Establishing A B.S. Degree Program In Mechanical Engineering In Partnership With Industry: A Case Study

The creation of a new baccalaureate degree program in mechanical engineering at York College of Pennsylvania took place with the guidance and input provided by an industrial partnership of over 20 local and regional industrial organizations. Initial start-up contributions amounting to $400,000, along with approximately $45,000 provided annually by industry, has resulted in the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities as well as partial scholarship support for students in the program. The program had its first class of students enter in fall 1995 and currently consists of approximately 100 students majoring in mechanical engineering. The ABET evaluation visit under EC2000 occurred in September 1999 and resulted in accreditation of the program. Designing a new engineering curriculum—in concert with industrial partners— within the broad context of a private, moderately sized, comprehensive college posed many challenges. This presentation will review these challenges, the process used for establishing a new program in mechanical engineering, and the role industry has played in developing and supporting the program.