MIDWEST CITY – Rose State College will launch Oklahoma’s first associate in applied science degree in simulation technology, financed with a $750,000 Workforce Demonstration Grant awarded by the Oklahoma Workforce Commission.
This groundbreaking program, the second of its kind in the nation, directly addresses the growing workforce needs of Oklahoma’s expanding aerospace, defense and healthcare sectors, positioning the state as a national leader in simulation technician training.
“Simulation technology is a rapidly growing field, and this program provides students with a direct pipeline into high-paying, high-demand careers right here in Oklahoma,” said Whitney Alvis, dean of workforce at the school. “By combining hands-on training with stackable micro-credentials, we’re not only meeting the urgent needs of our industry partners but also providing students with the tools they need to succeed and grow throughout their careers.”
The program will equip students with skills to troubleshoot, repair and maintain complex simulation systems used for mission-critical training in both civilian and military applications.
Students will earn four stackable, industry-recognized micro-credentials as they progress toward an associate degree, which is under development and pending approval by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, gaining marketable skills from the outset.
Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma (DRG), one of the state’s leading defense contractors, sees the program as an immediate solution to a national workforce shortage.
“There simply aren’t enough trained simulation technicians coming out of the pipeline to meet demand, not just in Oklahoma but across the country,” said DRG Recruitment Manager Timothy Smith. “Rose State College is stepping up to fill that void. This program will provide our industry with a steady stream of qualified candidates who have the real-world technical skills we require. It’s a win for students, a win for employers and a win for Oklahoma’s economy.”
CymSTAR, a leading provider of simulation technology, emphasized the program’s strategic importance in sustaining industry growth in the state.
“The future of aerospace and defense relies on a highly skilled workforce that understands the complexity of simulation and training systems,” said Dan Marticello, president and chief executive officer at CymSTAR.
“Rose State’s new program will not only address today’s workforce shortages, but it’s building a long-term pipeline of professionals who will keep Oklahoma competitive in this critical sector for years to come.”
According to the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, nearly 20,000 additional workers will be needed by 2028 to keep pace with the growth of the aerospace and defense sector, making workforce solutions like this more urgent than ever. Labor market data from Lightcast shows that over the past five years, more than 202 simulation-related job openings were posted, with 17 employers actively competing for qualified candidates. Notably, 34% of these positions required an associate degree, justifying the need for formal training programs to prepare a skilled workforce.
Rose State began implementing the simulation technology program last month. A dedicated project director, workforce development staff and industry-based adjunct instructors will lead the program. Continuous assessments are intended to ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with evolving industry needs and student success outcomes.
“We designed this program to be flexible, responsive and deeply connected to Oklahoma’s workforce demands,” Alvis added.