Motorsports Engineering Degree Approved at IUPUI

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has approved a bachelor's degree program in Motorsports Engineering at the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

The program, which had previously been approved by the Purdue University board of trustees, is now set to be offered to students beginning in the fall of 2008.

"We are thrilled to be the first university in the country to offer a bachelor's degree in motorsports engineering. This will allow our students to compete for jobs in this exciting industry like never before," stated H. Öner Yurtseven, PhD, dean of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI.

The program, which aims to prepare graduates for careers with automotive-related companies, will focus on teaching fundamentals of engineering from a practical viewpoint. Projects will involve designing, analyzing and building of actual systems.

"Engineering schools train graduates for careers in everything from aerospace to manufacturing," says IUPUI Motorsports Director, Pete Hylton. "It has been only recently that we have begun to realize that motorsports is a huge industry in this country, and one that is growing rapidly in technology and in financial investment. It only makes sense that we should be training graduates for this industry as well. With a location in Indianapolis, IUPUI is well suited to be one of the leaders in this new field."

"For Indiana to be able to maximize the potential for its motorsports industry it must have an energetic and qualified workforce, properly trained and ready to be productive from the start. Having a Motorsports Engineering Degree program will give Indiana a distinct advantage in attracting new quality businesses," added Rollie Helmling, director of Motorsports for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Enrollment for the new program is projected at 21 students over the first years and is expected to increase to 106 students by the fourth year.

In addition to expanding the program through enrollment, the university plans to grow the program by developing 11 new courses for the curriculum in the first three years and adding two new full-time faculty positions, as well as a full-time technician.

The Motorsports Engineering program was developed by Purdue faculty in the mechanical engineering, engineering technology, and electrical and computer engineering programs at IUPUI.

The program is designed to augment an existing program on the campus. The Engineering Technology Department currently offers a Motorsports Technology Certificate program, in which more than 30 students are enrolled. This certificate program will still be available in addition to the bachelor's degree program.

About the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI

The mission of the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI is to be one of the best urban university leaders in the disciplines of engineering and technology recognized locally, nationally and internationally. The school's goal is to provide students an education that will give them the leverage to be leaders in their communities, industry and society. For additional information on the School of Engineering & Technology, go to http://www.engr.iupui.edu.

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