FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pikes Peak State College Expands Engineering Programs with Vision for the Future
Colorado Springs, CO – Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) is launching six new engineering degrees and continuing to expand opportunities for students entering the field. These advancements ensure that PPSC remains at the forefront of engineering education, workforce development, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. With barriers removed for students seeking engineering education, the Pikes Peak region benefits from locally trained and highly educated engineers entering the workforce.
New Engineering Degrees
The new Associate of Engineering Science degrees being offered are:
Transfer Pathways and High School Access
PPSC is introducing six new Associate of Engineering Science (AES) degrees, designed primarily for students planning to transfer to UCCS, CSU-Pueblo, CU-Boulder, CSU-Fort Collins, and the Colorado School of Mines. Among them, the Aerospace Engineering degree stands out because PPSC is the only college in the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) to offer this program in partnership with UCCS. The General Engineering degree provides flexibility for students exploring multiple pathways, including a transfer option to Colorado School of Mines.
In addition, PPSC has established four new AES agreements with CSU-Pueblo, ensuring a seamless transfer experience for students pursuing Industrial, Mechatronics, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering degrees. These degrees provide a cost-effective way for students to complete their first two years at PPSC before transferring to a four-year institution.
For students seeking immediate entry into the workforce, PPSC is developing an AAS – Engineering Technician degree, equipping students with practical, hands-on training for careers in engineering and manufacturing. While the AES degrees are designed as transfer degrees, they still provide students with the hands-on skills to enter the workforce as entry-level technicians, meeting immediate workforce needs for our community.
PPSC is also expanding access to engineering education for high school students through concurrent enrollment opportunities, allowing them to take college-level engineering courses while still in high school. These programs provide an early start on college credits, reducing time and cost for students pursuing engineering degrees. High school students interested in gaining real-world engineering experience are encouraged to explore concurrent enrollment options through their school counselors or by visiting PPSC’s website.
Building a Program from the Ground Up: McKenna’s Story
Behind these new opportunities is Dr. McKenna Lovejoy, an engineering faculty member who has dedicated herself to expanding PPSC’s engineering program from a small offering into one of the most comprehensive in the CCCS system. Dr. Lovejoy, who came to PPSC with a vision for accessible, high-quality engineering education, has been instrumental in securing partnerships with four-year institutions, developing new courses, and advocating for the resources needed to support student success.
Dr. Lovejoy’s passion for engineering education extends beyond the classroom. Through her involvement with NASA programs, the Space Foundation, and the Student Space Flight Experiment Program (SSEP), she has helped connect PPSC students with once-in-a-lifetime research opportunities, including experiments that will soon launch to the International Space Station (ISS).
“The goal has always been to make engineering more accessible,” Dr. Lovejoy said. “Whether students want to transfer to a top university, start working right away, or even launch an experiment into space, we are giving them the tools and opportunities to do that. The growth of this program is just the beginning.”
State-of-the-Art Lab Upgrades to Support Engineering Innovation
As PPSC expands its engineering programs, the college is also making major facility upgrades to ensure students have access to cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning spaces. Plans are underway for the renovation of engineering labs at the Rampart Range Campus, which will be critical for the new courses and degrees launching in Fall 2025.
A key feature of the remodeled space will be rapid prototyping capabilities, allowing students to use advanced 3D modeling software and send designs directly to in-lab 3D printers. This hands-on approach will enable students to visualize, test, and refine their engineering concepts in real time—an essential skill in modern engineering fields.
Additionally, new computers will be installed this summer, ensuring that students can work with advanced engineering software required for modeling, simulations, and design. As the program grows, PPSC is also exploring the need for additional faculty, expanded physics and math course offerings, and long-term investments in technology and lab equipment.
“These lab upgrades are an investment in our students,” says Dr. Lance Bolton, President of PPSC. “We’re not just creating new degrees—we’re making sure students have the resources and environment they need to succeed.”
How to Apply
Enrollment is now open for Fall 2025. To enroll, visit PikesPeak.edu/Admissions/Enroll.
About Pikes Peak State College
Established in 1968 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Pikes Peak offers associate degrees, certificates, and a growing number of bachelor's degrees in high-demand fields. With four campuses, two military education centers, and extensive online offerings, PPSC provides quality, affordable, and flexible education to more than 17,000 students annually.