in-demand pairs of master programs, as well as the level of interest in applying for harmonized master programs. An algorithm for curricula harmonization has been developed. Results: the survey confirmed high interest in interdisciplinary training among both stakeholder groups and identified the most relevant combinations of majors. The developed algorithm for aligning two master programs includes decision support models for selecting pairs of programs, comparing competencies, distributing disciplines by category, and calculating the amount of credits for transfer. The overall workload of the two master programs can be reduced by up to 60 credits, allowing students to complete both programs in 2.5 years. This mechanism has been successfully piloted at Tomsk Polytechnic University during the launch of four harmonized master programs. The proposed approach ensures the development of interdisciplinary competencies demanded by the labor market and enhances the competitiveness of graduates, educational programs, and the university as a whole.