Students in Piedmont Community College’s (PCC) Mechatronics Engineering Technology program who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree after receiving their associate degree at PCC now have a pathway to ECPI University. On Thursday, July 14, leaders from the two institutions signed an articulation agreement linking PCC’s new mechatronics program to ECPI’s Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology with a Mechatronics concentration curriculum for the benefit of PCC students.

“The PCC-ECPI University articulation agreement extends a smooth transition for students focused on completing their associate degree at PCC, then transferring to a 4-year program.” said Walter Montgomery, Early College Liaison and Associate Dean of Technical and Occupational Programs at PCC. “The ECPI curriculum also offers a fast track option that will allow students to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in less than two years.”

PCC students who successfully complete the list of courses below may apply for transfer credits from ECPI University for the equivalent course, noted in the agreement. PCC courses include:
• Introduction to Automation ( ATR 112 )
• Introduction to Computers ( CIS 110 )
• Public Speaking ( COM 231 )
• DC/AC Electricity ( ELC 112 )
• Motors and Controls ( ELC 117 )
• Introduction to PLC’s ( ELC 128 )
• Instrumentation ( ELC 213 )
• PLC Applications ( ELC 228 )
• Analog Electronics I ( ELN 131 )
• Writing and Inquiry ( ENG 111 )
• Critical Thinking ( HUM 115 )
• Hydraulics/Pneumatics ( HYD 110 )
• Introduction to Quality Control ( ISC 130 )
• Problem Solving ( ISC 170 )
• Pre-Calculus Algebra ( MAT 171 )
• Mechanisms ( MEC 130 )
• General Psychology ( PSY 150 )
• College Physics ( PHY 151 )

Articulation Agreement signing“I am excited that ECPI has the opportunity to partner with Piedmont Community College to help prepare students to be successful in gaining employment in the career of their choice,” commented ECPI President, Bill Armour.

The awarding of credits will be based on a completed application from the student and a satisfactory review of grades by ECPI officials. A grade of “C” or better must be earned in each course to qualify as transferable credit. PCC courses could help the transfer student earn up to 57 credits of the 124 credits needed to graduate with an Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology with a Mechatronics concentration degree from ECPI.

During the articulation agreement signing Dr. Walter Bartlett, President, Piedmont Community College, commented on PCC’s student-centered mission. “It’s all about providing the students with more possibilities. The articulation agreement between PCC and ECPI University will enhance career advancement opportunities for the students.”

Mechatronics is also a pathway offered through the new Person Early College for Innovation and Leadership (PECIL), opening fall 2016 at PCC. This early college program will award students a high school diploma and two-year degree from PCC in five years.

According to Dr. Joyce B. Johnson, Vice President, Instruction and Student Development, “PCC could not have offered the Mechatronics Engineering Technology program at a better time. The degree program is on the cutting edge of a rapidly-growing industry. Not only is it central to the modern global economy but also to industries in Person County and across North Carolina. Nationwide, our state ranks number 4 in having the highest demand for prospective employees with either a degree in mechatronics Engineering technology or a certificate.”

About ECPI

ECPI’s Raleigh campus is located off Glenwood Avenue halfway between Interstates 540 and 440. The University’s Mechatronics program field focuses on real-world application of engineering principles. Engineering technologists are usually the link between the engineers and the technicians. They work with engineers from the conception phase of a product to the final production and assist in the design, development, testing, and production of electrical/electronic/mechanical equipment and components. To learn more, visit www.ecpi.edu.

About PCC’s Associate Degree Program in Mechatronics Engineering Technology

This program is designed to prepare or upgrade individuals to obtain jobs in the manufacturing industry as technical service providers, materials and technologies testing services, process improvement technicians, engineering technicians, industrial and technology managers, or research technicians. For more information about the Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, as well as the transfer options to EPCI University, contact Dean Walter Montgomery at (336) 322-2258 or walter.montgomery@piedmontcc.edu or visit http://www.piedmontcc.edu/mech.

Photo: Articulation agreement signing between Piedmont Community College and ECPI University
Front Row: Dr. Walter Bartlett, President, Piedmont Community College; Bill Armour, President, ECPI University

Back Row: Walter Montgomery, Early College Liaison and Associate Dean of Technical and Occupational Programs, Piedmont Community College; Terry D. Gardner, Electronics Engineering Technology Department Head; Dr. Joyce B. Johnson, Vice President, Instruction and Student Development, Piedmont Community College; Vanessa Bass, Dean, Learning Resources Centers; Matt Ernst, Freshman Admissions Advisor

For a video from the event, visit PCC’s Facebook page or YouTube page!

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