University News
WIU, University of Iowa Sign Engineering Transfer Agreement
September 30, 2009
MACOMB, IL -- The University of Iowa College of Engineering and Western Illinois University recently signed an agreement for select WIU students to transfer to the UI College of Engineering, beginning this fall.
According to Western Illinois Provost Jack Thomas, the transfer program is designed specifically for undergraduate students completing Western's pre-engineering core curriculum with at least a
3.0 grade point average and no more than one class with a grade of "C." Western students wanting to complete degree programs in civil, mechanical, chemical, industrial, electrical or biomedical engineering and who meet the criteria will be guaranteed admission upon transfer to the University of Iowa College of Engineering.
James Rabchuk, WIU physics professor and pre-engineering coordinator, added that students who also complete the requirements for the engineering physics program at WIU -- in addition to University of Iowa engineering degree requirements -- will receive a second baccalaureate degree in engineering physics from Western.
"This agreement is made possible, in part by Deere and Company, a corporate partner of both Western and the UI College of Engineering," said UI College of Engineering Dean Barry Butler. "Students receive a high-quality education through Western's pre-engineering and physics programs, and by transferring to the University of Iowa to complete a bachelor of science degree, they will be well-prepared for entering the engineering workforce."
Iowa's College of Engineering ranks among the top 15 percent of U.S. engineering programs. Graduates pursue careers in engineering, medicine, law, business, consulting, entrepreneurship, and the Peace Corps, to name a few.
"We are so appreciative of the University of Iowa's collaborative spirit and we look forward to working with University of Iowa faculty and staff," said Susan Martinelli-Fernandez, interim dean of the WIU College of Arts and Sciences.
This is the first transfer agreement for engineering between the University of Iowa and an Illinois public university. UI has similar transfer agreements with Iowa Lakes Community College of Estherville, IA and the University of Guam.
"We are pleased to enter into this partnership with the University of Iowa," said Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Ron Williams. "The new program gives students even more chances to succeed and provides even greater access to the premier academic programs offered by both institutions."
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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