The Giant Leap in the Development of Higher Engineering Education in China

Purpose This study discusses the development of higher engineering education and its future direction following the increased enrollment in higher education institutions in China. Design/Approach/Methods By compiling and analyzing corresponding policies and historical and statistical data, the large-scale expansion process and quality enhancement pathways of China's higher engineering education are summarized. Additionally, probable future development scenarios are identified based on the current situation. Findings Ever since the expansion of higher education enrollment in China, higher engineering education has experienced rapid expansion in scale and quality, leading China toward becoming a prolific global leader in this aspect. Through a series of national engineering educational reforms, such as “Engineering Program Accreditation,” “Outstanding Engineer Plan,” and “New Engineering Construction,” China has sought to improve the quality of engineering talent to “transition from a large state to a powerful state” in higher engineering education. Therefore, this development process can be considered a “golden age” of higher engineering education development in China. Going forward, China's higher engineering education should focus on continuous quality improvement, strengthen international exchanges and collaboration, and expand into new engineering fields. Originality/Value This study systematically analyzes the large-scale expansion and quality enhancement routes of China's higher engineering education. By enhancing the understanding of such education, this study can serve as a reference for domestic and foreign engineering education researchers.