Fenton residents invited to engineering-computer technology career open house

Baker College of Flint will host a free open house, 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, where prospective students and their families can learn about academic programs and careers in the fields of engineering and information technology. It will be at the Center for Engineering and Computer Technology, 1050 W. Bristol Road, Flint. The public is invited.

“This is truly an ‘open’ house,” said Anca Sala, Ph.D., Baker College of Flint dean of engineering and computer technology. “It is open to all individuals who want to learn about academic programs in the high-demand fields of engineering, information technology and related technology. They will have one-on-one access to members of the faculty and administration, as well as students and graduates to discuss specific programs and career opportunities.”

Related labs will be open for tours where students will demonstrate industry-grade equipment. Labs open for tours will be:

· The new photonics lab, supported, in part, by a grant from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF’s) Advanced Technological Education program.

· The cyber range computer lab, patterned after U.S. military cyber ranges.

· The materials science lab used by students in mechanical, civil and electrical engineering programs as well as welding.

· Other labs including rapid prototyping, robotics, computer animation, thermal science, computer-aided engineering and manufacturing, as well as the architectural studio.

Sala noted that engineering and computer science graduates have been in high demand and have commanded some of the higher starting salaries for many years. Graduates of the Baker College two-year associate degree program in photonics and laser technology that began last year will likely join that group.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the following:

· Bachelor’s degrees in engineering disciplines (civil, electrical, mechanical and industrial), architectural technology, computer science, cyber defense, information technology and cyber security.

· Associate degrees in mechanical technology, electronic technology, photonics and laser technology, computer aided design (CAD), advanced manufacturing technology and several computer information systems programs.

· A certificate program for computer numerical controls (CNC) operator.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job market for computer and information system managers is expected to increase by 15 percent from 2012 to 2022. Projected employment increases for engineers range from 5 percent to 20 percent, depending upon the discipline, for the same 10-year time period.

For more information about the open house, contact Jodi Cuneaz in the admissions office at 810.766.4000 or jodi.cuneaz@baker.edu.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It serves more than 28,000 students on multiple campuses and online. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 150 programs across diverse academic fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, information technology, education and human services. An impressive 97 percent of available graduates are employed. Every Baker graduate receives Lifetime Employment Assistance—free and forever. Baker is a pioneer in online education and offers students the option of completing a degree 100 percent online, without ever visiting a campus. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.