APSU to award new chemical engineering tech degree to 50-plus candidates

Clarksville, TN – During Spring Commencement on May 6th, Austin Peay State University will graduate the first class of students to receive the new Associate of Applied Science in chemical engineering technology.

A total of 53 students will receive the degree, launched for the first time in Fall 2009. The degree program is housed in the APSU College of Science and Mathematics, which will send off its candidates at 10:00am, Friday, May 6th.

The Associate of Applied Science in chemical engineering technology was designed following the announcement in December 2008 that Michigan-based Hemlock Semiconductor Group will build a new production facility in Commerce Park. Hemlock is a leading manufacturer of products used in the growing solar cell technology industry.

Hemlock has hired some of APSU’s soon-to-be graduates of the chemical engineering technology program, as well as the Tennessee Valley Authority. Wacker Chemie in Cleveland, TN, which produces hyper-pure crystalline polysilicon for solar cells, also is recruiting APSU students graduating from this program.

APSU’s 60 credit-hour program, expected to produce 64 graduates per year by the fifth year of operation, includes 17 hours in general education requirements and 43 hours in the major.

For more information about APSU’s A.A.S. degree in chemical engineering technology, notify the APSU Department of Chemistry at 931-221-7626 or visit online at www.apsu.edu/chemistry.