University Marketing & Communications: Scott Trotter | 801-863-6807 | [email protected]

 

Three new engineering degrees were approved at a meeting of the Utah Valley University Board of Trustees on October 26. University officials anticipate a high demand for these new engineering programs in an effort to meet the critical shortage of engineers in Utah.

The new Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering will join the already existing ABET accredited Computer Engineering degree to form a solid nucleus of engineering opportunities for UVU students.

The new engineering programs are set to begin in fall 2018 pending approval of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

“Today’s announcement marks the result of a major effort to expand engineering programs at UVU. This is a historic moment for the University,” said President Matthew S. Holland. “By design, these engineering degrees respond to arguably the state’s most pressing workforce need. When it comes to the STEM emphasis in higher education today, this institution already does a magnificent job in science, technology and math. Now it’s time to bring engineering into the fold as well.”

The new degrees will serve the nearly 500 UVU students currently enrolled in pre-engineering, as well as future incoming students. The new programs are  designed to meet ABET accreditation requirements and will seek ABET accreditation after they have had their first graduates in 2020. The programs also allow the learning to be more focused and have greater impact in the community, especially as UVU students become engaged through internships and local employment. By adding these degrees, UVU continues to respond to industry needs as an engaged learning institution.

“The faculty, staff, and students at the College of Technology & Computing represent an outstanding community whose work makes significant contributions to the Utah Valley region and beyond,” said Saeed Moaveni, Dean of UVU’s College of Technology and Computing. “We look forward to partnering with our community to build on the College’s distinguished history to address the growing needs of the region in engineering fields. With the current high emphasis on STEM areas, these new engineering programs allow UVU to meet the needs of both students and regional companies.”

The data released October 11 by the Utah System of Higher education indicated that UVU is for the third straight year the largest public university in Utah in total headcount, which was 37,282 for the 2017 fall semester.

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Images from various locations on UVU Campus including the 75th anniversary window covers, Monday, May 16, 2016. (Nathaniel Ray Edwards, UVU Marketing)