One step closer to offering a baccalaureate

Gov. Henry McMaster signs a bill at Greenville Technical College’s Center for Manufacturing Innovation (Greenville Tech President Keith Miller is left of McMaster). The ceremonial event celebrated legislation that allows technical colleges to offer a four-year degree in advanced manufacturing technology. (Photo: Greenville Tech)

Some of the largest employers in South Carolina expressed that they need more highly skilled technical workers with advanced degrees, and state lawmakers and college leaders have heard their request.

On Wednesday, Gov. Henry McMaster participated in a ceremonial signing of legislation allowing the state’s technical colleges to offer an applied baccalaureate in advanced manufacturing technology. The program will prepare graduates to assume technical and managerial leadership positions in the state’s manufacturing sector.

“With one of the greatest technical college systems in the world, it makes perfect sense that we would give South Carolinians the opportunity to utilize those institutions of higher learning to contribute to one of the fastest-growing manufacturing industries in the country,” McMaster said. “I’m proud to have signed this bill into law and grateful for the impact it will have on our efforts to strengthen South Carolina’s workforce for generations to come.”

The bill was approved in June by the state House and Senate, and McMaster officially signed it in July.

Still, the program needs further approval before it can launch. For example, state agencies still must approve curriculum, and it needs the blessing from its accreditor.

A hands-on experience

Greenville Technical College has led the effort to permit two-year colleges to offer certain baccalaureates, with support from some key manufacturing employers, including Michelin, GE and Bosch Rexroth.

“With the signing of this legislation today, the game has changed in South Carolina, giving Greenville Technical College improved ability to meet the workforce needs of industry,” said Keith Miller, president of the college.

When the program is running, Greenville Tech students will study at the college’s Center for Manufacturing Innovation, where they will gain hands-on experience in robotics, additive manufacturing technology, industrial hydraulics, pneumatics and mechanical systems. They also will have the opportunity to participate in industry-led, collaborative research projects as part of their education.

Through these experiences, students will build portfolios that document mastery of teamwork and application of new and emerging technologies to real-world manufacturing problems, according to the college.

Currently, about 20 states offer applied baccalaureates through two-year colleges, with several other states in various stages of the approval process. About 90 two-year colleges now offer around 900 baccalaureate programs.

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