USU Eastern adds new degree

USU Eastern has added a degree, saying that it offers flexibility to students.
The Utah State Board of Regents approved the bachelor of science in technology systems July 21 for USU. The university’s college of agriculture and applied sciences have developed this “stackable” degree for nontraditional students. It allows students who have completed a certificate of completion, typically a one-year program, to receive 30 credits at USU toward their associate of applied sciences in general technology.
Students can use this associate degree to form the foundation to then complete the new bachelor of science in technology systems. Students in the program can choose to emphasize in information and computer technology, product development, robotics, automation and control or technical management. “This new program allows students to get a bachelor’s degree without going the traditional route,” said Trina Nye, the program director. “They can start or stop the process at any point, or leave for a few years if they need to. It’s also a great option for people who already have certificates and good jobs but who need the four-year degree to move up the pay scale or into management positions.”
Another advantage of the degree is the hands-on nature of the coursework, Nye said. “Many students go to their first year of college and realize that sitting in a classroom is not for them,” she remarked. “This degree gives them the opportunity to work with their hands and the chance to enroll in classes that are interesting to them right away.”
The degree helps students gain vital industry skills that carry over to the workforce, said USU, which is working with employers to create an easy transition from college to the workplace.
“We worked with industry partners to identify what knowledge and skills they were looking for in employees,” said Steve Williams, an instructor in the program. “With the idea of stacking onto a technical certificate, we were able to build a degree that meets those needs.”
High school students who are interested in the degree can begin working on their certificate at a technical college while still in high school. Additionally, USU is working on creating more online and night classes so the degree can be more accessible and flexible for students.
“This new stackable credentials options from a certificate to bachelor’s degree is great news and we will offer it this fall,” said Gary Straquadine, vice chancellor of USU Eastern. “We are excited to hear the degree gained approval. This opens the door for our certificate graduates to gain more opportunities and have additional career paths.”