Site-Based Engineering Degree Programs Designed to Meet the Regional Engineering Needs in the United States Linda D. Krute, Director Distance Education Programs, College of Engineering NC State University Nelson Baker, Dean Professional Education Georgia Institute of Technology GEORGIA TEC H

NC State Georgia Tech

Workforce Development Issues Small or medium-size engineering firms who cannot attract and/or retain young engineers in their communities. Socialization issues Housing issues Away from family/friends support groups Inability to attract new businesses to smaller areas because of the lack of trained engineers. Opportunities for individuals with families to work and go to school in their home areas. GEORGIA TECH

Possible Solutions by Two Universities Georgia Institute of Technology Create an upper division campus in Georgia’s southeast region in 1998 in Savannah. Partner with other colleges to offer 2+2 programs at those sites. Develop 4 engineering degrees-- civil, computer, electrical and mechanical. Local faculty and administrators on Savannah campus. North Carolina State University Host institution model with three specific sites for 2+2 programs with engineering courses delivered to sites. NC State developed unique degree programs based upon surveys and special requests from alumni – not on campus programs NC State staff located at each site to administer the program and teach local classes. GEORGIA TECH

Georgia Institute of Technology GEORGIA TECH Savannah Campus Est. 1998

NC State Engineering Across NC NC State University Campus 2+2 & BSE Program – UNC-Asheville Mechatronics ca & BSE Program Craven Community College UNCW

Continuous Evaluation Needed Georgia Tech 2010 Made Curricular Changes Based on Low Enrollments to better reflect current needs of industry and military – Advanced Manufacturing – Logistics – Management & Leadership – Robotics – Software Engr. NC State University Joint mechatronics degree program with UNC Asheville Havelock program was heavily influenced by changing needs of the civilian workforce for the military– From MAE to MES One 2+2 program was closed. ABET accreditation separate from main campus GEORGIA TECH

NC State Experiences Graduates of the Asheville Program – Graduates employed in the area; many in an online graduate program Graduates of the Havelock Program – US Navy Naval Air Command Systems Command (NAVAIR) created special job for engineering students and hired the first four graduates – 2+2 students who complete BS in Raleigh have returned to work in eastern part of the state GEORGIA TEC H

Measurement of Success GEORGIA TEC H

Summary Partnerships with government, industry, military organizations and other educational institutions are critical to success of off campus programs. Continued evaluation of programs offered is crucial for enrollments and value to economic development of region. Off campus programs need extra resources to be successful – main campuses must be willing to make investment in these off-site programs. Success should also be measured by the number of graduates who remain or return to their communities and the contributions they make to the engineering profession and to the economic development of the regions in which they reside. GEORGIA TEC H