Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science Program

Program Information

The Engineering Technology - Engineered Systems is a degree program for creative and innovative thinking students who desire employment in a broad array of high-tech engineering/technology fields. Emphasis is placed on the integration of theory and hands-on application of engineering principles (50% hands-on laboratory and 50% lecture). The Engineering Technologist assists in the design, prototyping, testing, process systems development, implementation, and management of engineered systems and products.

Job titles include engineering technologist, application engineer, systems engineer, product testing and development engineer, and engineering project manager. The Engineering Technology curriculum also offers the Engineering Sales and Distribution Certificate as well as the Safety Engineer Certificate.

In addition to hands - on work in 3D solid modeling and computer graphics, rapid prototyping, engineering materials, electronics, metrology, CNC, and robotics / automated systems, the student will take core courses in areas such as engineering analysis, project management, engineering economics, engineering logistics and economics, and oral/written communications. Graduates of ET may choose to pursue a Masters of Science in Engineering Technology. Professional certification for graduates is available through organizations such as Parametric Technology Corp., ASQC, SME, and NICET, and the State of North Carolina . For more information contact Professor Robert Anderson at 828-227-2363 or randerson@email.wcu.edu

What is Engineering Technology?

Engineering Technology is that part of the technological field that requires the application of scientific and engineering knowledge and methods combined with technical skills in support of engineering activities; it lies in the occupational spectrum between the craftsman and the engineer, at the end of the spectrum closest to the engineer.

The engineering technologist must be applications-oriented, building upon a background of applied mathematics, science, and engineering technology. The technologist must be able to produce practical, workable results; install and operate technical systems; devise hardware from proven concepts; develop and produce products; service machines and systems; manage construction and production processes; and provide sales support for technical products and systems. The engineering technologist will normally have received a BSET degree from a TAC of ABET accredited engineering technology program. The technologist must be prepared to make independent judgments that will expedite work without jeopardizing effectiveness, safety, or cost. An engineering technology education may be a major step to registration as a Professional Engineer, but not all states allow engineering technologists to become registered.

Having an engineering technology education could be a major step to registration as a Professional Engineer. Applicants from the State of North Carolina include those applicants with a degree in engineering technology from a technology curriculum of four (4) or more years may take the Engineering Fundamentals Examination (Exam I) upon completion of four (4) years of progressive engineering experience following graduation from the college or university awarding the degree. After successful completion of the Fundamentals Examination, and upon completion of a minimum of eight (8) years of progressive engineering experience, applicants are eligible to apply for the Engineering Principles and Practice Examination (Exam II). For further information, view the web link: http://www.ncbels.org/reg-pe.htm#LicReq and similar rules for South Carolina (http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Engineers/) apply. ( 01/27/03)