BGSU introduces 3 new engineering degrees to meet industry needs and workforce demands

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Committed to supporting regional, state and national workforce needs by preparing graduates for in-demand careers, Bowling Green State University is addressing industry demands by introducing three new academic programs, building upon a tradition of excellence within its existing accredited logistics and systems engineering programs.

The University has strategically aligned three of its program offerings in the School of Engineering to cater to the expanding field of advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. Providing new degree programs that focus on both science and the application of engineering is a unique differentiating factor for the University that employers say is needed in the current and future industry landscape.

The three new degree programs – robotics engineering, electronic and computer engineering, and mechanical and manufacturing engineering – will further ensure BGSU graduates are ready for these growing careers.

“This is an exciting, next chapter in Bowling Green State University’s history in offering engineering programs,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “Through the School of Engineering, we are evolving our established academic programs to meet the future needs of employers who will continue to utilize new, advanced technologies. As a public university for the public good, these new academic programs will even better position our students, region and state for long-term success.”

Instruction in the new programs will begin in Fall 2024 and students who are interested in starting at BGSU for Fall 2024 can apply now.

BGSU faculty members who are implementing these programs are trained engineers with years of academic and industrial experience. With expertise in the workforce and in the labs, these faculty members are committed to teaching students how to apply technology to the science of engineering.

The innovative degree programs aim to equip students with a comprehensive skill set that encompasses both the fundamentals of engineering design and a strong foundation in math and science. Furthermore, students will acquire practical engineering expertise, enhancing their appeal to potential employers. BGSU engineering bridges the gap between conventional engineering and cutting-edge technology, aligning with the qualities sought after by employers when hiring engineers.

Driven by the strong demand and supported by regional industry leaders, BGSU engineering is poised to make a significant economic impact in the state of Ohio and the U.S. heartland of manufacturing.

“We are very excited to now offer these programs, which will help us to produce needed skilled workers in advanced manufacturing for our northwestern Ohio region and beyond,” said Dr. MD Sarder, BGSU School of Engineering director. “It is our duty as a public university to help prepare the next generation of leaders in these critical fields.”

By collaborating with regional industries and incorporating insights from industry professionals through advisory boards, BGSU ensures that its programs remain relevant and effective in preparing students for successful careers in rapidly evolving sectors. The University's commitment to experiential learning, state-of-the-art facilities and co-founding organizations like the Center to Advance Manufacturing underscores its dedication to producing graduates who can thrive in the advanced manufacturing sector and beyond.

Robotics engineering

To meet the rising demand for robotics engineers driven by the surge in advanced manufacturing across northwestern Ohio, the Midwest and the nation, BGSU is introducing a new, comprehensive robotics engineering program, building upon previous success in its accredited mechatronics engineering technology program. This shift is in line with the University's commitment to producing graduates who are well-equipped for in-demand careers.

The new robotics engineering bachelor's program, situated within the recently formed School of Engineering, facilitates hands-on training and classroom instruction to prepare students for sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace and automotive. With a growing need for skilled robotics engineers in Ohio and beyond, the University's program is uniquely positioned to nurture the next generation of leaders in these vital fields.

Electronic and computer engineering

In response to the rapid evolution of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), BGSU also is establishing a new electronic and computer engineering program. Recognizing the escalating demand for electronic and computer engineers to support advanced manufacturing, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, electric vehicles and appliances, the University is transitioning its accredited bachelor's degree program in electronic and computer engineering technology to an enriched electronic and computer engineering degree.

Students in this program will gain hands-on experience and cutting-edge education, preparing them for careers in smart manufacturing and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

Mechanical and manufacturing engineering

Additionally, BGSU is introducing a new and comprehensive bachelor of science in mechanical and manufacturing engineering program, building on the success of its previous accredited mechanical and manufacturing engineering technology program. This shift is driven by the escalating requirement for mechanical and manufacturing engineers across northwestern Ohio, the Midwest and the nation, particularly in areas such as semiconductors, electric vehicles and appliance manufacturing.

The new program, also located within the School of Engineering, offers a diverse curriculum encompassing mechanics, 3D printing, product design, automation and more, equipping graduates with the skills needed for the evolving manufacturing landscape.

The BGSU School of Engineering is home to a state-of-the-art facility with unique in-house systems for collaborative classroom training and hands-on instruction in the area of robotics for advanced manufacturing. The school will have 22 faculty members, with four tenured or tenure track faculty specializing in robotics engineering.

The eFactory, located inside the Stephen and Deborah Harris/Rixan Robotics Laboratory, prepares workforce-ready students to join the advanced manufacturing industry, enabling hybrid education and hands-on competency-based experiential learning. In the eFactory, which is supported by six rounds of Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) funding, students use the 1,558-square-foot open classroom area for testing, construction, implementation and integration.

The School of Engineering also houses the Electronics and Computer Engineering Laboratory, Metrology Laboratory, CAD and CAM Laboratory, as well as the Mechanical and Manufacturing Laboratory, with both housing advanced manufacturing equipment, instruments and software.