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NMSU Helps Prospective Engineers Earn Degrees In Albuquerque

Central New Mexico Community College has joined forces with New Mexico State University, allowing CNM students to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering technology without ever stepping foot outside Albuquerque.

Beginning fall 2013, CNM students will have the opportunity to earn a bachelor of science degree in engineering technology from New Mexico State University, through enrollment in online courses. Lectures and labs to complement those courses will be offered at the NMSU Albuquerque Center. CNM classes in the Advanced Systems Technology Program will transfer and apply to freshman and sophomore year classes at NMSU.

"This has been something I have been working on for about five years … I finally met some contacts at NMSU who were trying to do the same," said Andy Huertaz, CNM applied technologies professor. "It has been a trend in the technology industry worldwide to get employees further educated, and I have always wanted my students to have the best opportunities I can make available. I believe that with this collaboration I can get more students interested in earning a technology/engineering degree, with great opportunities for employment."

"NMSU has the only ABET-accredited engineering technology program in New Mexico," said Jeff Beasley, NMSU's engineering technology department head. "This is a great program and we're excited to offer these courses."

The CNM associate degree counts directly toward meeting the requirements of the bachelor's degree program at NMSU, so no time will be wasted in having to re-take courses because of credit transfer issues.

"Students living in the Albuquerque area are encouraged to seek needed student services from the staff at the NMSU Albuquerque Center," said Bernadette Montoya, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at NMSU-Las Cruces. "This is a convenient location and provides a great opportunity for students to receive assistance in the transfer admission and financial aid processes. In addition, the center provides technology access and excellent study space for students in the program."

Huertaz anticipates at least 20 students enrolling in courses this fall.

"This can only be a win, win, win situation for both institutions and the state of New Mexico," he said. "I believe it will help enrollment. I hope to fill in the need for 'skilled' employees in our local technology industry, and eventually help in the economic development of the state."