NC State and UNC Pembroke establish dual degree program
North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke have established a joint undergraduate degree program that will allow students to spend three years at UNC Pembroke and two years at NC State and graduate with bachelor’s degrees from both institutions.
NC State Chancellor Dr. Randy Woodson and UNC Pembroke Chancellor Dr. Robin Gary Cummings made the partnership official during a signing ceremony on NC State’s Centennial Campus on July 12.
Under the program, which will launch in August 2016, students would spend three years at UNC Pembroke and two at NC State and would graduate with a bachelor’s degree in physics from UNC Pembroke and a bachelor’s degree in either electrical or mechanical engineering from NC State.
“This partnership is yet another step in the continued growth upon the existing relationships between UNC system campuses to improve higher education opportunities for North Carolina students,” Woodson said.
The partnership will provide access to exceptional education for students in the program but also an opportunity to increase access, diversity and enrollment into STEM disciplines at both institutions.
“UNC Pembroke is committed to serving as a driver for job creation in southeastern North Carolina. We do this by tapping the immense opportunities in our region and leading the way in overcoming challenges to economic development,” Cummings said. “One of those challenges, employers tell us, is difficulty filling engineering positions, especially mechanical and electrical. This partnership will help fill that void – supporting the economy of our region and providing an excellent opportunity for UNC Pembroke students to prepare for rewarding careers.”
The College of Engineering at NC State has similar dual-degree partnership programs with Elon University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina Central University and Meredith College. The College also has 2+2 partnerships with UNC Wilmington, UNC Asheville and Craven Community College that allow students to complete prerequisite courses at those institutions before completing engineering courses at NC State and earning an NC State bachelor’s engineering degree.
“There is no doubt that this partnership will be another success in the dual degree programs within the College of Engineering,” Woodson said. “These partnerships and accomplishments are part of what makes me proud to be the chancellor of NC State University.”
