On-Campus Engineering Program Begins Soon
This fall Principia students can get the specialized training of an engineering degree and the breadth of knowledge and experience that come with a liberal arts education—all while based at the College campus. In this new dual-degree program, students will spend five years completing general education courses and taking engineering classes from the University of North Dakota (UND) offered via streaming video at the College. Principia faculty members will support all aspects of the distance learning experience, including attending the online classes and holding office hours. Students will also do two brief summertime lab sessions at UND. Upon successfully completing all requirements, they’ll earn a BS in engineering science from Principia and an ABET*-certified BS in civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering from UND. The College’s longstanding 3+2 dual-degree engineering program will continue, providing students the opportunity to spend three years at the College and then transfer to an approved university for two years of engineering course work. But experience has shown that, when it comes time to transfer, many students find it difficult to leave their athletic and co-curricular activities (and their friends) behind. With this new option, no interruption to students’ College experience will be necessary.
Alum to Head Engineering Program
Arriving on campus this month, Chris O’Riordan-Adjah (C’99) will be the College’s engineering program director. He brings 15 years’ experience in structural engineering and seven years of teaching experience, most recently in the Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering Department at the University of Central Florida. While there, O’Riordan-Adjah advised engineering clubs and won several faculty awards, including the College Excellence in Faculty Academic Advising Award from the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Along with his BS in mathematics from Principia College, O’Riordan-Adjah holds a second BS in civil engineering and two MS degrees, one in structural engineering and one in quality engineering, from the University of Central Florida. He holds professional licenses in Florida and Michigan and won an award in 2002 from the American Society of Highway Engineers. Dr. Joseph Ritter, the College’s dean of academics (and an engineer himself), is delighted by this expansion in Principia’s engineering offerings. He notes how unusual—and valuable—it is for students to be able to combine engineering study and liberal arts training. “Now Principia students can get the best of both worlds right here on our own campus,” he comments. *ABET, Inc., is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. This certification is the recognized standard of assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards established by the profession.