January 6, 2006
Purdue brings industrial technology degree to South Bend area
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's College of Technology is announcing plans to expand program offerings at its South Bend campus.
Beginning in fall of 2006, students will be able to earn a bachelor's degree in industrial technology, a field that integrates both technology and management education.
"Given the high concentration of manufacturing companies and related employment opportunities in northern Indiana and southern Michigan, this degree offering will help to fill the area's demand for an educated work force," said Mark A. Curtis, director of the College of Technology in South Bend and a professor of computer graphics technology.
"The placement rates for students at Purdue's West Lafayette and other campuses have been excellent, and graduates have been able to earn very good salaries in even their first jobs after graduation. I expect similar success for our students in the South Bend area."
In addition to a technical core, the bachelor's program contains several technical and general electives. Curtis, who specializes in manufacturing graphics and will oversee the new curriculum, said the program will have the flexibility to accommodate working adults who have taken some college classes or earned an associate's degree. It also has been designed to appeal to younger students just graduating high school.
The industrial technology program will include courses on topics such as quality control, industrial safety, automation, lean manufacturing and supply-chain management, as well as a foundation of other technology and general education classes.
Michael T. O'Hair, associate dean for statewide technology and engagement, said the addition of the program is part of a plan to re-evaluate offerings at College of Technology locations around the state to ensure Purdue is meeting the needs of residents and businesses in each community most effectively.
"Education and economic development go hand in hand," O'Hair said. "Businesses are clamoring for an educated work force and workers are looking for opportunities to expand their education without disrupting their careers and their families. Students graduating from high school are looking for ways to earn college degrees close to home. The College of Technology is working to meet all of those needs."
The college educates approximately 6,000 undergraduate students each year at 11 locations throughout Indiana: West Lafayette, Anderson, Muncie, Columbus, Greensburg, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, New Albany, Richmond and South Bend/Elkhart.
Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu
Sources: Mark A. Curtis, (574) 520-4180, curtis0@purdue.edu
Michael T. O'Hair, (765) 494-2554, mtohair@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Related Web sites:
College of Technology at South Bend/Elkhart
Department of Industrial Technology
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