Skagit Valley College prepares to launch a new four-year pathway in Advanced Manufacturing and Design that includes the college’s fifth bachelor’s degree and the recently revised associate degree program this fall.
These degrees will provide students with the skills and experience needed to advance careers in manufacturing across a broad range of industries in both technical and managerial roles.
The curriculum is based on solving real world workplace challenges related to production systems, automation, materials testing, safety, operations and project management, supply chain, quality control, technical communications, and sustainability.
SVC received approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the college’s regional accrediting body, to offer the applied science baccalaureate program starting this fall. The NWCCU approval follows the 2022 approval received from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).
The 90-credit bachelor’s program is structured to provide participants with a balance between in-person and independent online courses, including an in-person lab weekly. It is designed to help attendees balance studies with their work and personal life, while also addressing real-world workplace challenges such as production systems, automation, materials testing, safety, and beyond.
“Expanding our bachelor’s offerings by adding an Advanced Design and Manufacturing program aligns with employer demand as well as regional and state economic labor market trends,” said Michael Reese, SVC executive dean for instruction for workforce education. “Skagit Valley College is proud to be a partner in preparing students for careers in high-demand, high-wage fields with strong lifetime earning ability.”
The bachelor’s program is overseen by Dr. Timothy Ewing, previously responsible for teaching and leading a similar program at Bellingham Technical College. Ewing has dedicated his career to developing bachelor-level engineering technology degree programs, managing STEM-related educational programs, curriculum development, instruction, and applied research.
Ewing earned his master’s degree in 2010 in Biological Systems Engineering from Washington State University, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering in 2014, also from WSU. His background includes instructional and research roles at institutions such as Washington State University, Highline College, Bellingham Technical College, and currently Skagit Valley College.
“Our four-year pathway offers new opportunities for two groups of future students: those interested in a four-year educational journey encompassing a first-year certificate, and those aiming for a two-year associate degree with marketable skills in areas like composites, CNC machining, and industrial automation,” said Ewing. “Additionally, the pathway leads to a two-year applied bachelor’s degree, providing exposure to management topics such as operations, supply chain, finance, and statistical quality control, expanding into diverse manufacturing areas.”
The associate degree program in Advanced Manufacturing and Design is overseen by Matthew Weaver, who obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 2002 and has since dedicated his career to manufacturing.
Post-college, Weaver joined Fiberglass Supply where he implemented an enterprise resource system, developed products for the education market, founded a composite mold manufacturing department, and consulted for diverse clients, from small businesses to Boeing tier one suppliers designing molding systems and developing composite part manufacturing systems.
“As markets have become more competitive and pressures from inflation have become more acute, the need for well-trained workers with a solid understanding of business operations and how their role impacts the company are more important than ever,” said Weaver. “We integrate continuous improvement and lean manufacturing skills with practical technical training for modern manufacturing roles.”
Upcoming online program briefings will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday, Oct. 3, from 5-6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 12-1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 5-6 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 5-6 p.m.
To register for these sessions and to learn more about the program, visit the Advanced Manufacturing and Design homepage or contact outreach@skagit.edu.
Informacion en Español: informacion@skagit.edu or 360.417.7740.
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