New Engineering Programs at Carroll Address Engineer Shortage

Carroll’s bachelor’s in engineering at The Sullivan School of Business, Engineering and Technology recently expanded with the addition of two new innovative engineering programs. Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering join the Drone Engineering program to round out the offering, where, from start-to-finish, students are working on real-world projects.

“The Sullivan School of Business, Engineering and Technology was designed to provide a unique, one-of-a-kind educational experience for our students. The combination and interspersing of subject matter across the three disciplines, coupled with our traditional liberal arts, provides our graduates with a unique, well diversified skill set that will differentiate them in their chosen career,” noted Tim Sullivan ‘75, Dean of The Sullivan School of Business, Engineering and Technology.

As the U.S. is facing a severe shortage of engineers—Carroll's engineering programs will address the significant engineering needs of regional and national markets necessary to solve critical challenges in our world. An aging workforce and a skills gap due to the rapid technological changes bring a critical need for engineers throughout the country.

With an Industrial or Mechanical Engineering major at Carroll, students are learning to design, improve, install and operate integrated data systems, equipment and materials to improve the efficiency of products and services. Students draw upon technical skills in math, sciences, business and engineering as well as project leadership, complex problem-solving and communication skills. Carroll’s unique curriculum combines specialized technical skills with liberal arts concepts, producing engineers who can analyze systems in both the concrete and abstract, contributing to a future-proof career.
 

What does an Industrial Engineer do vs. a Mechanical Engineer?

The key differences between industrial and mechanical engineers are in how they apply concepts—industrial engineers focus on making systems and processes more efficient, while mechanical engineers design and build the machines and mechanical systems. Your car engine was likely designed with the help of a mechanical engineer, while the system designed to run the engine more efficiently was created by an industrial engineer. Both are key components of your vehicle and work together to save time, reduce costs, improve productivity and improve your car’s system.

As true Pioneers, Carroll University is the first in the country to offer a major in Drone Engineering. Students are joining a STEM-designated program that has 100% pass rate on the FAA part 107 test. Students also learn how to plan and execute mapping missions, design and build payload sensing technology platforms, and learn to read, write and apply coding like Python and C++—critical skills in the field of design technology. Whether it’s by land, air or water, a career in drone engineering has infinite possibilities—the potential is more than just flying a drone.
Like the rest of the U.S., “the Midwest, especially Wisconsin, is facing a critical need for engineers. Carroll is stepping up to meet that challenge,” noted Greg Kuhlemeyer, Ph.D. Professor and Chair for the School of Business, Engineering and Technology. 

Dr. Kuhlemeyer continued, “Our Mechanical and Industrial Engineering programs are distinctive because they blend rigorous technical training with a strong focus on collaboration, data-driven design and forward-thinking mindsets. When you add our Drone Engineering major into the mix, the first of its kind in the U.S., you see Carroll’s commitment to preparing engineers who will not only meet workforce demand but are also driving innovation to meet the needs of our regional manufacturing and technology-focused firms in the area.”

When Carroll University engineering students graduate with a degree in engineering, they’ll be well equipped to step into in-demand careers such as law enforcement, environmental science, bioengineering, forensics, surveyors, storytelling, the arts and many more.

“We are constantly assessing and refreshing our course content to ensure that it fully aligns with the ever-changing job market,” Sullivan stressed. “Our internship program also fully prepares our students for the very best job opportunities that exist today.”

Learn more about The Sullivan School of Business, Engineering and Technology and career opportunities at carrollu.edu/academics/business.