“I am so grateful to the faculty and staff at Wittenberg University and Indiana Tech for collaborating on our affiliated academic program,” said Chancellor Brian Younts. “Without a doubt, collaborations like this are the future of higher education, and I am proud that our university is at the forefront of this effort.”
The new five-year program, run by Wittenberg University’s physics department, will combine the university’s critical thinking, immersive research and problem-solving skills with Indiana’s extensive range of high-tech learning options, officials said.
“Our partnership with Wittenberg University gives students a unique opportunity to earn an impactful degree not from one university, but from two high-quality institutions with long histories of preparing students for career and life success,” said Steve Herendeen, Indiana Tech vice president for enrollment management. “Through this innovative dual-degree program, students will earn both degrees in five years, and the experiences and skills they gain while earning their degrees will put them in an extremely advantageous position to succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s economy.”
Herendeen said today’s tech-oriented employers are seeking graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related fields.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2023 and 2033, the number of engineering jobs is expected to grow by 3% to 12%, depending on the path you take, with the average wage being around $97,000.
The program liaison at Wittenberg University will be physics professor Elizabeth George, 2014 Ohio State Professor of the Year and director of the university’s pre-engineering program. The physics department will provide on-campus support for students pursuing this dual degree. Jeri Burkhart, director of admissions at Indiana Tech, will be the primary liaison and contact person at the university.
Indiana Tech’s bachelor’s of engineering degree offers students the opportunity to create their own course of engineering study by selecting 18 credit hours of courses from several programs, including computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial and manufacturing engineering.
Wittenberg’s bachelor’s degree in physics will continue in-person, and some of Indiana Tech’s online courses will count toward the 126 elective credits needed to graduate.
Undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 may apply to Indiana Tech’s online BS Engineering dual degree program. During their time at the university, students will complete Wittenberg courses to fulfill the requirements for the Physics BA and additional online courses to fulfill the requirements of the Indiana Tech degree program. To earn the Engineering BS, students must meet the graduation requirements approved by Indiana Tech at the time of their enrollment at the university.
To learn more about Wittenberg’s pathways, visit www.wittenberg.edu/academics/engineering-pathway , and to learn more about Indiana Tech’s programs, visit https://academics.indianatech.edu/programs/general-engineering/ .
