Posted on January 25, 2017
CCU Launches First Industrial Engineering Degree Program in Denver Metro Area
Colorado Christian University (CCU) announced today it has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. The program will start in the fall 2017 semester and will be available to traditional undergraduate students in CCU's College of Undergraduate Studies.
CCU's new program will be the first industrial engineering program in the Denver metro area, and the only engineering program in the neighboring 11 state Rocky Mountain region offered by a Christian university. This distinction was made by Ruffalo Noel Levitz, a consulting firm to institutions of higher education.
"We are honored that the Higher Learning Commission has granted us the ability, without exception, to offer this program to our students," said Dr. Cherri Parks, vice president for Academic Affairs at CCU. "There is high demand for engineering jobs in Colorado, and we are excited to equip our students to meet that growing need."
The new program was developed in response to the increasing demand for engineers, not only in Colorado, but throughout the United States and in international ventures. Data published in 2015 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that 23 of the top 200 highest-paying jobs in Colorado are in engineering.
Currently, nearly 10,000 engineering students are enrolled in other Colorado colleges and universities that offer engineering programs.
Colorado Christian University's industrial engineering program is designed with a rigorous core curriculum. Students will be exposed to real-world engineering projects, will complete 121 credits in eight semesters, and can graduate in four years.
Details regarding the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering degree including admission information will be available starting in mid-February.
"Current CCU students can start with pre-engineering courses before applying for the industrial engineering program. In the future, we hope to expand the program into other engineering disciplines including mechanical and civil engineering," said Dr. Mark Parker, chair of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department at CCU.
Dr. Parker added, "Enrollment in CCU's Biology, Health Sciences, and Pre-Medical majors has tripled over the last five years. This unprecedented growth resulted in the construction of two new labs, with a third, dedicated engineering lab on the horizon. CCU will also be hiring new faculty members to accommodate the growing number of current and prospective students who are interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs."
The proposal to offer the Industrial Engineering baccalaureate program was unanimously adopted by CCU's board of trustees, and was accepted and approved by the Higher Learning Commission on January 19, 2017.