Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven has received approval to launch a utilities management specialization within its business administration bachelor’s degree program.
SCSU said it’s the first program of its kind in Connecticut, and may be first in the country. It will start in the fall 2016 semester.
The school said it wants to infuse fresh talent into an industry with an aging workforce. One-third of public utility employees in the region are eligible to retire in the next five years, according to SCSU, which said that the situation is even more serious at the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority — half of the workforce can retire in the next five years.
Gateway Community College is launching accompanying associate’s degree and certificate programs, designed to create a pathway for students into the SCSU program, the school said.
The specialization will mix business courses with curriculum focusing on water, gas, electric and wastewater utilities, as well as green energy, environmental sustainability and other topics.
