BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) — Bluefield State University has received approval from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to launch a Master of Science in Engineering Technology, the university’s first graduate degree in a STEM discipline.
The 30-credit-hour program targets graduates and working professionals who hold bachelor’s degrees in engineering technology or related fields. Students can complete the degree in as little as one year of full-time study or complete coursework over two to three years on a part-time basis. The program launches in fall 2026.
“As our first master’s degree in a STEM field, this program is a historic achievement for the university and an investment in the future workforce of our region,” said Bluefield State President Darrin Martin. “As technology continues to transform every sector of the economy, Bluefield State is preparing professionals who can lead that transformation.”
Developed in response to employer feedback and labor market projections showing faster-than-average growth in STEM occupations, the program emphasizes both advanced technical skills and the leadership capabilities employers increasingly demand. Coursework covers project management, automated systems engineering, emerging technologies and research methods, culminating in a capstone project grounded in real-world application.
“Employers are seeking professionals who possess advanced technical expertise and the leadership skills to manage projects, teams and emerging technologies,” Martin said. “The MSET program was designed to meet that demand while offering the flexibility today’s students and working professionals require.”
The program will be delivered primarily online in an asynchronous format, with a hybrid in-seat option available. Students may begin in the fall, spring or summer semester.
The MSET curriculum draws on existing faculty expertise across engineering technology, engineering management and computer science, building on the university’s longstanding strength in STEM disciplines to deliver a program grounded in both academic rigor and real-world application.
The new degree joins Bluefield State’s Master of Business Administration as the university’s second graduate offering, broadening educational pathways for students and advancing the institution’s mission of preparing graduates for high-demand careers in West Virginia and Appalachia.
For more information, visit bluefieldstate.edu.
