QU’s electrical engineering, mechanical engineering degree programs to start in fall 2024

QUINCY — Quincy University is starting electrical engineering and mechanical engineering major degree programs in the fall 2024 semester.

The programs will prepare students to become engineers in such fields as automation, autonomous systems, computer assisted design, electronics testing and manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

In a press release, QU president Brian McGee said, “As student interests evolve and as employer needs change, especially in our region, Quincy University will continue to grow and lead. Our Success by Design program, with its emphasis on individual student achievement, is a perfect match for student success in engineering at a small and innovative university. I look forward to welcoming our first engineering students to campus.”

Electrical engineering and mechanical engineering are two of the traditional and most popular engineering disciplines. The electrical engineering program at Quincy University will prepare students to design, develop, test and supervise the manufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment. The mechanical engineering program will prepare students to design, develop, build and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines and machines.

“The economic future of the Tri-State region will require a continuing supply of exceptional engineers and computer scientists to meet the increasingly complex needs of regional manufacturers and other important employers,” said Joe Tracy, CEO of Dot Family Holdings and a member of the Quincy University Board of Trustees. “We need every school, college and university to do its part to solve this workforce challenge.

“Quincy University already has thriving computer science and cybersecurity programs. Now QU is adding new academic programs in engineering. I am pleased by this important commitment by QU to the region. All employers in the region should support any educational institution that is working proactively to meet workforce needs. For the students in these programs, Dot Foods looks forward to hiring many of you and putting your talents to work to our country’s food supply chain.”

High school guidance counselors, along with many regional high school sophomores and juniors, will soon receive messages about QU’s new engineering programs.

“According to what we learned from regional industries, mechanical and electrical engineers are needed the most in this region,” said Teresa Reed, QU vice president for academic affairs. “Our engineering graduates will know how to apply the latest techniques in mechatronics and robotics, to meet increasing expectations for automation.”

The engineering programs focus on innovation and improvement in student outcomes required by ABET, the specialized accreditor for many programs in engineering, computing and the sciences. Both degrees in the engineering program will require courses in physics, mathematics and other subjects already taught at QU, along with newly developed engineering courses.

QU will work to develop pre-engineering relationships with regional high schools and to create summer camp opportunities for engineering students. Establishing the engineering degree programs will give QU the ability to offer continuing education units for engineers in the region.

Development of the new engineering programs at Quincy University is possible in part thanks to philanthropic support that allows QU to meet automation and other vital engineering needs of regional industries.

Students interested in the new engineering majors are invited to complete some of the prerequisite courses at QU. For more information, contact the admissions office at admissions@quincy.edu.