UC Engineers Get Edge with Accelerated BS-MS

A new degree program offered by the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering will put undergrads on a fast track to a master's degree and provide an advantage in future job markets.

By combining graduate and undergraduate coursework with co-op assignments and an optional internship, students can earn a BS in mechanical engineering and a MS in nuclear engineering in five calendar years.  The combined degree program (MNE) is the second offered as part of the college's Accelerated Engineering Degree (ACCEND) programs.

In addition to offering five-year dual degrees the MNE-ACCEND program has many advantages for students: faster entry into the job market, valuable on-the-job professional experience, numerous scholarship opportunities and entry into a rapidly expanding field. Interested undergrads will apply to the program during their freshman year as mechanical engineering students. Ivan Maldonado, associate director of the program,  said, "We've had about 30 students interested so far and we plan to admit about 10 the first year."

According to Maldonado, there is a high demand for qualified nuclear engineers and the demand is projected to continue through 2040. Maldonado said MNE-ACCEND graduates will be qualified to work for power utilities, national laboratories, and a multitude of industries where nuclear and mechanical engineering are combined. "Five years from now these students will have many, many job offers."

Information: http://www.eng.uc.edu/prospectivestudents/accend/mne/