News Summary
The University of South Carolina Aiken has announced the launch of a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering set to begin in Fall 2026. This program aims to address the demand for skilled engineers in the Central Savannah River Area. With a curriculum focused on power systems, electronics, and control systems, students will be well-prepared for careers in the engineering sector. The initiative is part of the university’s effort to support regional economic growth and workforce development.
Aiken, SC – The University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) has announced the upcoming launch of a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), set to commence in the Fall 2026 semester. This new program aims to prepare students for careers in designing, building, testing, and maintaining electrical and electronic systems, addressing a pressing demand for qualified engineers in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).
The announcement comes as part of USCA’s initiative to support local economic and workforce development. Scott McKay, dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering, highlights the university’s effort to meet the needs for skilled engineers, which is critical in a region experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals. The program’s curriculum will focus on essential infrastructure areas including power systems, electronics, and control systems, ensuring that graduates are well-versed in the current demands of the engineering industry.
The development of the BSEE program was guided by feedback from an engineering advisory board that includes various stakeholders from the engineering sector. This collaboration has helped to shape a curriculum that is both relevant and responsive to the local job market. Prospective students looking to enter the BSEE program in Fall 2025 can begin their educational journey by completing a year of prerequisite coursework that will count toward their degree requirements.
Once launched, the BSEE program will complement USCA’s existing engineering programs in mechanical, process, and software engineering. This expansion aligns with the university’s broader goals of fostering economic growth and addressing workforce shortages within the region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for electrical engineers is expected to grow rapidly in the next decade, further highlighting the necessity of this new degree program.
Initial enrollment for the BSEE program is projected at 15 students, with expectations for numbers to rise to 60 students by the fifth year. To accommodate this growth, USCA plans to hire three new faculty members dedicated to the electrical engineering program over the next five years. Some faculty members are expected to work within the Savannah River National Laboratory’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative building, a significant investment of $50 million that covers 60,000 square feet, set to open this summer.
This strategic partnership provides unique collaboration opportunities for students and faculty, allowing them to work directly with scientists and engineers at the national laboratory. Students will also have the chance to engage in projects that require national security clearance, equipping them with valuable experience that will enhance their employability upon graduation.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Phil Bridgmon emphasizes that USCA is committed to addressing regional employment needs while creating professional opportunities for students. The establishment of the BSEE program signifies not only a step forward for the university but also a crucial development for the region’s economy, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving engineering landscape.
With the introduction of the BSEE program, USCA reaffirms its dedication to fostering an educated workforce capable of driving innovation and growth in the engineering field. As the university prepares for this new venture, it continues to prioritize the needs of its students and the local community, paving the way for a more technologically adept future.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG: USC Aiken to Launch Electrical Engineering Program
- Wikipedia: Electrical Engineering
- Post and Courier: USCA Electrical Engineering Degree
- Google Search: Electrical Engineering Job Market
- WJBF: USC Aiken to Offer New Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electrical Engineering
- WRDW: Electric Vehicle Maker Bringing Jobs to Aiken County
- Google News: Engineering Workforce Development
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
