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The board approved a new Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at USC Aiken focused on educating students to design, build, test and maintain electrical and electronic systems.

The program is developed in consultation with local industries within the five-county Central Savannah River area. Students will learn essential skills needed to excel in fields ranging from advanced manufacturing and robotics to the nuclear industry.

Demand for electrical engineers is expected to grow rapidly within the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Projected enrollment for the new Electrical Engineering major is 15 students in the first year, increasing to 39 by its fifth year. Sixteen new courses have been developed for this program, supported by three initial tenure-track faculty with additional hires expected soon.