Purdue University is partnering with Cranfield University to jointly offer education programs that will support the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies. Pictured are Mung Chiang, Simon Pollard and Gary Bertoline.

The collaboration is a giant leap forward in helping secure the state of Indiana’s role as a leader in military arts, science and technology.

“This is an exciting and strategic opportunity for Purdue and the state,” said Greg Deason, senior vice president for entrepreneurship and place making for the Purdue Research Foundation. “We stand ready to help those looking to take their ideas and create impact.”

Purdue at WestGate, which is based next to Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane) in south central Indiana, will offer the first program – a dual master’s degree in defense in engineering and technology, with a specialization in expeditionary warfare, or the deployment of a country’s military forces to fight abroad.

“We are bringing together two excellent universities and their incredible resources to help individuals in the military sector,” said Gary Bertoline, dean of Purdue Polytechnic Institute. “This really touches upon Purdue’s role as a land-grant institution to make a difference for the people of Indiana.”

Mung Chiang, the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering at Purdue University, and Simon Pollard of Cranfield University signed the partnership agreement on Oct. 25.

The dual-university partnership provides options for military personnel and civilians in the scientific, engineering and technology communities affiliated with the Department of Defense, and their partnering contractors, to study for degrees in defense engineering.

The new curriculum will cover vehicles, conventional weapons and electronic warfare systems and sensors used in expeditionary warfare.

The dual master’s program will introduce students to the critical issues and constraints associated with modern expeditionary warfare systems. Special attention will be given to recent advances in global defense technologies, and the analysis and evaluation of systems against change and threat developments.

“Purdue Engineering is excited to bring innovative learning to workforce development by partnering with Cranfield and Navy NSWC Crane in Indiana,” Chiang said.