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May 12, 2016 - King’s College will offer bachelor’s of science degree programs in civil and mechanical engineering beginning with the 2017-18 academic year.  The proposal was approved by the College’s Board of Directors at its May meeting.

King’s will be the only college or university in the Wyoming Valley to offer a bachelor’s of science degree in civil engineering.

The two programs, which will be traditional four-year programs, will be in addition to the cooperative 3-2 dual degree program in engineering that King’s established with the University of Notre Dame in 2013. 

“In order for colleges and universities to remain successful in the current demographic climate, they must react to market trends and student expectations while still maintaining their core mission,” said Father John Ryan, C.S.C., King’s president.  Given the early success of the 3-2 cooperative Notre Dame program, King’s felt that adding two engineering programs was a terrific fit.”

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% increase in civil engineering job growth and a 9% increase in mechanical engineering job growth through 2020.  According to The College Board, mechanical engineering is experiencing an 18% growth rate and civil engineering a 6% growth rate among students in geographic regions from which King’s recruits the majority of its students.

The new engineering programs will draw on the strengths of the same STEM-based courses that have proven successful in preparing students for King’s 3-2 engineering degree program with the University of Notre Dame. “The 3-2 program has attracted excellent students in its three years of existence, including three valedictorians and four students with math SAT test scores in excess of 700,” said Paul Lamore, associate professor of management and director of the engineering program. “We expect the new engineering programs to attract candidates of the same caliber, allowing us to prepare even more students for successful careers in engineering right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”