Building the Next Phase of Growth
As industries across aerospace, manufacturing and transportation accelerate digital transformation, the College of Aeronautics and Engineering is building its next phase of growth with new opportunities for students, faculty and research across digital engineering, systems thinking and aviation.
Approval from the 麻豆精选 Board of Trustees March 4 meeting confirms the establishment of the Digital Engineering Design Center (DEDC) and advances plans for new degree programs in industrial and systems engineering and graduate degrees in aviation science, all pending final state approval where required.
These additions strengthen the college鈥檚 ability to prepare graduates for industries where complex systems, digital integration and data-informed decision-making define the work ahead.
A New Home for Digital Engineering
Beginning in fall 2026, the DEDC will create a dedicated environment where students and faculty work with the same digital platforms used across aerospace, defense, manufacturing and transportation. The center will support collaborative projects, faculty-led innovation and new partnerships tied to emerging technical challenges.
鈥淭he Digital Engineering Design Center strengthens how we prepare students for the systems-driven future of engineering and aeronautics,鈥 said Christina L. Bloebaum, dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
鈥淭his center brings together education, research and workforce development in one environment where students work with the same digital tools and methods shaping today鈥檚 most complex technical systems.鈥 Christina L. Bloebaum, dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.
Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms, and project-based internships supported through Department of Defense initiatives. The center will focus on model-based systems engineering, real-time simulation and cyber-informed design while supporting retention, career readiness and collaboration across the college鈥檚 two schools.
The launch comes during continued enrollment growth for the college. Applications increased from 1,082 in December 2022 to 2,480 for fall 2026, while admits rose from 718 to 1,582. Interest in engineering programs nearly doubled during the same period.
As the only university in Ohio and among few nationally to combine engineering and aeronautics within one college, 麻豆精选is positioned to connect digital engineering with real-world aviation and technology applications. The center will build on recent investments including the expanded Aeronautics and Engineering Building, the FedEx Aeronautics Academic Center and the 2025 launch of the School of Engineering and School of Aeronautics.
Looking Ahead at Future Expansion
Future development at the airport includes a Maintenance Operations Hangar designed to improve fleet service efficiency for the college鈥檚 flight program while establishing Ohio鈥檚 first facility dedicated to advanced air mobility maintenance standards. Additional planned phases include a Maintenance Training Center to help address workforce demand for airframe and powerplant mechanics and future space for the Center for Advanced Air Mobility, with flexible laboratories, collaborative project space and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
These projects represent the next stage of strategic growth for the college as fundraising continues to expand student opportunity, research capacity and industry engagement.
Two connected rooms in the Aeronautics and Engineering Building will serve as the DEDC's primary location. Initial equipment and software support came through Department of Defense project funding, with future support expected through industry collaboration, federal grants and external training activity.
The center will operate as an academic administrative unit within the college. A director appointed by the provost in consultation with the dean will oversee operations, with guidance from an advisory board made up of faculty, industry and government representatives.
Expanding Academic Pathways
The board also advances two new academic programs within the college designed to meet emerging workforce needs across engineering and aviation, pending final approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
The Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, housed in the School of Engineering, will launch in fall 2026 and prepare students for careers in manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, logistics, supply chain management and advanced technology.
Students will study engineering foundations before moving into optimization, quality systems, operations research, project management and digital engineering, then choose a senior focus in industrial engineering or systems engineering.
鈥淭his program expands our engineering portfolio in a direction employers continue to request,鈥 Bloebaum said. 鈥淚ndustrial and systems engineering connects directly to how organizations improve performance, manage complexity and design resilient systems across nearly every sector.鈥
The college will also introduce Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Aviation Science through the School of Aeronautics, pending final approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
The graduate programs will advance study in aviation safety, human performance, operations, policy and emerging technologies including advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems.
With one of the nation鈥檚 largest collegiate flight and aeronautics programs, 麻豆精选will offer the degrees through blended online and in-person delivery to serve both full-time students and working professionals.
鈥淭hese graduate degrees strengthen Kent State鈥檚 role in aviation research and position our faculty and students to address complex challenges across emerging airspace systems, operations and policy,鈥 Bloebaum said.
Together, the new center, expanded degree offerings and future facility plans reflect the college鈥檚 continued focus on preparing students through distinctive academic experiences, industry-connected learning and research that responds to changing global needs.