Future Engineers Explore Transfer and Career Pathways to Reach Their Goals

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Night of Engineering introduced regional middle school, high school, and college students to academic pathways to pursue careers in engineering.

Night of Engineering gives students a clear view of what the next six to eight years could look like, from an associate degree, to bachelor’s, to a full-time career, through the Southern Maryland Engineering Partnership. Around 70 students attended the event to hear testimony and advice from current students, and engage with faculty, staff, and engineering industry leaders.

Dr. Bernice Brezina, Interim Vice President of the Division of Learning, spoke about the partnership’s small class sizes, and how this facilitates close relationships with professors. She encouraged attendees to ask questions and learn more about a future in engineering.

“You will have an abundance of support to help you get through a very rigorous program,” Brezina said. “Engineering opens you up to a lot of possibilities.”

The engineering partnership allows students to begin learning at CSM to earn an associate degree in mechanical or electrical engineering. Students can then transfer to the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM) as a junior to earn a bachelor’s degree. Once completed, students may have opportunities for careers with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).

Doug Duehring earned an engineering degree from both CSM and USMSM, and now works as a Navy Flight Test Engineer at Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS PAX River). He told the students he was unsure what direction he would go after high school, but the transfer program inspired him to pursue engineering. He encouraged those in the audience, who may also be undecided, to learn more about what kind of opportunities are available.

“When I was in your seat, I wish I knew how diverse NAWCAD Pax River is, all the different disciplines and jobs in STEM,” Duehring said. “How your engineering degree transitions into the workforce was my biggest mystery and what kind of job I will be doing. There are so many different opportunities.”

Night of Engineering is held at the USMSM Southern Maryland Autonomous Research and Technology (SMART) Building in St. Mary’s County, where students can complete their bachelor’s degree.

CSM graduate Nicole Carron and is now a senior at USMSM earning a degree in mechanical engineering. She detailed her experience with small class sizes and faculty support.

"Being able to know my professors and get direct support created a stronger learning environment for me and a better sense of community where asking questions feels natural and is encouraged,” Carron said.

The transfer pathways provide affordable options for students to earn their degrees. Michael York is a sophomore electrical engineering student at CSM with plans to transfer to USMSM. He shared that affordability and accessibility played a significant role in his decision.

“It ended up being an amazing and fulfilling experience,” York said. "It was a way to stay close to my family, connect with industry jobs, and pursue my love of robotics while saving thousands of dollars.”

There are several scholarship opportunities to help support engineering students at each stage of their academic journey. These scholarships are made possible through industry partnerships, including The Patuxent Partnership (TPP) Pathways Scholarship and the Constellation (Calvert Cliffs) Pathway Scholarship.

In its inaugural 2025-2026 year, the Constellation (Calvert Cliffs) Pathway Scholarship awarded three full ride scholarships to CSM engineering students, as well as five scholarships to support CSM workforce training students.

The Patuxent Partnership (TPP) Pathways Scholarship, established by TPP, supports students majoring in engineering to support STEM workforce development at the Naval Air Warfare - Aircraft Division.

Following the presentations, event attendees toured labs at the SMART Building, where CSM and USMSM faculty and industry partners led hands-on engineering demonstrations.

Night of Engineering is hosted each spring and fall. The CSM Engineering webpage has additional information about the engineering programs.