Statewide enrollment

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – For the first time, more than half of those enrolled in Purdue University's Statewide Technology program this semester are full-time students.

Fifty-three percent of the 1,355 students enrolled in the program at its sites in Anderson, Columbus, Greensburg, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, New Albany, Richmond, South Bend and Vincennes are studying full time. As a result of the increase in full-time students, the number of credit hours being taken at Statewide Technology sites is almost 13,800.

"Statewide Technology has always offered students the opportunity to earn a Purdue degree while staying close to home for family or work reasons," said Duane Dunlap, College of Technology associate dean for Statewide Technology. "Many of those are studying part time. But now students who want to pursue a degree full time are finding that Statewide Technology offers an alternative that allows them to stay close to home."

Statewide Technology is an extension of the College of Technology. Its degree programs follow the same curriculum requirements as the programs on the West Lafayette campus. Classes are taught by Purdue faculty or those approved by academic department heads.

Degree programs at each location are determined by current and projected work force needs within the community or region it serves.

New to Statewide Technology this semester is a bachelor's degree in engineering technology being offered at Anderson, Kokomo, Richmond and South Bend. Enrollment is 40 students - 60 percent above expectations.

The focus of the BSET degree program at each location is determined by the work force and economic needs of the region. Because 82 percent of Statewide Technology graduates stay in the community where they study, BSET is expected to provide local businesses and industries with employees trained for their needs.

"The fact that initial enrollment is 60 percent above what we had expected for the first semester shows that we are meeting a need for a four-year engineering tech program designed to provide a skilled work force geared to the industries based in a specific region," Dunlap said.

The BSET program builds upon six core College of Technology technical disciplines: computer graphics, computer and information technology, electrical and computer engineering technology, industrial technology, mechanical engineering technology, and organizational leadership and supervision.

The curriculum was developed over two years with input from community and business leaders, county and city officials, state work force development personnel, and faculty.

Statewide Technology plans to offer the BSET at more of its sites in the future.