At just 19 years old, Caleb DeVore is on track to earn his bachelor of applied science in mechanical engineering technology (BASMET) degree from North Central State College, completely debt-free.
DeVore’s path began in his junior year of high school, when he enrolled in the CollegeNow program at NC State, which allowed him to begin college-level engineering coursework and earn his associate degree at the same time as his high school diploma.
He then seamlessly continued into the BASMET program for his bachelor’s degree.
“Ever since I was very young, I knew I wanted to graduate high school early and get a head start on earning my college degree. When I heard about this opportunity, I thought, ‘This is perfect, this is exactly what I want. I want to be an engineer,’” DeVore said.
One of the most intriguing factors of the program is that most students will graduate debt-free with industry employment already lined up.
Learning by doing
The BASMET program at North Central State College is a program focusing on hands-on, project-based learning to prepare students for careers in mechanical engineering technology.
It combines mechanical, electrical, and computer science and includes cooperative work experience. The program also recently received accreditation from the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The hands-on philosophy is essential, according to the program’s instructor and NC State alumnus Mike Beebe. He treats projects just like the work world does. Students work in teams, assign a project manager, develop a schedule, track their progress and make sure their projects are completed on time.
“My philosophy is to apply the theory you’ve been taught. [Students] take what they learn in the classroom and go out and apply it in a project. They learn not just the technology, but teamwork and communication.”
“The fundamentals of engineering like decision-making, troubleshooting, thinking through processes… fit almost any career. A lot of doctors I know started with engineering degrees. It’s a great starting point because it builds confidence in how to make decisions,” Beebe said.
Because the CollegeNow and BASMET programs are project-based, students devote most of the semester to developing their engineering projects. They begin in the CollegeNow program working on remote control cars as well as mousetrap cars, which is a STEM-based project designing and building a small vehicle powered by the stored energy from mousetrap springs.
Over the years, students have built electric cars and raced them at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, as well as opportunities to work with major industrial companies across the country, including designing cutting-edge 3D printed vehicles that undergo crash testing at the Honda Marysville facility.
“Competition makes you learn anything you want. When you’ve got to beat the other guy, you dig in and learn everything you can. It motivates you to get better,” Beebe said.
The students’ vehicles showcase safety features including custom belt systems and collapsible steering columns. DeVore’s team even got to test new technology in relation to sodium-ion batteries for a company in Texas.
“We welded, painted, figured out parts and placements. It was a real hands-on experience,” DeVore said.
Demand for engineering is growing
Graduates of the BASMET program enter a robust job market, which allows them to use their degree in a broad range of industrial settings. The college’s program page estimates that graduates can expect earning potential in the range of $54,000–$80,000 in early career roles.
Because the BASMET program accepts credits from an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and offers direct placement into junior-year coursework, the pathway is accelerated.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to start out with credentials and an understanding of what engineering is about. Even if you don’t ultimately go into engineering, it gives you fundamentals of problem-solving and the science behind it. Those skills are always in demand,” Beebe said.
In north-central Ohio, the demand for engineering and manufacturing talent is rising.
With the BASMET pathway, NC State is building the next generation of skilled professionals earlier, faster and more affordably. Students aren’t only earning degrees. They’re entering careers with confidence and capability.
“I’m going to be 19 years old, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology, completely paid for—not a cent from me. That’s just amazing,” DeVore said.
Interested in learning more about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology or the CollegeNow programs? Start building your future in engineering today at ncstatecollege.edu/basmet or ncstatecollege.edu/ccp-welcome/.
