New USJ Engineering Science degree responds to Connecticut's workforce needs

West Hartford, CT (02/17/2024) — Responding to the urgent workforce needs of Connecticut's engineering, manufacturing, and technology sectors, the University of Saint Joseph has launched a new degree in Engineering Science.

Classes for the B.A. in Engineering Science, which is within USJ's School of Arts, Sciences, Business, and Education (SASBE), will begin in fall 2024; enrollment has already begun.

"Employers told us that a USJ graduate with math and general engineering knowledge, along with effective communication skills, would be invaluable. And students said they would like a path to the manufacturing sector even if they don't know yet what specialized engineering area they would pursue. This Engineering Science degree fits that niche exactly-it is what employers need and what students are looking for," said USJ President Rhona C. Free.

A 2023 study by Georgetown University Center on "Education and the Workforce" shows notable job growth in Connecticut manufacturing, and projects that more than 40% of future manufacturing jobs and 90% of future jobs in engineering will require at least a bachelor's degree. One of the State of Connecticut's current goals is to increase manufacturing and engineering employment by 4% annually over the next 10 years.

"At USJ, we've always been committed to responding to the evolving needs of our society and economy through innovative educational programs. The Engineering program is a testament to this commitment, and it comes at a crucial time for Connecticut and the region," said Dr. Raouf Boules, dean of SASBE. "We know that 90% of USJ undergraduate students are from Connecticut, and they tend to stay in the state upon graduation. Our new program is poised to meet the workforce demand by providing a comprehensive engineering curriculum that not only imparts technical knowledge but also instills problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability."

"I am thrilled that the University of Saint Joseph is responding to the needs of Connecticut industry and is starting a degree program in Engineering Science," said Paul Lavoie, chief manufacturing officer for the State of Connecticut. "As the manufacturing industry continues to grow in Connecticut, our need for technical and engineering graduates to help our companies innovate is growing and these pathways will help us continue to remain a manufacturing leader in the U.S."

Grounded in the liberal arts

Unlike some traditional bachelor of science degrees in engineering, USJ's B.A. in Engineering Science degree is designed for students who are interested in an engineering career, but who also seek a well-rounded foundation in the liberal arts.

"The USJ Engineering Science program is grounded in the liberal arts and is rooted in the University's strong commitment to producing graduates with a deep sense of ethical and social concerns," said Dr. Boules. "Our curriculum represents a balance of rigorous course work in engineering, mathematics, physics, and computer science complemented by a strong component of liberal arts courses."

Students will engage in hands-on learning through engineering labs and project classes, developing skills that are crucial for success in careers across the engineering, scientific, and technology sectors.

"This is a broad degree in engineering, synthesizing significant coursework from mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. This major will prepare students for direct employment in engineering, including careers in manufacturing engineering, systems engineering, quality engineering, and many others. Some students may cultivate a strong interest in a particular engineering discipline and choose to pursue graduate study in that specialized field," said Dr. Jerry Darling, professor of Physics and Chemistry, and founding director of the Engineering Science program.

To prepare students for specialized fields within engineering, the new degree program will offer three optional tracks: a Graduate School Track for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in engineering; a Business Management Track, combining engineering with innovation and entrepreneurship; and an Ethics Track, combining engineering and moral decision making and contemporary ethical problems.

"Students who seek an understanding of engineering but also have a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship should complete the existing Business Management Undergraduate Certificate. This track could lead to an MBA program-an engineering degree with an MBA is a powerful combination in today's technology driven economy. And in addition to gaining a firm foundation in engineering, science, and mathematics, the Ethics Track is for students concerned with moral decision making and contemporary ethical problems," explained Dr. Darling.

The new program will benefit from USJ's strong ties to major businesses and communities in the Greater Hartford region, providing internship and employment opportunities for its Engineering Science students and graduates.

"We take pride in our strong collaboration with our industry partners, offering students valuable internship experiences that bridge classroom learning with real-world applications," said Dr. Boules. "With our tradition of empowering our students to reach their goals and our proven track record of achieving exceptional student outcomes, our new Engineering Science program is poised to become the preferred choice for many students in Connecticut and the region."

Enrolling now for 2024!