New Mexico State University Alamogordo

Alamogordo students interested in earning a bachelor's degree in engineering technology need not worry about relocating to Las Cruces, thanks to a collaborative effort between New Mexico State University and NMSU-Alamogordo.

The partnership now enables students to enroll in online courses geared toward an engineering technology degree through electronics and computer engineering technology.

NMSU-A currently offers associates degrees in electronics technology. Credits for that degree may be applied toward meeting the course requirements for a bachelor's at NMSU.

Beginning fall 2013, complementary labs and lectures for the classes will be held at NMSU-A.

"We've had electronic technology associates' since the early 1980s," said Matthew Placencio, assistant division head at NMSU-A. "Numerous students will now be able to go on to earn bachelor's degrees without moving to Las Cruces, allowing them to work in the local community."

Placencio credited the partnership between the university and community college to his predecessor, Steven Holmes, and NMSU engineering technology Department Head Jeff Beasley.

"NMSU has the only ABET-accredited engineering technology program in New Mexico," Beasley said. "This is a great program and we're excited to offer these courses."

"Students living in the area are encouraged to seek needed student services from the staff at the community college," said Bernadette Montoya, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at NMSU's Las Cruces campus. "This is a convenient location and provides a great opportunity for students to receive assistance in the transfer admission and financial aid processes. In addition, the center provides technology access and excellent study space for students in the program."

To learn more about NMSU's Department of Engineering Technology and Surveying Engineering, visit http://et.nmsu.edu/index.html.