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Engineering Technology, General

Overview

General engineering technology programs prepare people to help engineers who work in various settings.

Engineering technology programs teach people to apply math and science to help solve real-life problems. Students learn to research and work in specific fields of engineering.

Engineering technology programs include topics such as:

Students interested in working in a particular branch of engineering technology should specialize in that program.

Schools

Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in engineering technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in engineering technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

A few universities offer graduate degrees in engineering technology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

An associate degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:

A bachelor's degree program often assumes that you have taken pre-calculus while in high school. It typically includes the other courses listed above, plus the following:

Things to Know

Many jobs in this field require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and speaking courses will develop your communication skills.

With an associate degree you can work as an engineering technician. With a bachelor's degree in an engineering technology, you may be able to work either as an engineer or as a technologist. Your options depend on what state you live in and whether your state requires a license.

If you want a license, you usually need a bachelor's degree from an engineering technology program recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam.

Certifications are also available from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.

Schools

East Side Area

Wenatchee Valley College

King-Snohomish Area

Cascadia College

Edmonds Community College

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Everett

Everett Community College

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

North Seattle College

Kitsap Area

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Whidbey Island

Olympic College

Spokane Area

Eastern Washington University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Fairchild AFB

Tacoma Area

Bates Technical College (Central/Mohler Campus)

Tri-Cities Area

Columbia Basin College

West Side Area

Bellingham Technical College