Enrollment jumps at Oregon State University-Cascades in Bend

BEND — Oregon State University-Cascades is working to increase the number of mechanical engineers working in Central Oregon by offering a degree program set to start this fall.

Job opportunities for mechanical engineers are expected to increase throughout Oregon by 7% over the next four years, according to a Lightcast labor market analysis.

This is the third engineering program at OSU-Cascades, after energy systems engineering and engineering science. More than 100 students are enrolled in engineering programs at OSU-Cascades. As of last year, the energy systems engineering program had more than 200 alumni working in the field.

The mechanical engineering degree will bolster students’ foundational skills in science, mathematics and computer science while also teaching creative problem-solving and design. Students will learn different methods for thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. If they choose, students can study aspects of energy systems engineering, which focuses on storing and distributing energy.

“Mechanical engineering is an incredibly ubiquitous degree. You can use it in any number of types of businesses that require things to operate correctly, and to build systems,” said Katy Brooks, Bend Chamber of Commerce CEO. “This is one of those essential engineering degrees for a city, for the operations of large-scale growth and business. We’re really excited about the program starting.”

Students are also eligible for six-month paid internships through the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program, which coordinates between universities and industries to provide industry work experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Students can complete the program within four years, though an internship would extend their degree while providing paid career experience.

One requirement of the program is a senior capstone project in which students will work with an industry client to solve a real-world problem.

Matt Tobolski, president of the Central Oregon manufacturer BasX Inc., said the company is excited to see the launch of a mechanical engineering degree in Bend.

“As a manufacturer of mechanical HVAC equipment we have a strong demand for talent that will be developed as part of this newly launched program,” he wrote in an email. “As we continue growing we look forward to welcoming talent to our team with internships and full time positions developed through OSU-Cascades.”

Most of the program’s 50 courses will be taught by OSU-Cascades faculty, though certain classes will be taught remotely by Oregon State University staff in Corvallis. For those classes, a learning assistant will be available in Bend.

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The program has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.