Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) will add chemical and industrial engineering bachelor’s degrees to its extensive list of STEM offerings.
Scheduled for launch in fall 2024, CUW’s engineering programs are distinct in the marketplace because they are anchored in the liberal arts and designed to prepare engineers through a Lutheran-Christian worldview. As students hone their science, math, and technology skills for success in their vocation, they also will deepen their people and critical-thinking abilities to solve problems and contribute to a better world.
The foundation for the new programs already exists at CUW due to the university’s strength in chemistry, math, physics, and pharmacy.
“Engineering has been on our radar for several years,” said Interim Provost Leah Dvorak, PhD. “In addition to our exceptional faculty in the STEM areas and the abundance of updated labs and available workspace on Concordia’s Mequon campus, a significant portion of the engineering curriculum is existing coursework, so our entry into this high-growth field is already rooted in expertise and experience.”
The creation of these programs responds to a dire need for more engineers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 2,000 openings for chemical engineers annually. Wisconsin has the third-highest concentration of industrial engineer jobs in the U.S., with an especially high need in counties within driving distance of CUW’s Mequon campus.
“The jobs of the future are in STEM, particularly engineering,” said Sarah Holtan, PhD, architect of the engineering programs. “We see engineering as an investment not only in our university but also in the broader community.”
Applications are now being accepted for a pre-engineering track. Because the programs are rooted in the liberal arts, students already can be working toward their degree in engineering before it is officially launched, without added time or expense. Interested students should apply at cuw.edu/apply to get started.