RETHINKING THE DURATION OF THE ENGINEERING BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN IRAN: SOLUTIONS, CONSIDERATIONS, AND POLICY REQUIREMENTS

Document Type : Scientific - Research

Authors

1 Department of Educational and Curriculum Innovation- Institute for Research and Planning in Higher Education

2 Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Sharif University of Technology- Tehran- Iran

3 Faculty of Chemical Engineering-Tarbiat Modares University - Tehran- Iran

10.22047/ijee.2025.563615.2228
Abstract
The reconsideration of the duration of engineering bachelor’s degree has recently been placed on the agenda of MSRT in Iran. This applied study aimed to identify solutions, considerations, and requirements by adopting a qualitative approach. Data were collected through document analysis and expert panels, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants included higher education experts selected through a snowball sampling method. Findings revealed that, in developed countries, a structured diversity of academic degrees with distinct functions ensures closer alignment between higher education and labor market needs. Results further indicated that offering three types of engineering bachelor’s degrees- namely, the standard 4-year academic degree in universities, and 3-year applied and vocational degrees in Iran’s skill-oriented institutions would allow curricula to be more effectively tailored to professional and academic pathways. Diversification at the associate, master’s, and doctoral degrees also emerged as feasible options. However, the establishment of a National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in Iran is considered a strategic necessity to systematize this diversity. The study concludes that the internationally recognized standard duration of a full engineering bachelor’s degree is four years (120–125 credits), and reducing this duration would conflict with global regulations.

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  • Receive Date 02 December 2025
  • Revise Date 30 December 2025
  • Accept Date 30 December 2025
  • First Publish Date 30 December 2025
  • Publish Date 22 May 2026