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Gateway Community College (GCC) in New Haven, Conn., plans to begin offering a new associate degree in railroad engineering technology (RET) in spring — the first program of its kind at a Northeast university, according to GCC. On Oct. 20, the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education approved a two-year license for the RET program.

Students who enroll in the program will be able to choose an electromechanical or communications and signaling specialty. The electromechanical track will focus on rail-car repairs and maintenance; the C&S track will focus on communication and signaling systems repair and maintenance.

More than a year ago, MTA Metro-North Railroad officials approached GCC executives about determining ways to enhance the education of current Metro-North employees who are eligible for tuition assistance. The railroad also needed a training program to help address a high number of anticipated retirements during the next several years. Those discussions led to the formation of the RET program.

“This new degree program ... not only benefits students and Metro-North, but also the economies of greater New Haven and Connecticut, which rely heavily on reliable rail service," said GCC President Dorsey Kendrick in a prepared statement.