Otterbein University Announces Engineering Major Beginning Fall 2015

WESTERVILLE, Ohio, Feb. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Otterbein University will offer a new major in systems engineering beginning in fall 2015. Students will have the option to enroll in Otterbein's four-year program, or in a pathway program being developed in partnership with Columbus State Community College (CSCC).

Ohio will need to fill 274,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) jobs by 2018, and 34,000 of those jobs will be for people with degrees in Engineering, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2011).

Systems engineering offers a broader-based training than more traditional engineering degrees Otterbein's program will be unique for its innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum; level of personal attention to students; and commitment to the liberal arts.

According to the National Academy of Engineering's report, The Engineer of 2020, tomorrow's engineers "will need to be multidisciplinary; and social, cultural, political, and economic forces will impact technological innovation."

"Integrative, multidisciplinary learning is Otterbein's strength, and our curriculum combines the principles of mechanical, industrial and electrical engineering with our nationally-recognized Integrative Studies program. Otterbein engineers will be technically competent, have broad training and perspective, and will be well-positioned to solve problems in a wide range of contexts," said Aaron Reinhard, assistant professor of physics and interim director of the systems engineering program.

"Otterbein continues to develop and launch innovative programs, like our zoo and conservation science program and now our new systems engineering program, that respond to students' needs and interests, as well as to significant career opportunities upon graduation," said Otterbein President Kathy Krendl.

"The Otterbein curriculum is geared to what most Worthington Industries facilities are looking for; a multidisciplinary engineer that can handle a wide range of plant engineering tasks," said David Painter, operations manager at Worthington Steel.

"Modern engineers must consider not only design challenges, but also environmental, economic, and ethical challenges as well.  We expect our engineers will be leaders and will be well-positioned to solve such many-faceted problems," Reinhard added.

For more information, visit www.otterbein.edu/engineering.

OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY is a private, co-educational, comprehensive liberal arts institution founded in 1847 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Otterbein enrolls approximately 3,000 students, including full and part-time undergraduates, adult learners, and students enrolled in The Graduate School.

SOURCE Otterbein University