To meet increasing student interest, Wittenberg is launching a new engineering pathway thanks to a dual-degree partnership with Indiana Institute of Technology (Indiana Tech), located in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The new pathway will allow students to receive a B.A. in physics from Wittenberg and a B.S. in engineering from Indiana Tech.
Administered through Wittenberg’s Department of Physics, the new five-year program gives Wittenberg students a competitive advantage as it combines the critical thinking, immersive research, and problem-solving skills that define the University’s liberal arts education with the expansive, high-tech learning options of Indiana Tech, a larger, STEM-focused institution.
“I’m very grateful for the faculty and administration of Wittenberg and Indiana Tech collaborating on a partnered academic program,” said Wittenberg Provost Brian Yontz, Ph.D. “Without a doubt, these types of collaborations are the future of higher education, and I’m proud that our institutions are on the forefront of this work.”
"Our partnership with Wittenberg University offers students a unique opportunity to earn impactful degrees from not one, but two high-quality universities with long histories of preparing students to succeed in their careers and in life," added Indiana Tech’s Vice President for Enrollment Management Steve Herendeen, Ph.D. "More and more, today's tech-driven employers are seeking graduates from science, technology, engineering and math-related fields. Through this innovative dual degree program, students will earn both a bachelor's degree in physics from Wittenberg and a bachelor's in engineering from Indiana Tech in five years. The experience and skills they develop while earning their degrees will position them extremely well for success in the economy of today and tomorrow."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2023-2033 the number of engineering jobs is expected to grow from 3% to 12% depending on track pursued with the median wage coming in around $97,000, making this program addition even more essential in today’s ever-evolving marketplace.
Serving as the program liaison at Wittenberg will be Professor of Physics Elizabeth George, 2014 Ohio Professor of the Year and director of the University’s pre-engineering program. The department of physics, a foundational science program within Wittenberg’s academic portfolio, will provide on-campus support for students seeking this dual degree, and Indiana Tech Director of Admissions Jeri Burkhart will be the primary contact/liaison at the Fort Wayne institution.
An interdisciplinary and integrated degree with broadly focused concentrations designed to expose students to various engineering disciplines, Indiana Tech’s B.S. in engineering offers students the opportunity to create their own track of engineering study by choosing 18 credits hours of courses from the following degree programs: computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial and manufacturing engineering, as per the program’s website.
However, in allowing Wittenberg students to complete the program over five years on the University’s Springfield, Ohio campus, the new dual-degree program upholds Wittenberg’s commitment to residential living and learning, while expanding opportunities for success.
