Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Tay W. Johannes, PhD

Abstract

This thesis examines how Air Force instructors translate officer occupational competencies into professional development courses. The study aims to address a pressing need to align Civil Engineer education with the Department of the Air Force objective of competency based education in the midst of changing operational demands. The methodology uses expert elicitation, thematic analysis, qualitative and quantitative statistics to formulate a curriculum development methodology. Data collection involved an expert elicitation from subject matter experts in the Civil Engineer career field. This data helped to pair 32E competencies with course learning objectives. The expert opinions provided insight into where civil engineering education and training need updates on learning outcomes and proficiency levels. Using The Civil Engineer School course for mid-career captains as a test case key findings included several competencies that did not align with the current needs of the targeted student group. This shows a necessity to update the curriculum content and proficiency levels. Expert consensus highlighted the importance of inserting leadership, risk management, and operational planning competencies into education programs to meet the current and future needs of the Department of the Air Force. A methodology emerged from the research that offers the Civil Engineer officer career field and others a method to bridge career field competencies to educational curriculum development. The work contributes to the broader efforts of the Civil Engineer career field to maintain mission readiness and operational excellence through targeted educational strategies.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-M-088

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this work.

Distribution Statement A: Distribution Unlimited. Approved for public release. PA case number: 88ABW-2025-0278

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