By Katie Moreira
The engineering program at CCSU is one major that is seeing a rise in enrollment lately.
According to a report from the Institutional Research Department, enrollment in the science, engineering and technology programs has increased by 18.9 percent in the last five years. The engineering department has also added three new majors in the five-year time span.
Dr. Alfred Gates, chairperson of the engineering department, believes that the program is becoming popular because of the department’s focus on in-state students.
“To get into UConn is competitive and they attract some many out of state students,” said Gates. “Our job here is to provide for the in-state students.”
The engineering program at CCSU is nationally accredited by the same agency that credits UConn and other colleges.
“The education that our students get is the same as UConn and cheaper,” said Gates.
Gates can see the demand for engineers especially in Connecticut because of the states shortage.
“Connecticut does not have enough engineers and companies have to seek engineers from out of state,” said Gates.
The vast need for engineers in Connecticut prompted the engineering department to create a job placement center for engineering students. The center not only helps students find jobs, but helps companies find students.
“I was getting bombarded with companies asking for students with certain expertise,” said Gates.
When Gates spoke at a mangers meeting for Pratt and Whitney, he was presented with the question of how the company could attract CCSU graduates. Gates believes the reason why New England companies desire CCSU students is because they are not afraid to get dirty.
“When their assigned a task they will complete that task even if they have to do some things that may be considered messy,” said Gates.
Engineering students are not only reaping the rewards of being highly employable but are benefiting financially.
In an article published in CNN Money this April, Blake Ellis reports that a survey done by National Association of Colleges and Employers found that engineering majors ranked four out five for highest earning degrees. These students can receive an average starting salary of $60,000 or more.
The average starting salary from the survey is right on target for engineering graduates of CCSU. The basic starting salary for these students can range from $53,000 to $65,000 dollars, according to Gates.
The financial benefits might entice students to join the major but Gate warns students about the great deal of effort that must be put into succeeding at the program.
“It’s a lot of work to graduate with an engineering degree,” said Gates.
Gates feels that the most challenging part of the program for students is math and science.