Apr 06, 2017 08:58 AM EDT By Anne Collins, UniversityHerald Reporter

Cornerstone University has just received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer engineering program. Bob Sack, Vice President for University Advancement said they have started recruiting students.

Grand Valley State University and Cornerstone announced an agreement in October to allow students to concurrently enroll in engineering programs at both schools next year. Sack said the initiative was driven by high demand. He said that one in every five applicants was interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The university announced a nursing program in March in partnership with Detroit Mercy University. Both nursing and engineering programs will begin this fall.

Cornerstone President Joseph M. Stowell they are committed to offering students relevant and academically excellent programs. They desire to contribute to the flourishing of science related enterprises in West Michigan he said. He added that by producing highly competent students by expanding their programs in engineering, it is a giant step forward to contribution STEM field.

Grand Valley announced in October expansion of its engineering program is focused on four new emphasis areas were created in the interdisciplinary engineering major. It included environmental engineering, design and innovation engineering, engineering management, and data science and engineering.

Engineering jobs in West Michign have grown nearly 29 percent since 2010. It increased the number of high-skill, high-wage jobs in the region. CU's collaboration with GVSU provided students access to top-tier engineering educational technology.

M Live reported that on its website, Cornerstone featured three reasons why engineering majors should choose their new program. First is to expand career options, where students will be provided liberal arts education and specialized knowledge in engineering.  They have the option to choose from concentrations in data science, design and innovation, engineering management and environmental engineering.

Second is that they can expect more interaction with expert faculty. Cornerstone limit class sizes because they value relational learning. Student will get more attention from professors.

Lastly, students can leverage the resources of two universities. Partner Grand Valley State University has extensive course offerings, hands-on training with top-tier engineering educational technology and more opportunities to customize programs.

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