INDIANAPOLIS – Butler University launched a new engineering program aimed at meeting the need for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education.
The undergraduate program starts in fall 2026 and will offer students Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and bioengineering.
Butler said the program will fill a gap identified by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation between the number of engineering jobs available in the state and the number of graduates in the state qualified to fill them.
The shortage spans several industries, including manufacturing, life sciences and technology.
Engineering students will take an interdisciplinary approach rooted in a liberal arts education to help them develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making and communication skills. That’s all in addition to the rigorous technical training needed to build an engineering knowledge base.
The university envisions small, hands-on classes where students learn mathematics, physics, computer science and core engineering principles. The courses will also include an emphasis on digital technology.
“We are equipping students not only to solve technical problems, but to think, communicate, and act ethically as professionals and citizens,” said Jay Howard, Ph.D., Butler’s interim provost. “The blend of engineering fundamentals with liberal arts skills fosters engineers who understand both innovation and its social impact.
Here’s what Butler expects students to get from the three degrees featured in its four-year program:
Bioengineering: Students will learn how to design solutions that improve lives—whether through medical devices, prosthetics, agriculture, food technology or environmental technologies. Students will gain technical and human-focused skills to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of biology and engineering.
Chemical Engineering: Students will explore the science behind everyday products—from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to food and sustainable materials. This degree builds on Butler’s nationally recognized Chemistry program and benefits from close proximity to global industry leaders like Lilly and Corteva Agriscience.
Mechanical Engineering: Students will learn about the interactions between energy, motion, and the material world and use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to develop efficient and reliable mechanical solutions. These foundational skills are directly tied to real-world applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, where mechanical engineers innovate everything from engines and turbines to robotics and prosthetics. Classes will be taught in Butler’s new, state-of-the-art Sciences Complex, with access to industry-grade simulators and cutting-edge digital tools.
Jeffrey Carvell, Ph.D., has been selected to serve as chair of Butler’s new Engineering program. He most recently served as interim dean of the Witchger School of Engineering at Marian University. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Physics from Purdue University, a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University, and a B.S. in Physics from Butler University.
“The demand for skilled engineers has never been greater, and our program is uniquely positioned to prepare graduates who not only have the technical expertise but also the critical thinking and communication skills to lead,” Carvell said in a statement. “Being in Indianapolis—at the center of innovation, industry, and opportunity—gives our students an incredible advantage as they begin building meaningful and impactful careers.”
Butler is now accepting applications for fall 2026. Incoming first-year students can apply here.
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