Under a new agreement between City Colleges of Chicago and Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), students who graduate from Daley College or have earned an associate degree are eligible to pursue a bachelor’s degree in industrial management and applied engineering at Daley College’s new Manufacturing Technology & Engineering Center (MTEC).
The new program was created specifically for the needs of working adults, with courses offered on the weekends.
“Nearly half of City Colleges students transfer after graduation, and we want to continue to support their effort to build their skills and increase their earnings potential,” said Daley interim president Eduardo Garza. “Through this partnership, Daley College students can now earn a valuable four-year degree from a top university while staying right here on our campus.”
Earlier this year, Daley opened MTEC, an advanced facility that intertwines both preparation in manufacturing design and production — something that will help students be competitive candidates for new jobs in the area in advanced manufacturing and engineering, according to a City Colleges of Chicago release.
“The new on-campus partnership between Daley College and SIU brings an unparalleled opportunity to Chicago area students to earn their Industrial Management and Applied Engineering (IMAE) bachelor’s degree,” said Southern Illinois clinical assistant professor Dr. John J. Cooper. “’It’s fast, accessible and affordable, and it’s perfect for the working adult, transfer students, and manufacturers seeking professional development pathways for their employees.”
Daley offers advanced manufacturing programs in welding, CNC machining, quality assurance and factory automation and are determining new student pathways to careers in mechatronics, sheet metal fabrication, operations management and industrial maintenance.
”SIU Carbondale’s IMAE pathway prepares students for careers in manufacturing leadership and management, operations, quality control, equipment procurement, and facilities planning. Required courses include supply chain operations and logistics, lean manufacturing, safety classes, and project management,” Cooper said. “This is the first such program for students located in Cook County. SIUC offers the program online and in partnership with two suburban community colleges.”
In order to be eligible for the program, students are required to earn an associate degree from Daley or another institution. After successfully transferring into the program, students are required to attend six days of class on weekends to complete one three credit hour course.
