BS

By definition a technical discipline is one that uses technology in a specific or precise way, One that follows certain patterns of behavior to produce an outcome.

It can be agreed upon by engineering firms that math, science, engineering, and computer science degrees are technical degrees. The perceived bias is that those with BS degrees in another field are not technical degrees.

Certainly I would agree that Bachelor of Arts degrees are not in the technical family. However a Bachelor of Science with emphasis on socio behaviors such and Psychology or Sociology is a different matter. These are the sciences of human behavior that focuses on the development and organization, interactions and environment of the complex socio system.

Systems Engineering definition--An interdisciplinary field that focuses on the development and organization of complex artificial systems. (Wikipedia)

BS Psychology definition--An interdisciplinary field that focuses on the development and organization of complex human systems and their environment. The social science field offers a broader scope to the definition of the word system.

If you examine the core classes required to obtain a BS you will find they are identical to the core classes for all engineering, math, and pure science degrees.

That is because Technical disciplines have BS degrees. A BS in Psychology still has calculus classes, pure science classes with labs, Statistical Analysis, Applied Research projects and life cycle application studies. Sounds like some engineering courses to me.

Engineering companies that take on System Engineering projects are responsible to ensure that customer and stakeholder needs are satisfied. This needs to be done in cost effective yet high quality manner.

The current system model includes seven task: (Wikapedia)
1. State the problem
2. Investigate alternatives
3. Model the System
4. Integrate
5. Launch
6. Assess performance
7. Re-evaluate (which then leads to a repeat of steps 1-7 an infinite number of times until you get it right)

This model is not fiscally responsible nor does it produce quality within schedules. This model produces over-run accounting and schedule delays. Both of which are current common practices.

If we could have a paradigm shift and realize a BS in social sciences is a technical discipline then these could be added to the current interdisciplinary fields. Their contribution would be Human factors (variables), environmental factors (variables) and sensitivity issues.

Currently mechanical systems are commonly designed by engineers and mathematicians. Computer systems and their displays designed by computer science, and electrical Engineers.
Science Payloads consist of Engineers and pure science degreed designers. Engineers are taught to follow the above model with lessons learned at the end. That is why there is more than an 80% failure rate due to sensativities. (NASA Lessons Learned Training Course)

Can you see what is missing? There isn’t an interdisciplinary approach to design when you leave out a key players. If engineering firms would take the lead of the U.S. Air Force then all their projects would have some sort of Social science degreed person working to address the interaction and sensitivity issues that bring about most of the failures. “Shrink Engineering”

Wake up Engineers. I love you, but there is something you’re missing. Go after it. Ask for such a team member (and respect that they have four years of college just like you and a few insightss you might be missing.) Work on one project like this and the difference will be measurable. In time, cost, and quality