CANTON -- SUNY Canton’s offerings continue to expand as its Canino School of Engineering Technology has added another four-year degree program, a bachelor’s degree in mechanical technology.

With New York State Education Department and the State University of New York approval, the college is now accepting students into the program with classes scheduled to begin in the fall 2011 semester.

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy says the college is responding to demand.

“In the last few months, we have added three in-demand technology degree programs that speak to the needs of the region and industry,” Kennedy said. “The faculty members in the Canino School of Engineering Technology do an outstanding job of listening to the programmatic needs of students who are looking to continue getting a quality education at an affordable price. They respond to those needs while also ensuring what we offer is directly aligned with what employers are looking for.”

There will be two tracks within the program: mechanical manufacturing and heating; and ventilation and air conditioning. Students who complete the degree program will be able to analyze, design and implement machine and manufacturing processes, air conditioning and building energy systems, and the up-to-date automation and control systems and their applications in the related field.

More information about the new program can be found at www.canton.edu/csoet/mech/.

“In recent years, I have worked with a growing number of students coming to the program who have intentions of pursuing a bachelor’s degree,” said Daniel J. Miller, assistant professor of mechanical engineering technology and program director of the two year degree program. “The current associate degree program historically sees 100 percent placement upon graduation with two-thirds of those graduates continuing their education elsewhere. Our hands-on approach to learning and problem solving, as well as our hard working and dedicated faculty and staff, are the main reasons students enroll and want to stay at SUNY Canton. We provide an education that assures them their degree will enable them to find work within the industry.”

Students in the program will also benefit from the recent renovation of the mechanical engineering technology labs in the Nevaldine Technology Center.

Dr. Lin Tian, assistant professor of air conditioning engineering technology, prepared the proposal and will serve as the program coordinator. She anticipates 20 to 25 students to enroll in the major this upcoming fall, with enrollment growing as large as 70 within five years.

“No matter the track a student pursues, they will have the professionalism required within the engineering field, project analysis experience and management skills that meet the industrial needs of high-level engineering technicians,” Tian said. “The faculty members are excited about this opportunity to better serve our students and the community.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers held the fourth highest employment of all engineering in 2008. Many mechanical engineering professionals fall into the industrial engineering category, the third highest engineering employment sector. Extensive continued growth over the next ten years is expected.

“Our strong faculty support will make this program successful,” said Dr. David Wells, dean of the Canino School of Engineering Technology. “It provides an exceptional complement to our other new bachelor’s degrees in electrical and civil and environmental technology. We help prepare our students for a wide array of career opportunities. The approval of this degree program furthers that mission.”