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Engineering Technology
- Applied Electronics and Controls
- Construction Technology and Technical Management Turning Ideas into Reality
Engineering Technology is about giving life to ideas and turning visions into realities.
With a blend of technical skills and scientific and engineering knowledge, the major teaches students to creatively handle challenges associated with manufacturing processes, construction design, project management, machinery systems, and environmental issues.
Take a construction project for example. Designing a processing plant on a computer screen is only part of the job—getting it up and running is another story. Beyond creativity and talent,
other skills are necessary: knowledge of materials; structures; the environment; and technical systems is critical, not to mention personnel issues, management, and budget concerns. These key elements of a project are the task of the engineering technologist—the person who assembles all the parts and turns ideas into reality.
Tools of the Trade
The Engineering Technology curriculum challenges students to become well-rounded, creative professionals. Although less theoretical in its analysis of problems, Engineering Technology still requires strong math and science abilities. Throughout the program, students use concepts from physics, chemistry and mathematics courses and apply them in courses like electricity, instrumentation, storm-water management, building construction, machinery design, and project management. Computers play a big role in the curriculum, and are used throughout the program in everything from engineering applications to computer-aided design. Two optional concentrations are offered to allow students to focus their studies in a particular area.
The concentration in Construction Technology and Technical Management has courses to strengthen the academic preparation for careers in the construction industry. Graduates will find positions that involve supervision of construction projects and design of highways, buildings, and other structures. Some careers can offer the opportunity to spend significant amounts of time outside the office.
The concentration in Applied Electronics and Controls is suitable for careers that involve manufacturing systems, computer network projects, vehicle electronics, and similar applications-oriented work. New microprocessor-based technology continues to be developed, and smart controls can be applied to many different situations.
Students who do not want to pursue either concentration can take the Engineering Technology major without a concentration option and design a program to suit their needs and interests. This option would be suitable for students interested in pursuing a career in the environmental or water resources areas.
In the major and in the concentrations, there is ample room to pursue other academic interests. Typical minors for our students include civil engineering, economics, or business administration.
A faculty advisor works with each student on an academic plan which includes courses in technical skills, technical sciences, technical specialization, and technical support. In addition, students take courses in communications, social sciences, humanities, literature and the arts. For students who already have completed some college work, the Engineering Technology program can be pursued through part-time and evening study.
Faculty Who Focus On You
Our faculty regularly interact with our students, both in and out of the classroom. From lectures and labs, which are taught exclusively by faculty, to advisement appointments, research projects, review sessions, and club activities, our faculty pride themselves in being supportive of Engineering Technology students. In fact, some of our professors are so dedicated that the University has recognized them for excellence in teaching and advising. These prestigious awards stem from student nominations and indicate the high-level of satisfaction our students feel toward their faculty.
A Place to Learn
Students in the Engineering Technology major have the advantage of exceptional computing sites, laboratories and classrooms all within close proximity to study areas and faculty offices. This makes late-night work on design projects or last-minute study sessions very convenient.
Modern facilities for computer-aided drafting, mainframe computing, geographic information systems, and
web and e-mail access are available in Townsend Hall, the center of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ 350-acre teaching and research complex. Teaching laboratories are used for many courses and include machinery-test equipment, electrical measuring systems and fluid-flow apparatus. In addition, the spacious grounds surrounding Townsend Hall are sites for outdoor laboratories in courses such as surveying.
Life after Graduation
Being able to turn ideas into reality is a sought-after skill. Since Engineering Technology students are well educated and highly skilled in many areas of science, business and technology, career opportunities abound for our graduates. Our alumni tend to be “where the action is.” Whether in manufacturing, construction or consulting, the Engineering Technology graduate is usually out in the field, on the construction site, or in the plant; solving problems with clients, customers, and colleagues.
Our alumni have chosen careers in design engineering, quality control, project management, engineering sales, chemical production, electrical systems, construction management, and food processing. Typical employers of Engineering Technologists include government agencies, consulting firms, manufacturing companies, construction contractors and insurance companies. Some graduates choose to further their education by pursuing graduate degrees in bioresources engineering, civil engineering, water resource engineering and business.
Whatever a student’s goal, we provide plenty of chances to enhance public-speaking skills, to develop a resume, and to learn how to network. We offer job-search workshops and seminars year round, as well as several career fairs that are suitable for Engineering Technology majors. Taking advantage of these opportunities, as well as doing well academically, greatly enhances post-graduate opportunities.
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