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BEND, Ore. - The first engineering degree at Oregon State University-Cascades was approved today by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education - a new program in energy engineering management.

The degree is one of a handful of undergraduate programs of its kind in the nation, and represents a growing demand for professionals who can understand complex engineering and business issues, and identify solutions that will provide maximum energy efficiency.

Housed within OSU's College of Engineering, the degree will initially be offered only at the Bend campus. The program was designed by faculty from both the Corvallis and Bend campuses with input from engineering companies and economic development interests in Central Oregon.

The degree meets the standards of the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology, and accreditation will be received after the first graduates complete the program, a requirement for accreditation. Graduates will receive a bachelor of science degree from OSU.

"The approval of the energy engineering management degree is an important milestone in the creation of a slate of distinctive academic programs at OSU-Cascades, to leverage the power of OSU, attract students, and help meet the economic needs of Central Oregon and Oregon," said Becky Johnson, vice president of OSU-Cascades.

In the energy engineering management curriculum, students will gain technical and strategic knowledge about energy technologies, and take coursework in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering and business management in addition to energy-specific courses. They will also learn complex energy systems as applied to business, management concerns and environmental issues.

OSU-Cascades will work with the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program at OSU so students can access this competitive work-study program.  MECOP creates work-ready and experienced graduates, and about half of OSU engineering students participate in it.

"OSU's College of Engineering is a leader in research and commercialization of sustainable forms of energy and the technologies associated with them," said Ron Adams, dean of the college. "That, plus Central Oregon's climate and a growing energy sector, create a recipe for a strong program."

More information on the new program can be obtained online: http://www.osucascades.edu/academics/energy-engineering-management.