RICHMOND, Ky. — Demand for jobs in manufacturing engineering is projected to see an 11% increase by 2029 in Kentucky.

What You Need To Know

  • Eastern Kentucky University started offering a manufacturing engineering degree in fall 2023  

  • Program leaders said they expect to have at least 25 returning students and 20 freshmen for its second year

  • Students get hands-on experience, from woodworking to 3D printing 

A year into its existence, Eastern Kentucky University’s manufacturing program continues to see its popularity grow.

From woodworking to 3D printing, students in the program get hands-on experience.

“Even from an early part in their career, we want students to learn how to use machine tools (and) computer-aided equipment," said Michael Kennedy, interim chair of EKU's engineering and technology department and interim director of manufacturing engineering.

Twenty-five students made up last year's inaugural class, and 20 students have been admitted starting this fall. Kennedy said that number is expected to grow as the school year gets underway.

“Manufacturing is a focus for the commonwealth, and our regional manufacturers have demand for employees who can get things done in the manufacturing environment," Kennedy said.

EKU has the only manufacturing degree in the state. Judy Jenkins, director of the STEM Center for Excellence, said students are learning content that comes straight from industry leaders.

“We’re designing our curriculum and our lab spaces around what we’re doing in manufacturing right now," Jenkins said. "We have an industry advisory board that welcomes us into spaces and gives us their knowledge as to what graduates need today."

Graduates with a manufacturing engineering degree can work in automotive, aerospace and medical fields, with an average salary of more than $81,000 in Kentucky.

“Because all students start at different places ... our job in the STEM Center is to make sure students have the resources they need to be successful in whatever it is they’re pursuing," Jenkins said

Manufacturing in Kentucky sees a yearly increase of more than 4% in the number of jobs. That's thanks to Toyota, electric vehicle battery plants and other growing industries, Kennedy said. 

“Students who want to stay here, which is most of our students, have been able to do so," he said.

EKU will also have a learning-living community directed toward engineering and technology students.

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