SHELBY — Local engineering students may soon have the opportunity to earn a four-year degree at North Central State College (NCSC).
NC State has been chosen as one of six community colleges approved to continue developing a bachelor’s degree program as part of its mission to meet the needs of businesses and industries in the community.
The college will develop a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology based on the need of numerous employers in the area. The degree will also function as a continuation of study for NCSC students in current associate degree programs, and will be offered at the Kehoe Center in Shelby.
“We have a strong history of offering engineering tech here at the college,” said Greg Timberlake, dean of Business, Industry and Technology at NCSC. “We have a lot of students in engineering tech, so have a strong base.”
Timberlake explained the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology would provide a pathway for high school students currently enrolled in the College Now Engineering program. The 14-year program graduates 20-25 students per year with the majority moving directly to a bachelor’s degree program.
“The pairing of these programs will provide these students the opportunity to receive an engineering bachelor’s degree within two years of high school graduation,” Timberlake said.
NCSC has completed the first stage of the bachelor’s degree program, which is the acceptance of the proposal by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The next step is receiving community feedback on the introduction of the program to the area.
According to Dan Wagner, assistant dean of Business, Industry and Technology, the community has thus far welcomed the program with open arms.
“There’s been very strong support from a number of our area employers, not only because of future need they’re going to have but also to help up-skill some of the engineers they already have,” Wagner said.
Many area employers in engineering and manufacturing also participate in NCSC’s advisory board for the engineering program, and would be heavily involved in developing classes for a four-year degree. Wagner said the earliest the Mechanical Engineering Technology degree could be offered is fall 2019.
“It makes logical sense, and it would be a great fit for the area,” he said.
Another benefit to the degree would be keeping students in the Richland County area. Currently, students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the engineering field have to travel 70 miles or more to participate in an applied program with hands-on activities, or they must participate in fully online programs that are not practical due to the lack of lab activities.
According to Timberlake, adding a four-year degree at the Kehoe Center would create a ripple effect in the local economy.
“It helps employers find talented workers, and it provides a pathway for upward mobility,” Timberlake said. “People who are already employed with local manufacturers could come back to school and earn another degree and make a higher wage for their families.
“Regardless of how you look at it, this kind of degree will make the area more attractive for people to complete their education and perhaps stay and work.”
