About
Career Planning
Degree Options
SCCC Podcasts
SCCC Newsletter
University Lists
Pre-college Ideas
Typical Workday
Meet Professionals
Industry Options
The Job Hunt
Diversity
Women
Downloads & Links
Site Search / A -Z

Engineering Technology Overview - Disciplines - Preparation -
Day In The Life - Earnings - Employment - Career Path Forecast -
Professional Organizations - PDFPowerPoint - Podcast


Engineering technologists use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance. Their work is more limited in scope and more practically oriented than that of scientists and engineers. Many engineering technologists assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Others work in quality control -- inspecting products and processes, conducting tests, or collecting data. In manufacturing, they may assist in product design, development, or production.

Engineering technologists who work in research and development build or set up equipment, prepare and conduct experiments, collect data, calculate or record results, and help engineers or scientists in other ways, such as making prototype versions of newly designed equipment. They also assist in design work, often using computer-aided design (CAD) equipment.

Most engineering technologists specialize in certain areas, learning skills and working in the same disciplines as engineers. Occupational titles, therefore, tend to reflect those of engineers.
  • Electrical and electronic engineering technologists make up 42 percent of all engineering technologists.
  • Because the type and quality of training programs vary considerably, prospective students should carefully investigate training programs before enrolling.
  • Opportunities will be best for individuals with an associate degree or extensive job training in engineering technology.

There is a wide range of options when it comes to educational preparation in engineering technology. Most employers prefer to hire engineering technologists with at least a 2-year associate degree in engineering technology.  Some universities offer only two year associate degrees, others offer three or four year BS degree programs, and some offer both degrees.  Regardless of which type of degree you choose, it is important to select a program that is accredited. Persons with college courses in science, engineering, and mathematics may qualify for some positions but may find that they require additional specialized training and experience for many jobs.

Engineering Technology Resources

Online

Downloads
Overview:
Overview of Engineering Technology
Engineering Technology Disciplines:
Descriptions of Specific Engineering Technology Degree Fields
Preparation:
Admission Requirements, Alternate Degree Paths, Graduate Programs, Accredited Programs
Day in the Life:
Teams and Coworkers, Tasks, the Workplace
Earnings:
Employer Options, Salary Ranges, Types of Employers
Employment:
Statistics, Industries, Employers
Career Path Forecast:
Predictions, Employers
Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support
Podcast:
Overview of Engineering Technology
Internet Resources:
American Academy of Environmental Engineers
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

American Institute of Chemical Engineers
American Nuclear Society

American Society of Agricultural Engineers
American Society of Civil Engineers
ASME
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Institute of Industrial Engineers

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.


Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
Computing
Computing


Students
Counselors
Teachers
Parents
Graduates

 

     ContactsCopyrightMedia SupportSubscriptions