The New Jersey Institute of Technology is forging a new path in higher education by teaming up with industry leaders to make graduate programs more accessible for working engineers while simultaneously strengthening the state’s engineering talent pipeline.
This innovative initiative gives companies the opportunity to enroll cohorts of five or more employees in NJIT’s graduate programs and receive a 20% tuition discount. Beyond financial incentives, the partnership allows firms to customize coursework to better align with their strategic goals, fostering professional development that directly benefits both employees and their organizations.
On November 10, T&M Associates, a national engineering firm headquartered in Middletown, became the first company to formalize its participation in the program by signing a memorandum of understanding. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in NJIT’s effort to blend academic rigor with real-world industry experience.
NJIT President Teik Lim emphasized that modern education extends beyond traditional classroom instruction. “It’s not just on the backs of faculty — we need industry partnerships to educate students more effectively,” Lim said. “Professional engineers, like those from T&M, learning alongside traditional students creates a dynamic environment where knowledge flows both ways. This comprehensive approach produces professionals who are better equipped for the challenges of today’s engineering landscape.”
Growing Momentum Across the State
T&M Associates Chairman Gary Dahms expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting its benefits for staff development. “This program enhances our team’s ability to continue their education and advance their careers while partnering with a prestigious institution like NJIT,” said Dahms. “We already have a tuition reimbursement program, but this partnership adds even more value and opportunity for our employees.”
The initiative is rapidly gaining traction. Colliers Engineering & Design, headquartered in Holmdel and employing more than 3,000 professionals, has also joined NJIT’s partnership program. Richard Maser, Executive Chairman of Colliers Engineering, described the collaboration as a model for bridging academic learning and practical application. “By investing in workforce development, we are supporting employee growth and helping cultivate the next generation of engineering leaders,” Maser explained.
Addressing Workforce Challenges Through Education
NJIT is positioning this program as a strategic response to a critical industry need: upskilling engineers amid rapid advances in infrastructure technology, materials, sustainability practices, and digital design. By providing flexible and affordable graduate education options, the program helps firms retain talent while ensuring New Jersey maintains a robust pipeline of skilled engineers.
The partnership also creates a reciprocal exchange of knowledge between academia and industry. Engineers returning from the program bring fresh insights, new methods, and innovative technologies that can improve project efficiency and quality. Simultaneously, faculty gain firsthand exposure to emerging industry trends and practical challenges, enriching their teaching and research.
Taha Marhaba, chair of NJIT’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, described the program as “bridging the gap between academic innovation and professional practice.” He stressed the importance of keeping engineers up to date with cutting-edge tools and frameworks, including data-driven modeling, AI-assisted analysis, and resilient infrastructure design techniques.
More information about this program, its offerings, and how it supports workforce advancement can be found on the technology and tech page of Explore New Jersey.
NJIT’s collaboration with T&M Associates and Colliers Engineering represents a forward-thinking model for higher education, demonstrating how universities and businesses can work together to develop talent, improve industry practices, and keep New Jersey at the forefront of engineering excellence.
