Valparaiso – Ivy Tech Community College received approval from the Commission for Higher Education today to offer the Associate of Science in Pre-engineering degree at the Evansville and Valparaiso campuses.

Beginning with fall 2006 classes, the College will offer the A.S. in Pre-engineering. This is the first time that the Ivy Tech Community College System has offered a pre-engineering degree.

Students completing the degree can transfer to a bachelor’s program. Presently, students from the Evansville campus can transfer all of their credits to the University of Southern Indiana’s B.S. in Engineering and an agreement is being developed to transfer credits to the University of Evansville’s B.S. in Engineering program. Valparaiso campus students can transfer all of their credits to Purdue University Calumet toward their B.S. in Engineering with concentrations in Computer, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.

“Offering this degree reflects Ivy Tech’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for professionals in the engineering field,” said Dr. Debbie Halik, Dean of Academic Affairs for Ivy Tech’s Northwest Region.

Chenn Q. Zhou, Ph.D, Professor and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department and Interim Head of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Purdue University Calumet said Purdue Calumet is looking forward to working with Ivy Tech to transfer students to the campus under the articulation agreement. “It is expected that this new program will increase enrollments at both institutions,” she added. “It will create opportunities for more residents of Northwest Indiana, especially non-traditional students, to pursue professional careers in engineering at reduced financial and personal costs."

“We are focused on not only serving the communities needs for professionals, but also our sister institutions in higher education who have excellent engineering programs,” explained Dr. Jim Naas, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Evansville Campus. “For students interested in a career in engineering, this presents a great opportunity to begin at the Community College and continue into a bachelor’s program.”

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s second largest public post-secondary institution with over 73,000 students enrolled this spring. Ivy Tech has 23 campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.