Southeast Missouri State University has created a new engineering program for fall 2017. The program was created with a focus on industrial engineering will allow for students in the southeast Missouri region to choose a closer school.

The program was created out of an industry need for the region. Currently, students in Missouri have an option of either University of Missouri-Columbia or Missouri S&T for industrial engineering. The program works with companies like TG Missouri, Good Humor-Breyers and Purina.

"Some of our regional manufacturers are looking for more engineering talent in the region, and they thought the best way to try to get that is having programs in the region," Dr. Bradley Deken, chair of the Department of Polytechnic Studies said.

Deken is working with Dr. Jingjing Tong, an assistant professor, to head the program.

The engineering program also will benefit students at Southeast by providing easier access to this type of program at a more affordable price.

"I think this engineering program can give students opportunities to explore lots of different working environments," Tong said.

The engineering program and department are not expected to face any budget cuts from the state last month. No additional funding was needed to create the new program. There are currently three industrial engineers within the department with a fourth to be hired soon, but the department does not expect to hire any more staff.

STEM -- science, technology, engineering, math -- was a factor in creating the program.

"The need for students graduating in STEM fields is certainly one of the reasons why we felt it was important to introduce a program such as this," Deken said.

Another reasons for creating the program is to give students more options in the engineering fields.

"I feel like when we have several years of this program we can create more options for students, so when they start this program they can go into selective courses that closely relate to their option," Tong said.

The engineering program is also going to focus on recruiting juniors and seniors in high school. One short-term goal of the department and program is to get better accreditation in five years when the new program has its first graduate.

One long-term goal of the department and program will be to get more manufacturing in the region.

"We certainly hope it will bolster manufacturing and industry in this region of the state, we would like to attract new manufacturing and new companies into the area because of the quality of our graduates," Deken said.

For more information about the new engineering program, visit the Polytechnic Studies page on Southeast's website or call (573) 651-2104.