The Michigan State University College of Engineering officially introduced its new Technology Engineering, or TechE, undergraduate degree program to media, industry partners and the campus community at an April 17 event held in the MSU STEM Teaching and Learning Facility.
Technology Engineering, the college’s newest bachelor of science degree program, was developed from the ground up with extensive input from industry. It blends mechanical, electrical and computer engineering with computer science to prepare students for modern engineering challenges in a multidisciplinary, interconnected world.
“It’s always exciting to showcase how academia and industry can collaborate to prepare students for the complex challenges of our time,” said John Papapolymerou, interim dean of the College of Engineering. “We pride ourselves on being a trusted talent pipeline for industry in Michigan and beyond, and this new program is a testament to our commitment.”
Students choose from concentrations in mechatronics and embedded cybersecurity or a smart agricultural systems minor.
Courses in hardware cybersecurity, electronics and embedded systems, sensors and signal processing, robotics, and automation and controls are taught in state-of-the-art teaching labs and designed to leverage hands-on, real-world projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies with a strong foundational engineering mindset.
“The challenges faced by today’s engineers are becoming increasingly complex,” said Janet Brelin-Fornari, director of Technology Engineering. “Today, technology embeds itself into every aspect of modern life, and we must prepare engineers to navigate and solve the multifaceted issues of such an interconnected world.”
The TechE degree program was launched in the fall of 2024 and offers a unique blend of engineering and computer science, tailored to address the engineering challenges of coding and computer science integrated into modern engineered systems.
It serves as the college’s latest response to industry demand for practice-ready engineers and aims to bridge the gap between engineers and computer scientists across product development teams.
“TechE fills a significant and growing void in the market,” said David Sanders, general manager and managing director for Microsoft’s global business with General Motors. Sanders is a member of the college’s multidisciplinary Technology Engineering industry advisory board tasked with providing ongoing insight into the needs of industry. “I am confident the TechE curriculum will provide employers with the critical engineering skills and capabilities that they desperately need.”
The TechE degree program’s first graduating class is expected in 2026. Graduates will be well prepared for opportunities spanning diverse sectors of the economy. The skills cultivated in the program prepare them for industries encompassing biomedical technology, automotive manufacturing, agricultural innovation, cybersecurity, autonomous mobility, aerospace engineering, computer device development and more.
The launch event featured comments from university and college leaders and members of the Technology Engineering industry advisory board.
To learn more, visit Technology Engineering.
This story was originally featured by MSU Today.
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