News
Dalton State Adds Engineering Technology Degree
09/10/19
Dalton State’s new engineering technology degree will provide students with both the industrial and mechanical engineering skills needed to fill several industry jobs in Northwest Georgia.
The state Board of Regents approved a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology on Tuesday. The degree will be offered spring semester. It is Dalton State’s 25th bachelor’s degree.
“This program was developed in cooperation with our industry and educational partners with the regional workforce in mind,” said Dr. Randall Griffus, dean of the School of Science, Technology and Mathematics. “The BAS in Engineering Technology will give our students an additional option to earn a high-demand degree and provide local businesses with access to graduates who possess the knowledge and skills to meet their needs.”
Two of the region’s largest employers, Shaw Industries Group and Mohawk Industries, report there are well over 100 job openings a year that require the skills students will gain in the engineering technology program, Griffus said.
This bachelor’s program was developed in conjunction with officials from Shaw and Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
“Engineering skills are extremely important to the success of any manufacturing organization, especially with the pace of change in technology, automation and products occurring within the flooring industry,” said Brian Cooksey, director of workforce development for Shaw. “This program will provide students a combination of mechanical and industrial engineering skills, both of which are extremely important within our company and industry. Additionally, our employees with associate of applied science degrees who desire to continue their education and grow with the company will have the opportunity to do so while remaining with the company.”
The bachelor’s degree is designed so students can transfer seamlessly from a related applied associate of science program at GNTC. Up to 28 credit hours can be applied to the BAS in Engineering Technology, Griffus said.
“This new degree at Dalton State is beneficial for GNTC students because they will be able to transfer credits from our related programs, such as our associate degree in automation engineering,” said Dr. Michael Fennell, dean for Academic Affairs at GNTC. “Our students will not have to start from scratch if they want to pursue a bachelor’s, and the students are much more likely to continue their education if there are great, affordable options in close proximity to their work and family. It is truly a fantastic opportunity for our students.”
“Dalton State is responding again to our local employers to bring this program to our students in Northwest Georgia,” said Dr. Margaret Venable, president of the college. “Providing programs that help supply workforce needs helps ensure our students will remain in this area after they graduate. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology follows a line of recent degrees designed to help the local workforce, including environmental and sustainability studies and logistics and supply chain management.”