Intel and Arizona State University’s College of Technology and Innovation (CTI) are developing a customized engineering degree for some of the chip maker’s Arizona-based employees. The program is based on CTI’s modular, project-based curriculum and upon completion will provide a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from ASU, with a focus in materials science.

“Intel’s commitment to developing more engineers to power the next generation of innovation extends to our own workforce,” said Michele St Louis-Weber, factory manager of the Intel Fab 12 facility located in Chandler. “In CTI, we found a school that is just as committed as we are to this kind of bold solution to a national challenge.” Download Full Image

“CTI’s flexible approach to engineering education means employees can achieve their degree goals in an accelerated schedule that allows them to keep working full time for Intel,” said Michelle Amado, training program manager at Intel’s Ocotillo facility. “Intel Arizona employees interested in the accelerated engineering program can apply by contacting their human resources representative. Intel will cover all tuition and fees for its employees selected for the program.”

The engineering portion of the degree program will provide approximately 60 credit hours in 24 months. Students will spend one day a week in classes and complete homework and projects outside of class, either at home, at Intel or in engineering design studios at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center. Twenty-five or more students are expected to take part in the first cohort, which will launch in fall 2012 with math and science preparation courses before the engineering program begins in earnest.  

“CTI’s new accelerated/flexible engineering degree options make one of the nation’s most innovative engineering programs available to students whose schedules aren’t aligned with a traditional academic calendar,” said Mitzi Montoya, vice provost and dean of the College of Technology and Innovation. “When people talk about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) innovation they’re usually focused on young people. What CTI is doing here is unlocking the potential of Arizona’s existing workforce, creating more engineers and fostering an environment of innovation and economic dynamism."

CTI’s accelerated/flexible engineering programs are also open to non-Intel employees, with focus areas in electrical engineering systems, mechanical engineering and software engineering. Classes are offered in a mix of online, evening and weekend sessions at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center, giving non-traditional students the opportunity to tailor a course of study fitting their schedules. Full-time students can also enter the program to accelerate the completion of their degrees. Learn more at http://technology.asu.edu/accelerated.

Intel established a presence in Arizona in 1979 and began operations in Chandler in 1980, where it is now the city’s largest employer. Since 1996, Intel has invested more than $12 billion in high-tech manufacturing capability in Arizona and spent more than $450 million each year in research and development. Intel is investing another $5 billion in the site to manufacture its industry-leading, next-generation 14 nanometer technology.