Butler Community College students in engineering and engineering technology who graduate with an associate’s degree are now able to seamlessly transfer into several programs at Wichita State University’s College of Engineering.

Once accepted into WSU’s engineering track, Butler students may choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical, industrial and computer engineering, as well as computer science, engineering technology management, civil engineering technology or mechatronics technology. The two institutions finalized the agreement with a special signing on Butler’s Andover campus on Dec. 6.

“It’s a great opportunity for our students,” said Lori Winningham, vice president of academics at Butler. “This agreement clarifies and simplifies a pathway for our students to go from Butler to WSU’s College of Engineering.”

The engineering professors and their deans worked together to ensure Butler classes would transfer directly into Wichita State’s engineering program.

“This is a great opportunity to really streamline the programs for students,” WSU Provost and Senior Vice President Tony Vizzini said. “Too often it takes three years for these students to complete this degree because of the lack of coordination between the two schools.”

Because of this agreement, Butler students who major in either engineering technology or pre-engineering will be able to finish their engineering technology or engineering degree at WSU within a four-year timeframe.

“We are thankful for WSU’s willingness to work with us on this agreement. This is a strong win-win partnership for our community and students,” said Mel Whiteside, Butler’s dean of STEM. “There is high demand in the region for graduates with an engineering or engineering technology degree.”

Engineering technology focuses on hands-on designs and manufacturing processes. Both Butler’s and WSU’s engineering technology programs are accredited by ABET’s Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.