Shippensburg University has been approved by the Board of Governors to introduce two new academic programs in upcoming semesters.
SU received approval from the BOG July 13 to implement a sustainability program at the university, according to an SU news release. The program, offered through the College of Arts and Sciences’ geography/earth science department, will provide students with the background needed to move forward with a career in sustainability, resource conservation and management.
“Sustainability has emerged as the cornerstone in the implementation and understanding of land use and economic development policies at local, state and federal levels,” said William Blewett, professor and chair of the department of geography/earth science department.
Also approved during the meeting was the initiation of a fourth engineering program at SU. Currently, SU offers ABET-accredited computer and software engineering, as well as a nationally accredited electrical engineering program.
The new program, which will specialize in mechanical engineering, is the first of its kind within any of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities, according to Acting Provost Tracy Schoolcraft.
“Mechanical engineers are critical to designing, managing, building and maintaining a diverse range of devices and systems, and are vital to our modern technological society,” said Thomas Briggs, associate professor of computer science and engineering. “Our graduates will be well prepared to enter the workforce and engage across a wide range of engineering professions.”
SU’s sustainability program will begin admitting students this fall, and the mechanical engineering program will launch in the fall of 2018.
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