Program Overview

Adams State/CSU Mechanical Engineering Partnership Program

The Adams State/CSU Mechanical Engineering Partnership Program is a collaborative effort between Colorado State University and Adams State University, offering a CSU mechanical engineering bachelor's degree at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. This program allows students in the San Luis Valley to stay close to home and earn a coveted CSU degree.

Program Description

• The program is delivered in its entirety on the Adams State University campus in Alamosa, Colorado.
• Students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from CSU, the same degree as the one offered at CSU-Fort Collins, but at a different location.
• The program is not a dual degree program.

Academic and General Questions

Program Details

• What is this program?
  • A partnership between Colorado State University and Adams State University to offer a CSU mechanical engineering bachelor's degree at Adams State University.
• Is this the same degree as what I would earn as a CSU student on the Fort Collins campus?
  • Yes, students completing the program will receive a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from CSU.
• Is this a dual degree program?
  • No.
• Is this an ABET-accredited degree?
  • At this time, the degree does not have an accreditation, as ABET requires students to graduate from the program before the accreditation is pursued.
• Which campus would I attend?
  • The degree is delivered in its entirety on the ASU campus in Alamosa, Colorado.
• Who teaches the courses?
  • ASU will provide all lower-division coursework (100- and 200-level) for the first two years. CSU faculty based in Alamosa will deliver all upper-division coursework (300- and 400-level) for the last two years.
• When will the program welcome its first cohort of students?
  • Fall 2022.
• How many credits are required to complete the degree?
  • A total of 129 credits are required to complete the degree, specifically 78 lower division credits and 51 upper division credits.
• Who would my advisor fall under?
  • A program-specific advisor will support students throughout the entirety of the program, both while they’re an ASU student and as a CSU student.
• Can I walk in ASU graduation?
  • Yes!
• Will tutoring be available for program participants?
  • Tutoring for courses delivered by ASU will be available through ASU tutoring options. CSU will provide tutoring for its courses.
• Will there be designated learning spaces?
  • Yes. The program will be delivered in renovated classrooms and labs that are designed for engineering students and classes.
• Whose resources (online library, etc.) do I have access to?
  • You will have access to both ASU and CSU resources, although some resources may be available only through one institution or the other.
• Will there be student-affiliated clubs and support?
  • The ME Club began in Fall 2024. Students can also join STEM-affiliated clubs and STEM-oriented student programs on the Adams State University campus.
• What can I do with a mechanical engineering degree?
  • The field of mechanical engineering consists of problem solvers in materials and manufacturing, health, and energy. Mechanical engineering can take you to any end of the technology spectrum.
• What is the career outlook for a mechanical engineer?
  • Strong economic growth in the state of Colorado over the past decade has resulted in increased demand for engineers. A degree in mechanical engineering provides a well-defined career path and substantial earning potential.

Financial Questions

Tuition and Fees

• To which institution do I pay tuition and during which years?
  • Students will pay the applicable tuition rates depending upon their enrollment status.
• How do student fees work?
  • Course-specific fees will be paid to the institution offering the course. General fees will be paid to ASU the first 2 years, and to CSU thereafter.
• How does financial aid work?
  • Financial aid will be processed by the ASU Financial Aid Office during the first two years of the program.
• Are there scholarships available?
  • During the first two years, students will be eligible for ASU scholarships. After admission to CSU, students will be eligible for CSU scholarships.
• Will I be eligible for ASU work study in the last two years of the program?
  • CSU students will not be eligible for ASU work study after admission to the CSU program.

Admissions Questions

Admission Requirements

• Can I apply for the program now?
  • Yes!
• What are the deadlines for applying to this program?
  • Adams State University accepts rolling admissions.
• Do I need to apply as both an ASU and CSU student?
  • Initially, students will apply for admission to ASU as an engineering student.
• Will I be considered a transfer student?
  • Yes.
• How do transfer credits work?
  • If transferring to ASU from another institution, transfer credits will be evaluated by the ASU Transfer Coordinator.
• Can I start taking prerequisites before I apply to the program?
  • Yes! You can get a head start by taking the following courses that will later apply to the degree program.
• What are the admissions requirements for the program?
  • The student has been accepted to Adams State University. The student is placed into College Algebra, Trigonometry, or Calculus.

Career Opportunities

• The field of mechanical engineering consists of problem solvers in materials and manufacturing, health, and energy.
• Mechanical engineering can take you to any end of the technology spectrum.
• Students can make an impact on the world in professional areas including air quality, energy, biomedical engineering, environment, robotics, advanced manufacturing, automotive, laser sensing, and aerospace.
• A degree in mechanical engineering provides a well-defined career path and substantial earning potential with median starting salaries of $78,000 per year and an average annual salary of $108,178.