STCC earns award for ‘best value’ in engineering technologies

The state-of-the-art CNC machine lab at STCC.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College offers the best value in Massachusetts and all of New England for engineering technology programs, according to a report by TradeCollege.org.

TradeCollege.org, a free resource for students seeking trade colleges and university level programs, says STCC earned “No. 1 Best Value” for the following categories:

  • Computer Engineering Technology Schools in the New England Region
  • Electromechanical Engineering Technology Associate Degree Schools in Massachusetts
  • Engineering Technologies Schools in Massachusetts
  • Electronics Engineering Technology Associate Degree Schools in Massachusetts
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate Degree Schools in Massachusetts

TradeCollege.org stated that it conducted a program-specific ranking for all schools that appear on Trade College Search. “STCC offers an affordable, quality education to students studying Engineering Tech,” TradeCollege.org stated in its announcement.

Lara Sharp, Dean of the School of STEM, said she was thrilled to find out the engineering technology topped the list for best value. STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts, offers a range of degree and certificate programs focusing on science, engineering, technology and mathematics. The college has other unique and highly regarded programs in health, business and liberal arts. Students are prepared to seek work after earning a degree or certificate from STCC or transfer to a four-year college or university.

“STCC is the most affordable college in Springfield, which is important for our students. Many of them are working and supporting families,” Sharp said. “Equally important is the quality of our STEM programs. During face-to-face lab sessions, students train on state-of-art equipment used in the industry. They’re taught by outstanding faculty, many of whom worked in the industry. I’m proud of our talented and compassionate faculty who are committed to our mission.”

STCC’s associate degree Computer Engineering Technology programs include:

  • Computer Systems Engineering Technology, a two-year associate degree program which prepares students for the challenges of information technology, cloud computing and virtualization with a focus on security, system administration and networking.
  • Computer & IT Security, which prepares students for work assisting companies facing data breaches and information security compromises. The program prepares students for IT Certification exams, an entry level IT security job and a pathway to transfer to a four year college to pursue further education.
  • Computer Science Transfer, which introduces students to the basics of software development and programming and prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university and continue their studies.

 STCC offers several programs that fall under TradeCollege.org’s categories for Electromechanical Engineering Technology, Engineering Technologies, Electronics Engineering Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology Associate Degree Schools in Massachusetts.

They include:

  • Civil Engineering Technology, which trains students to work as technologists who help civil engineers. Classes include CAD, surveying, estimating, and material science.
  • Electrical Engineering Technology, which prepares students for careers in  automation & control, robotics, PLC programming & wiring, and electro-mechanical system support.
  • Engineering Transfer, which provides students with a solid foundation in engineering concepts and prepares them to transfer to a four-year college or university like the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and Westfield State University.
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology, which prepares students to become machinists.
  • Optics and Photonics, which prepares engineering technicians with the knowledge and skills of lasers, optics, and electronics needed to design, test and maintain complex optics and photonics systems.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu