Tech is the fastest growing industry in the Bay Area, with an ecosystem of hardware and software start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, and research institutions. Driving this growth is a constant demand for talent.

To help meet this need, Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU) has created one of the most unique educational programs in the nation with a curriculum designed to blend engineering theory with real-world application.

Beginning with an 18-month master’s program, students have four years to complete a Ph.D. in engineering. The goal is to graduate students who will fill critical roles in Silicon Valley and beyond.

By bringing together professionals from academia, business, and industry, the “NPU-X” program provides students with world-class academic training that prepares them for leadership roles in technology companies and institutions. The program offers:

– A focus on the science and business of technology

– An interdisciplinary approach to learning and problem solving

– Opportunities to connect with industry leaders and scholars from around the world

NPU offers four engineering degrees: Master of Science in Engineering (MSE), Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Engineering (DEng). There are also two business degrees: MBA and EMBA.

Pipeline to Silicon Valley Leadership

NPU’s Silicon Valley location provides students with many opportunities for internships and networking. In addition, graduates gain access to an extensive network of leaders in private industry, government agencies, military, educational institutions, and other universities.

Graduates can take positions as engineers or technologists for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 corporations, including:

– Apple

– Google

– Cisco Systems

– IBM

– Intel

– Applied Materials

NPU has more than 100 students in its graduate programs who can participate in the recruitment process. Over 90% of students receive a job offer before graduation from their program. Of those accepting offers, 95% accept offers from companies in the Bay Area.

The Skills Needed for Success

According to a recent study by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, the demand for skilled workers in the Bay Area is rising almost three times as fast as new job creation. There are now more than 300,000 unfilled jobs throughout Silicon Valley, and finding highly trained people who can meet the demands of companies looking to grow has become a challenge.

The study identified six critical skills needed to fill the jobs in highly technical, highly paid occupations over the next ten years: Software development and programming; Systems Analysis and Administration; Networking and Telecom Professionals; Engineering Managers; Computer Hardware Engineers; Mathematicians, Statisticians.

NPU’s graduate programs are designed to help prepare the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills that are in high demand by employers. Graduates have achieved 100% job placement within six months of graduation.

– 100% placement rate during first six months for engineering graduates

– 95% placement rate during the first six months for business graduates According to one student, being part of NPU’s program is “the best experience I’ve had in my life. It’s all about learning by doing.”