By Casey McKenna, Entertainment and Facts Editor
With the spring semester coming up right after the holidays, the University has been preparing to offer students fresh academic opportunities. One of these opportunities involves the study of computer engineering. Whether students are science majors or sociology majors, they will have the chance to take some courses within the University’s upcoming Engineering minor.
The minor, which requires 18 credit hours, will include a variety of challenging courses. Students who plan to minor in Saint Leo’s engineering program will be required to take courses that introduce them to the process of computer design and graphics as well as the mechanics of materials. Anyone interested in dipping their feet in the waters of engineering can take classes such as New Product Development or Engineering Mechanics. Regardless of whether students take a class as an elective, decide to pursue the minor, or don’t take any classes regarding engineering, word on campus is that students are excited about the new addition.
“I think it would help students who are interested in more science based majors,” said Kayla Cyphers, a Criminology major who is graduating in December.
“In the past, we haven’t had anything like this offered to students,” she said.
For students like Cyphers who are not involved in the science field, opportunities to learn from the academic addition are available for the students who take the opportunity to look beyond earning a few credits.
“I don’t think this minor would personally help me in my major, because I am already set with my Sociology track, but I think that introducing the engineering program to Saint Leo will allow me to learn from students who have a completely different perspective than I do,” said Deanna Tabone, a junior majoring in Sociology.
Learning from others can help students understand a different aspect of what their university offers. Deanna plans to take hold of this opportunity and make the most of her college career. In doing this, she has the opportunity to work better with potential clients, friends, or colleagues.
Walkens “Ken” Lallemand, a sophomore majoring in Business Marketing takes on a similar view as Tabone.
“I do have an interest in these classes, and I do feel that I would take them when the opportunity arises,” said Lallemand.
“It would make me more versatile and it’s always good to get your feet wet,” said Lallemand.
He feels that the chance to expand one’s horizons can only further them in their future endeavors.
“Why not take them if they are being offered? They [the classes]can only help,” said Lallemand.
For anyone interested in the Engineering minor, contact your advisor prior to the end of the fall semester.
