Estudio de sostenibilidad del programa acédemico ingeniería hídrica

Abstract

The study for the creation of a water engineering program at the Francisco José de Caldas District University aimed to evaluate its relevance, feasibility, and academic sustainability through market analysis, benchmarking, and a strategic diagnosis. The initiative arose from a central problem: Colombia lacked a specialized undergraduate program in water engineering, despite facing numerous challenges in water management, climate change, basic sanitation, water risk, and land-use planning, all of which highlighted a critical academic gap in the country. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating a literature review, market research, and a comparative analysis of national and international programs. Benchmarking was conducted with leading institutions in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, revealing that most academic offerings were concentrated in postgraduate programs, while specialized undergraduate training was scarce, with only master's degrees and specializations identified. The undergraduate programs found were in water resources, but these were outside the Colombian context, although related to water management. The instruments used demonstrated considerable acceptance among students and the general public, representing a strategic opportunity for the University to bring this approach to the Colombian context.