LHU Expands 3+2 Cooperative Engineering Program
Photo courtesy Lock Haven University
LOCK HAVEN — Engineers use knowledge of the principles of science and mathematics to develop solutions to technical problems. They help to meet society’s needs by connecting scientific discoveries and commercial applications. As it turns out, there are numerous pathways to a career in engineering available at Lock Haven University.
The pre-engineering program has been available at LHU since the early 1990s. In this program, students complete the first three years of coursework at LHU focusing on physics, chemistry, mathematics and general education courses as well as learning engineering graphics. The students then transfer to an engineering school to complete two years of engineering coursework. When all of the required coursework is complete, students will earn a degree in engineering from the chosen engineering school and a bachelor’s degree in physics from LHU.
Through this program, LHU students have gone to universities such as the University of Maryland, Temple University, Georgia Tech and Drexel University and completed engineering degrees in fields such as mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, petroleum, nuclear engineering and others.
Reuben McClelland graduated from LHU in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in physics. Through the engineering 3+2 program, he then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State University. He is now employed by HF Lenz, Johnstown, as a mechanical engineer (HVAC design).
“I chose Lock Haven for the small town feel and small class sizes. There were always opportunities for one-on-one interaction with professors,” McClelland said. “The transition to Penn State was seamless and I was able to complete the program in the prescribed time.”
Mathew Bechdel, a 2011 LHU graduate, said he enjoyed physics classes in high school, and learned about the 3+2 program while attending an open house at LHU. Bechdel is now employed by First Quality, McElhattan, as a process engineer in manufacturing.
“(The 3+2) program provided me an affordable opportunity to get both a physics and engineering degree,” Bechdel said. “At the conclusion of my three years at LHU, I easily transferred into Penn State Behrend’s mechanical engineering program. LHU prepared me well for the engineering courses and I graduated third in the program.”
In recent years, LHU developed new agreements with several engineering programs that provide guaranteed spots for students that meet certain qualifications. LHU has official articulation agreements with Penn State University’s main campus and the Behrend campus, that cover a wide array of engineering fields.
In addition, Lock Haven University recently established articulation agreements with West Virginia University and University of Pittsburgh allowing students who fulfill relevant GPA requirements to formally be admitted to complete the last two years of their engineering degree. The agreements create smooth transitions for students who are interested in engineering fields such as mechanical, civil, electrical, environmental systems and more.
