Advancing Safety Through Continuing Education: Embry-Riddle and Pratt & Whitney Announce New Educational Partnership
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world leader in aviation and aerospace education, and Pratt & Whitney, a leading aerospace manufacturer and RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, have announced a new educational partnership aimed at promoting safety and advancing professional education within the aerospace sector.
The partnership will provide eligible employees of Pratt & Whitney with a degree path to Embry-Riddle’s online Bachelor of Science in Safety Management program. Qualified Pratt & Whitney employees will earn up to 12 credit hours toward the degree program, recognizing their achievements in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety & Health Fundamentals Certificate Program. Participation in the comprehensive certificate program has been deemed equivalent to certain degree program learning outcomes by Embry-Riddle after a rigorous review and formal process for authorization.
Dr. John Watret, chancellor of Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. "Over its nearly 100-year history, Embry-Riddle has been recognized globally for its comprehensive aerospace programs, including aerospace engineering, aeronautical science, flight testing, aviation business, among many other disciplines,” he said. “The university's Worldwide Campus also offers fully online education for working professionals, and this partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to enhance safety management education. By recognizing the prior learning and professional accomplishments of Pratt & Whitney employees, we are facilitating their academic advancement and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in safety leadership."
Mary Anne Cannon, vice president of the West Palm Beach Site and Development Operations for Pratt & Whitney, and Watret signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the partnership.
“This collaboration creates pathways for growth and excellence in safety management in an important segment of the aerospace sector, equipping employees with the skills, knowledge and support necessary to become proactive safety leaders in the aerospace industry,” Cannon said.
Dean Alexander Siedschlag of Embry-Riddle Worldwide’s College of Arts and Sciences explained that Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide campus has long been committed to pathways programs and academic professional education, but this partnership takes that vision to new heights. “We are proud that Pratt & Whitney chose to partner with our college and excited to see this practical demonstration of the value that our College of Arts and Sciences, with strong expertise across the safety-security continuum, adds to Embry-Riddle's core mission,” he said.
Embry-Riddle’s Safety Management Program Chair Kathy Friend added, “This partnership reflects our shared vision for professional development and our dedication to cultivating safer work environments within the aerospace industry. Together, we commit to empowering the next generation of safety leaders.”
The Bachelor of Science in Safety Management program is housed in the Department of Human Factors, Safety and Social Sciences of the Embry-Riddle Worldwide College of Arts & Sciences.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more, visit www.prattwhitney.com.
About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses —– Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon — we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.