Purdue Polytechnic has launched a new Multidisciplinary Technology (MDT) bachelor's degree program in Indianapolis, designed to provide a clear and career-focused pathway for students transferring from Ivy Tech Community College.
The degree, allows students with an associate degree in fields like Industrial Technology, Visual Communications, Design Technology or General Studies to seamlessly transition into a Purdue bachelor's program without losing credits. The program will also be open to all incoming first-year students in the fall of 2027.
“I'm excited to see the launch of the Multidisciplinary Technology program in Indianapolis,” said David Umulis, Purdue senior vice provost for Indianapolis. “From the outset, the program is designed to support transfer students into the Purdue bachelor's degree program. Many programs from Ivy Tech map into the MDT degree, providing a path for rapid progress towards a Purdue Bachelor's degree in Technology.”
The MDT program is built on a "2+2" model, allowing students to complete their associate degree in two years and their Purdue bachelor's degree in another two. The curriculum is highly flexible, with up to two-thirds of the credit hours customizable to match a student's specific career goals and employer needs.
Students can tailor their degree through three distinct pathways designed to align with Indiana's evolving workforce demands:
- Automation, Robotics and Manufacturing Technology: Prepares students to move from technician roles to leadership positions in smart manufacturing and robotics integration.
- Project Management and Leadership: Focuses on managing complex technical teams and systems across industries such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Immersive Design and Technology: Blends creativity with technical skill, training students to use 3D modeling, VR, and building information modeling (BIM) tools to visualize digital and built environments.
“Purdue Polytechnic has the opportunity to leverage the city as an integrated laboratory in partnership with the community,” said Christian Rogers, assistant dean for Purdue Polytechnic in Indianapolis. He noted that MDT students will connect with innovative programming such as EPICS, VIP, and The Data Mine, giving them a choice-driven education through a "highly flexible program."
By integrating technical depth with leadership readiness, the MDT degree addresses a critical gap in the labor market. It is designed for students who want to expand beyond a single technical specialization and position themselves for advancement in technology-driven industries.
“The multidisciplinary degree provides Ivy Tech Indianapolis students with a flexible, high-value pathway to transfer as juniors to Purdue Polytechnic,” said Claire Maxson, vice chancellor for academic affairs at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis. “It expands opportunities for students in our School of Information Technology and the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science, while also reflecting strong collaboration with programs such as Visual Communications and Applied Organizational Leadership Studies in the School of Business, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management.”
The launch supports Purdue's strategic expansion in Indianapolis, which aims to significantly grow the tech-driven economy throughout the state by providing an innovative, STEM-based collegiate experience integrated with local businesses.
About Purdue University in Indianapolis
Purdue University in Indianapolis is a fully integrated expansion of Purdue, extending to central Indiana the academic rigor and accessible excellence for which Purdue is known. As Indiana's top 10 public university, most trusted university and most innovative university, Purdue is focused on and committed to strengthening its presence in Indiana's industrial and technological center. Purdue University in Indianapolis is creating an innovative, STEM-based collegiate experience by connecting future-ready Purdue students and faculty in Indianapolis to local businesses to accelerate Indiana's STEM pipeline and tech ecosystem, fueling impact for the region and the world.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree. Follow Ivy Tech Indianapolis on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.
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