To help meet the future engineering needs in Colorado and beyond, the Western Colorado University—University of Colorado Boulder Partnership Program is launching biomedical and aerospace engineering majors at the Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering.
“Western is excited to expand our partnership with CU-Boulder by adding these high-demand engineering programs,” Western President Brad Baca said. “Providing these affordable and accessible educational opportunities to students on the Western Slope and within the Western Colorado University community can help drive growth and economic development within our region.”
Colorado is currently home to the nation’s second-largest aerospace industry and more than 2,500 bioscience-related companies, providing unparalleled opportunities for students to thrive in high-impact careers.
“Today, and for the foreseeable future, the U.S. needs more engineers to create sustainable solutions to address society’s most challenging problems. Our Western-CU partnership students have the skills and sensibilities to make a positive impact on the Western Slope and Colorado,” Keith Molenaar, Dean of CU Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, said. “Expanding to biomedical engineering in fall 2025 and potentially aerospace engineering in fall 2026 is a natural evolution of the partnership as these are two of the largest economic sectors in our state.”
Bridging Technology and Healthcare
The Program will start accepting applications for the new biomedical engineering major starting in August 2024, with the first cohort beginning in Fall 2025. Like the mechanical engineering major that got the Partnership going, the new program will emphasize hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in the growing field of biomedical technology.
Aimed at addressing the growing need for new technologies in healthcare, this interdisciplinary program integrates principles of engineering, biology, and medicine to develop innovative solutions for the medical needs of patients requiring everything from prosthetics to dialysis.
“With so many bioscience companies in Colorado, the demand for biomedical engineers has never been higher,” Kevin Terry, interim director of the Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program, said. “The Partnership Program will provide students with the expertise to design and improve medical devices, develop new biomaterials, and enhance the healthcare delivery systems of the future.”
Aerospace Engineering set to take off
The Partnership Program will start accepting applications for the Aerospace Engineering major in Fall 2025, with the first classes beginning in Fall 2026. That program aims to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in the dynamic aerospace industry, which employed more than 33,000 people in Colorado last year.
“Colorado’s aerospace industry is a critical component of our state’s economy, and our program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to move this sector forward,” Terry said. “We are excited to educate a new generation of aerospace engineers who will contribute to advancements in space exploration, satellite technology, and aviation.”
Growing a successful partnership
Since getting its start in 2019, the Partnership Program has seen significant success in the mechanical engineering major, with valuable community and industry collaborations and employment contracts signed by 95% of 2024 graduates, who earn an average starting salary of $78,000.
Western remains committed to providing top-tier educational opportunities and is excited about the future of its new engineering majors. These programs are expected to attract bright, motivated students and further establish the Program’s reputation as an emerging leader in engineering education.
“As the state’s flagship university, we are proud to partner with WCU to serve Colorado through producing some of the most highly qualified engineers,” Molenaar said. “The Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering building houses some of the top hands-on engineering teaching facilities in the state. Our partnership students graduate ready for the workforce on day one.”
Interested in applying?
Contact the Computer Science & Engineering Department for more info.
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Author Credit: Seth Mensing
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