Wright State and Sinclair College partner to launch engineering technology degree pathway

Wright State University and Sinclair Community College have launched a new pathway program to make it easier for students to transfer from Sinclair to Wright State to complete a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology.

The program is designed to meet growing regional workforce demands in advanced manufacturing and other technical fields.

Developed through a strategic partnership between Wright State and Sinclair, the new bachelor’s degree offers a clear, affordable route for students earning Associate of Applied Science degrees to continue their education at Wright State.

“This partnership ensures a seamless public-school pathway to a high-demand, well-paying career in engineering technology,” said Darryl Ahner, Ph.D., dean of Wright State’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. “Students are seeing the value in a Wright State education. This new pathway with Sinclair is another example of how we deliver high-quality, affordable options that prepare graduates for real careers in our region and beyond.”

“Technicians with associate’s degrees in fields like mechanical, electrical or quality engineering technology are in high demand by both new and established manufacturers across Ohio,” said Karl Hess, dean of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “Many students come to Sinclair aiming to prepare for a high-demand career that makes them job-ready as quickly as possible, with no initial plans to pursue anything beyond an associate’s degree. However, after experiencing success in our programs, their confidence grows — and so do their aspirations. At Sinclair, our motto is ‘Find the need, and endeavor to meet it,’ and we take great pride in partnering with institutions like Wright State, who share our commitment to supporting student success.”

The new articulation agreement includes 10 associate degree programs at Sinclair College that lead to Wright State’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. The degree program offers multiple concentrations and is designed to accommodate students from a variety of technical backgrounds.

Wright State’s Engineering Technology program serves as a bridge between engineering theory and practical implementation, preparing graduates for roles essential to the operation of factories, manufacturing plants and service industries.

Ahner described engineering technologists as “the key individuals who ensure technical implementation for successful manufacturers.”

The program also offers flexible options for airmen and civilians at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, including those with degrees from the Community College of the Air Force or other two-year institutions.

Statewide demand for engineering technologists continues to grow. According to the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, engineering technician roles are among the most in-demand occupations in Ohio.

Wright State’s partnership with the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association highlighted the need for an engineering technology degree that is aligned with industry expectations.

“Manufacturing is one of the most significant contributors to the economic vitality of the Dayton region,” said Angelia Erbaugh, president of the Dayton Region Manufacturers Association. “A driving force is the availability of a skilled and trained job-ready workforce. We are excited that two of the region’s leading higher education institutions have joined forces to elevate, evolve and ready our future workforce for the increasing demand.”

This new engineering technology degree pathway is part of a robust, long-standing partnership between Wright State and Sinclair, which includes transfer pathways to more than 70 bachelor’s degrees across a wide range of academic disciplines.

Enrollment is now open for Wright State’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program.

More information about the Wright Path Partnership is available on the Sinclair Community College website and the Wright State website.