Industrial Technology
Overview
Industrial technology programs prepare people to help industrial engineers.Industrial technology programs teach people to apply engineering principles to help industrial engineers. Students learn to study a business operation scientifically. They learn how to improve policies and procedures. They help make the business more productive.
Industrial technology programs include topics such as:
- Optimization theory
- Human factors
- Organizational behavior
- Industrial processes
- Computer-aided drafting (CAD) and other computer applications
- Report writing
Schools
Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in industrial 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 industrial technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Applied Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Computational Mathematics
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Economics
- Engineering and Industrial Management
- Engineering Technology, General
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Manufacturing Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Operations Management
- Plastics Technology
- Process Technology
- Quality Control Technology
- Statistics
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Industrial Engineers
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
- Manufacturing Production Technicians
- Millwrights
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:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
An associate degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- College Algebra and Trigonometry
- Computer Applications in Engineering Technology
- Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)
- Engineering Physics
- English Composition
- Human Behavior in Organizations
- Just-in-Time Production Systems
- Manufacturing Systems Analysis
- Plant Layout
- Process Engineering
- Production and Inventory Control
- Production Cost Analysis
- Statistics
- Techniques of Maintaining Quality
- Total Quality Management
- Work Measurement Techniques
- Work Methods Analysis and Improvement
A bachelor's degree program often assumes you have taken algebra and trigonometry in high school. It typically includes the other courses listed above, plus the following:
- Applied Calculus
- Computation Methods for Engineering Technology
- Engineering Economics
- General Chemistry
- General Psychology
- Industrial Simulation Modeling
- Motion and Time Study
- Senior Project
- Training and Development in Industry
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 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
Big Bend Community College
- Industrial Systems Technology--Industrial Electrical
- Industrial Systems Technology--Industrial Electrical certificates
- Maintenance Mechanics
Central Washington University
- Industrial Engineering Technology
King-Snohomish Area
North Seattle College
- Industrial Power and Control
- Sustainable and Conventional Energy and Control Technology (SCEC)
Spokane Area
Spokane Community College
- Electrical Maintenance and Automation--Power Systems Maintenance Technician (BPA Approved Students Only)
West Side Area
Bellingham Technical College
- Industrial Maintenance & Mechatronics