Cory Ehrnstrom, Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology Program Student

The University's BSAST program in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology and the BSAST program in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology are ABET accredited. The accreditation affirms that the programs meet the stringent benchmarks set forth by ABET and benefits students interested in advancing in related fields where quality post-secondary education is uncreasingly mandated.

Powering Through

Like Most Students, Cordell "Cory" Ehrnstrom Was Just Seeking Some Acceptance

"I was searching for an institution that would maximize my existing credits and minimize the number of courses I would need to earn my bachelor’s degree," said Ehrnstrom, a Reactor Services site manager for Exelon Corporation's Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Forked River, N.J.

"I knew the training I had as an instrument technician was assessed for credit, so I searched for a school that would accept that credit," he said.

Ehrnstrom's search brought him to Thomas Edison State University where he enrolled in the online Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology (BSAST) degree in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology because the program awarded the optimum amount of credits for his military and professional training.

He anticipates the degree will expand his prospects for lateral moves within his organization and strengthen his resume for future opportunities.

Ehrnstrom served in the United States Air Force through the 1980's as an electronic technician after attending basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and later received his technical training at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss., before being stationed at Avon Park Bombing Range in Avon Park, Fla.

"The College of the Air Force awarded credits for basic training and technical school, and I had also taken a few college courses along the way," said Ehrnstrom, who ultimately earned his associate degree at Ocean County College in New Jersey. "I took several College-Level Examination Program (CLEP®) exams, a classroom-based course and the balance of my associate degree courses online before transferring my credits to TESU."

The BSAST degree in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology program in which Ehrnstrom is enrolled was awarded accreditation by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET in 2012. "The accreditation affirms that the program meets the stringent benchmarks set forth by ABET and benefits students, like Cory, who are interested in advancing in a field where quality postsecondary education is increasingly mandated," said Assistant Dean Dr. Richard Coe who oversees the program.

The School of Applied Science and Technology was also recently awarded initial ABET accreditation for its BSAST in Electronics Systems Engineering Technology degree program.

Online courses continue to be the best fit for Ehrnstrom who can expect to work 12- to 14-hour shifts and seven days a week to support multiple plants during Exelon’s scheduled refueling outages throughout the year.

He is the father of four children aged 20 to 28 and helps wife Ines manage a small menagerie of pets including a Teacup Yorkie, a Shih Tzu, a Morkie (a Maltese-Yorkie mix) and two cats.

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