What is Engineering Technology?
Engineering technology (ET) is defined in many ways. The best definition of engineering technology is the application of engineering principles to common problems. The engineering technology graduate is schooled in both the theory of engineering applications and the application of those theories to the solution of real-world problems encountered in industry.
What is the difference between
Engineering Technology and Engineering?
The differences between engineering technology and engineering vary between the disciplines. In the most basic form, engineering technology is less mathematically and scientifically rigorous than engineering. Many ET applications rely on more basic mathematical and scientific skills for problem solution than does engineering. As a consequence, ET students generally need only 2 academic mathematics courses in high school than does an engineering student, who requires 3 or 4 courses. Also, many ET programs do not require physics or chemistry as a pre-requisite for admission, whereas most engineering programs do.
This does not imply that engineering technology is inferior to engineering. Quite the opposite is true. Engineering Technology graduates are more widely schooled in the practical applications of the mathematical and scientific principles to solve problems than many engineering graduates. As a result, ET graduates are very well prepared for employment in areas that lead to quick solutions in the workplace.
What is the difference between
Engineering Technology and Technology programs?
The difference between programs labeled as 'engineering technology' and programs labeled as 'technology' is accreditation. New York State recognizes programs accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technologies (TAC of ABET) as 'engineering technology programs'. Programs labeled as 'technology' programs are not accredited by TAC of ABET.
Accreditation simply means that the program meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for all programs of similar nature on a national basis. A program in New York that is listed as 'Mechanical Engineering Technology' would be very similar to, and of like quality to a program with the same name in Texas or North Dakota.
Non-accredited programs are not inferior , nor superior, to accredited programs. They have not been nationally reviewed and, by law, are not allowed to use the name 'engineering technology'.
Can I transfer to an Engineering School from an Engineering Technology program?
The answer generally, is no. With few exceptions, like some liberal arts courses, students with ET degrees cannot transfer into engineering programs. The reason for this is the basic difference between Engineering Technology and Engineering programs. Engineering Technology programs stress applications of theory to problem solution, whereas engineering programs stress more theory. The mathematical and science requirements are different as well.
What background should a I have to enter an Engineering Technology Program?
As with all programs, a successful candidate should have a good background in basic mathematics and science. Most Engineering Technology programs require at least 2 units of academic mathematics (Course I and Course II in New York State) for entrance into a program. While science courses are NOT generally required, they are always desirable. A student who has taken Physics in high school will generally have a better chance of successfully completing the science requirement in an engineering technology program. In addition, courses in CAD or pre-engineering (or similarly named) courses ideally prepare a student for an ET program.
Why should I consider an Engineering Technology program if there is an Engineering program?
The answer is strictly up to the individual. Engineering Technology programs have always stressed 'hands-on' applications of theory, rather than the theory itself. Most ET programs contain just enough basic theory so you can understand the fundamental concepts of the principles of engineering, then that theory to solutions in the workplace. So, if you are a 'hands-on' person who would rather do things rather than sit and compute answers, an ET program would make more sense for you.
Aren't Engineering Technology and Technology programs ONLY 2-year programs?
NO! and NO! Engineering Technology programs now have two, or three, degrees that can be earned. The typical graduate of an Engineering Technology Program (or Technology) program would receive an Associate's Degree in Applied Science at the end of their junior or community college study. Graduates of these programs with this degree are typically called 'technicians' in the workforce. Students can also elect to continue their education at a transfer institution, an upper-division or similar college to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology. Graduates of these programs are typically called 'technologists'. In addition, there are also graduate degrees available in Engineering Technology.
Can I become a registered Professional Engineer if I graduate from an Engineering Technology Program?
The answer to this question varies from state to state. In New York State, Bachelor's Degree graduates of a TAC of ABET accredited Engineering Technology program are allowed to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (Part I of the P.E. exam) at the first sitting after graduation, typically in October. The practical experience component between parts I and II of the exam is somewhat longer for ET graduates than for engineering graduates, but not an inordinate difference in time.
