U.S. Naval Community College, Embry-Riddle Join Forces to Offer New Engineering Fundamentals Degree Program

A U.S. Navy sailor inspects an engineering space aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt
A U.S. Navy sailor inspects an engineering space aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. (Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aaron Haro Gonzalez)

Aug 07, 2024, 10:49 AM

The U.S. Naval Community College (USNCC) and Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University have partnered on a new initiative to offer military service members an Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals degree program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET). The program launches this fall, and applications are currently open.

This agreement provides active-duty enlisted sailors, marines and coast guardsmen an opportunity to earn an online degree that will directly contribute to a four-year engineering course of study, as well as set students on a path of lifelong learning.

“We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to offer the ABET-accredited Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals program to our USNCC partner,” said Dr. John R. Watret, FRAeS, chancellor of Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. “This robust program is specifically designed to provide a strong fundamental foundation for students passionate about the field of engineering, and we look forward to providing support in this important discipline.”

Naval professionals who pursue this degree through USNCC will acquire the basic skills necessary to support most engineering professions. The program is comprised of 63 credit hours and will also have an established transfer path to engineering bachelor’s programs through Embry‑Riddle’s Daytona Beach, Florida, campus, or its Worldwide Campus, which offers virtual learning options.

“Engineering enables change and innovation across all segments of society, including manufacturing, medicine, aerospace and defense,” said USNCC President Randi R. Cosentino, Ed.D. “These new associate degrees will help USNCC students advance in their naval careers by establishing the foundation of comprehensive knowledge needed for success in engineering — both academically and professionally.”

Multiple Paths to Personal Growth

Embry-Riddle and the USNCC have partnered on additional recent degree offerings — launching associate degrees in Aviation Maintenance and Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems in the past two years, for example — but learning opportunities are available to service members at multiple stages of their academic careers. Industry-recognized certifications are also included in the Associate of Science in Engineering Fundamentals degree through a course cluster that includes engineering, physics and math courses.

The certificates included in the degree follow:

  • The Naval Studies Certificate provides a naval-relevant foundation for students’ lifelong educational journeys.
  • The Professional Focus Certificate can help set students apart as military leaders.

Additionally, USNCC and Embry-Riddle offer students the following standalone certificate programs:

  • Aviation Maintenance Part 65 Certificate
  • Engineering Fundamentals Certificate
  • Uncrewed Systems Technology Certificate

Embry‑Riddle is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. While the USNCC is pursuing accreditation — a process that typically takes two to three years — Embry‑Riddle will be the primary degree grantor for this associate degree program, ensuring the service members who graduate from this program receive a transferable degree from an accredited institution.

The United States Naval Community College is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Fill out the form on the USNCC website to learn more.

Posted In: Engineering | Institutional News