February 05, 2001

Facts About WKU Engineering Degrees

What degrees will be awarded?
Bachelor's degrees in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering.

How will the joint program work?
Western and the University of Kentucky will award joint degrees in civil engineering and mechanical engineering. Western and the University of Louisville will award joint degree in electrical engineering.

When will the program start?
Classes begin in the fall 2001 semester.

How many students will be involved?
About 100 students are expected by the fall semester with enrollment projected to eventually reach 150 per discipline.

What about students already enrolled at Western?
Students can make the transition to a bachelor's degree in engineering or complete their engineering technology degrees.

What's next?
The department is hiring three new faculty members (one each in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering) and is making the necessary course and curricular adjustments.

What is department's mission?
The WKU Department of Engineering's mission is to produce graduates who are competent engineering practitioners with a foundation of basic science, math and engineering knowledge combined with practical experience.

What is project-based learning?
The project-based learning environment is an integral part of the WKU engineering philosophy. Students work with practicing engineers (their professors) on projects to meet the needs of regional industries.

Why is this degree change important?
The Strategy for Statewide Engineering in Kentucky addresses two primary areas: the need for more baccalaureate engineers and the need for greater access to engineering education programs. By expanding the engineering degrees to Western and other comprehensive universities and lifting restrictions on professional certification, Kentucky will reduce its shortage of engineering practitioners, keep more engineering students in the state and will improve its economic development opportunities.

How many students leave Kentucky for engineering programs?
According to figures compiled by WKU's Office of Institutional Research, 489 Kentucky residents were enrolled in engineering programs in neighboring states in spring 2000. The figures: Illinois, 69; Indiana, 125; Missouri, 21; Ohio, 165; Tennessee, 89; Virginia, 20; West Virginia, 0.

Key contacts (area code 270)
WKU Provost Barbara Burch, 745-2297
Dr. Martin Houston, dean of Ogden College of Science, Technology and Health, 745-4448
Dr. John Russell, Engineering Department head, 745-2461
Other departmental information is available at www.wku.edu/engineering/