West Kentucky Community and Technical College and Murray State University have established two engineering and technology degree pathways, formalized Nov. 3 at Murray State’s Paducah Regional Campus, according to WKCTC’s announcement.
The pathways let students complete an associate degree at WKCTC before transferring to Murray State to earn a bachelor’s degree, the college said. One connects WKCTC’s Electrical Technology program with Murray State’s Applied Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Systems program; the other links Industrial Maintenance Technology with Applied Engineering/Automation and Controls, according to the announcement.
WKCTC said the agreement comes amid anticipated industrial growth in western Kentucky, including opportunities associated with U.S. Department of Energy reindustrialization efforts in the Paducah area. The college said the region’s nuclear and manufacturing sectors are driving demand for workers with specialized technical skills and advanced education.
WKCTC Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Kate Senn said the college awarded associate degrees over the past five years to 24 students in Industrial Maintenance Technology and 82 in Electrical Technology, according to the announcement.
The college said the pathways followed more than a year of collaboration convened by the West Kentucky Workforce Board, involving education, workforce development and industry partners. The organizations named include Murray State, WKCTC, Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, General Matter and several regional school and education groups, according to WKCTC.
