On July 13, Shippensburg University received approval from the Board of Governors of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education for a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
The new program, offered through College of Arts and Science’s Computer Science and Engineering Department, will be Ship’s fourth engineering program. The department currently offers ABET-accredited computer engineering and software engineering, as well as an electrical engineering program that is designed to meet national academic standards.
“We are excited to offer the first mechanical engineering degree within the State System. With the addition of this program, we continue to meet our goal of developing new academic programs that support the 21st century technology needs in our region,” said Dr. Tracy Schoolcraft, acting provost and vice president for academic affairs.
The need for mechanical engineers in Pennsylvania is expected to grow by 8.9 percent through 2022. Ship’s program is tailored to meet these needs, with an emphasis on computer-based modeling, simulation and design, manufacturing processes and rapid prototyping, while maintaining the traditional engineering focus.
“Mechanical engineers are critical to designing, managing, building, and maintaining a diverse range of devices and systems and are vital to our modern technological society,” said Dr. Thomas Briggs, associate professor of computer science and engineering. “Our graduates will be well prepared to enter the workforce and engage across a wide range of engineering professions.”
The new program will admit first-year students in fall 2018.
