MARIETTA, OHIO — Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) has strengthened academic collaboration and fostered innovation in the field of technology by expanding its longstanding articulation agreement with Ohio University. The new pathway supports students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Washington State students enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing and Integration Technology (AMIT) program can now earn their associate degree then seamlessly transfer to OHIO and complete the remaining classes for a bachelor’s degree in either Engineering Technology and Management or Project Management.
WSCO AMIT Associate Professor Jared Voldness said that the employment outlook for manufacturing has consistently been strong. Advanced manufacturing has been a significant contributor to job growth in various economies. The adoption of automation, robotics and advanced technologies has led to the creation of new jobs.
“The updated articulation agreement between the two institutions adds another level to the AMIT program and will go a long way in supporting the demand for advanced manufacturing, especially here in Mid-Ohio Valley,” Voldness said.
The AMIT program is a two-year associate degree with embedded short-term certificates of completion (Precision Machining and Certified Production Technician) and a one-year certificate (Manufacturing Technician).
“The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition is excited about the Washington State College of Ohio program in Advanced Manufacturing and how it allows students to receive an Ohio University bachelor’s degree in engineering. This is a great example of how collaboration leads to great accomplishments. When we work as a team, great things happen in Appalachia,” said George Bilokonsky of the Appalachian Ohio Manufacturer’s Coalition (AOMC), Workforce Development.
“We are excited to broaden our partnership with Ohio University to include training and preparation for in-demand careers, such as Engineering. Through this partnership and collaboration, we can offer so many opportunities for our region’s students to ‘train here and work here,’ supporting our region with the talent pipeline desperately needed for economic growth and sustainability,” Daniel Leffingwell, Dean of Engineering & Business at WSCO, said.
“We are pleased to expand our collaboration with Washington State College of Ohio to prepare students for high-demand engineering careers. This partnership illustrates our commitment to provide expanded educational opportunities in advanced manufacturing to our region’s students. Together, we can ensure that we can grow and retain talent, contributing to the prosperity of our region and state,” said Patrick Fox, Dean of OHIO’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology.
Since 2013, WSCO and OHIO have partnered to provide degree advancement for students in programs that include: RN to BSN, Criminal Justice, Technical and Applied Studies and Human Service.
