St. Clair College and Wayne State University are pleased to announce the expansion of their pathway agreements to include Mechanical Engineering Technology – Automotive Product Design. The pathway allows students to earn a diploma at St. Clair College and then use those course credits toward a degree at Wayne State University. This pathway expansion is critical to prepare the engineering workforce needed to design and manufacture electric vehicles.
"When one thinks about the connected, cross-border economy of southwestern Ontario and southeastern Michigan, the word that instantly comes to mind is 'automotive.' That industry has, literally, driven the economy of this region for over a century," noted St. Clair College President Patti France. "With this new partnership with Wayne State, we're now building a cross-border educational component – a meeting of the mechanical and manufacturing minds – into this essential and ever-evolving economic engine. We're thrilled to offer this exciting new academic avenue to our graduates."
With the combination of both college and university courses, students receive significant hands-on practical learning in smaller classes at St. Clair, along with the theory and rigor of a top research university. Wayne State is ranked 152 in Best Engineering Schools 2024 by U.S. News and World Report.
Under the new pathway, students start at St. Clair College and complete the three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology – Automotive Product Design (T826), which provides a solid engineering base. Then, students transfer into the General Engineering – Mechanical Engineering Concentration undergrad program at Wayne State for approximately three semesters to earn their bachelor's.
International students on an F-1 visa can apply to legally work in the United States for up to one year after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, while certain STEM majors can extend OPT for up to two additional years.
Internships and co-ops are crucial for engineering students who want to succeed on the job from day one. An estimated eight out of every ten students in the WSU College of Engineering completes at least one internship prior to graduating. Optional co-op positions are a key part of the St. Clair College program and are highly encouraged.
The combination of attending school at two institutions in two countries yields a unique international experience. Detroit and Windsor are both renowned cities with deep history within the automotive, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors. The history between both cities offers a unique learning experience for upcoming engineering students.
The new pathway is a cost-effective investment for families:
- Ontario residents automatically receive the Great Lakes Tuition Award at Wayne State, which saves thousands of dollars over the general international tuition rate.
- Flat-rate tuition means that full-time students pay the same amount for 12 to 18 credits while pursuing an undergraduate degree.
- Transfer students are eligible for merit-based scholarships valued between $1,000 and $6,000 per year.
- WSU is only 3.5 miles from the border, so students can live in Windsor and easily commute to the university in Midtown Detroit.
"We are excited to work with Wayne State University on this exciting new pathway for students of Mechanical Engineering Technology. Whether you are looking to graduate 'job ready' from one of our many programs or continue your post-secondary education, we are confident you should 'start here' at St. Clair College!" said John Byng, Chair, School of Engineering Technologies
Building future pathways for all students in a variety of programs and disciplines is essential to the growth of both institutions, and the economic development within our local communities. St. Clair College is pleased to partner with Wayne State University on these initiatives.
To learn more about St. Clair College's pathways visit https://www.stclaircollege.ca/programs/credit-transfer-pathway-agreements.
To learn more about Wayne State University pathways visit https://wayne.edu/transfer/pathway/st-clair-college-engineering-bs
For more information about the media release contact, John Byng jbyng@stclaircollege.ca for St. Clair College and Carol Baldwin, carol.baldwin@wayne.edu, for Wayne State University.