UWF and NWFSC expand engineering pathways with four new transfer degree programs

The University of West Florida and Northwest Florida State College are expanding opportunities for students to pursue engineering careers in Northwest Florida through four new Specialized Associate in Arts Transfer, or SAAT, degree pathways that create a seamless route from associate-level coursework at NWFSC to bachelor's degree completion through UWF.

Approved by the Florida State Board of Education during its July 22 meeting in Orlando, the new pathways allow students to begin their engineering education at NWFSC's Niceville campus and continue into UWF's upper-division engineering programs at the joint NWFSC-UWF campus in Fort Walton Beach.

The four newly approved SAAT programs include civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

"This partnership reflects what higher education should do - create opportunities that meet students where they are and prepare them for where they want to go," UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. said. "Together, UWF and Northwest Florida State College are expanding access to engineering education while strengthening the workforce that will drive innovation and economic growth across Northwest Florida. Students can begin their academic journey at NWFSC and then complete a UWF engineering degree without leaving the community they call home."

The new engineering pathways build upon the longstanding partnership between the two institutions to increase opportunities to complete bachelor's degrees without leaving the region.

"A student can start here, stay here and build a successful future here," said NWFSC President Mel Ponder. "Students will be able to start their engineering degree at Northwest Florida State College, continue through the University of West Florida and complete a high-quality bachelor's degree close to home. By working together, NWFSC and UWF are removing barriers, expanding access and building a stronger pipeline of engineers prepared to support our region's military installations, defense industry and growing technology economy."

The SAAT degree allows state colleges like NWFSC to provide additional lower-division coursework beyond the traditional 60-credit Associate in Arts degree when students need specialized preparation before transferring into designated university programs. The structure helps students complete the mathematics, science and engineering prerequisites required for upper-division study before entering their bachelor's degree programs.

"This is exactly the kind of partnership that strengthens both our College and the communities we serve," said Rhea Goff, chair of the NWFSC District Board of Trustees. "Students should not have to leave Northwest Florida to pursue an engineering education or prepare for careers in industries that are vital to our region. These new pathways give local students an affordable and accessible starting point while helping employers develop the highly skilled workforce they need."

The coordinated pathway is designed to provide students with a more seamless transition from NWFSC to UWF. Students will begin by completing foundational coursework at NWFSC before advancing into upper-division engineering instruction through UWF at the institutions' joint campus in Fort Walton Beach.

The new pathways will also support the region's need for engineers in high-demand fields connected to aerospace, defense, construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and advanced industry. By combining the accessibility and affordability of NWFSC with UWF's upper-division engineering programs, students will have a clear route from their first college course through completion of a bachelor's degree.

Additional information regarding program enrollment, advising, course sequencing and anticipated start dates will be announced as implementation plans are finalized.

To learn more about UWF transfer pathways, visit uwf.edu/2uwf. To learn more about engineering programs at Northwest Florida State College, visit NWFSC.edu/engineering.