Engineering Technology

The Engineering Technology program provides students with skills as they relate to computer aided drafting, surveying (Civil, Geomatics), Solid Modeling and CNC Machining (Mechanical option), and other similar skill sets. In addition, the program offers a background in mathematics (through trigonometry), physics, communications, writing, and design concepts.

Students are required to purchase necessary drafting equipment, textbooks, and reference materials. Grading is based upon on-the-job standards and a grade point average of 2.0 for each unit and/or the approval of the instructor is required to permit entry into a following unit. Co-operative professional/technical education (with local employers) may be included in the program with advisor approval.

Students choosing to specialize in their studies may pick one of three optional endorsements. In the second year of the program, students electing not to take the general (traditional) program may direct their study emphasis towards Geographic Information Systems, Civil or Mechanical disciplines, which would result in an A.A.S. degree in Engineering Technology with emphasis in the selected discipline.

• Program is Fall semester admittance only
• Enrollment priority is on a first-come, first-served basis as determined by the student’s faculty advising date
• Aleks score in Math of 30 or higher, Writing Placement Exam of 2 or higher, or qualify for Math (PT) 137 and English 101

Necessary aptitudes include a background in science, reading, and math. A mechanical ability is desired.

Engineering firms, large corporations with engineering departments, surveyors, contractors, and state and federal are hiring engineering technicians. Entering the engineering field can provide good job security and pay, with varied tasks and ample job satisfaction. Prospective students interested in future advancement should keep in mind that engineering is an open-ended field. The entry-level training provided by the Engineering Technology program is the foundation for advancement into many specialized fields of employment.

General knowledge:

• Combine general education with laboratory experience and "hands-on" learning
• Be prepared for the time commitment and professionalism of a workplace setting
• Enhancement of professional communication skills
• Enter the engineering field with technical knowledge and skills in various specialized fields (Mechanical, Civil, Surveying, Architectural, GIS)
• Explore a variety of careers associated with Engineering Technology
• Enter into a co-operative professional/technical internship with local employers upon approval from the program advisor
• Obtain entry-level skills and experience in computers and computer terminology as it relates to engineering documentation
• Able to identify and use drafting instruments; letter, using common practices; draft and dimension geometric figures; define and draft orthographic & isometric projections
• Able to develop auxiliary views; determine points of intersection; draft developments and working drawings
• Ability to use Computer Aided Machine Drafting solid modeling with an emphasis in machining processes
• Have a broad understanding of processes used to produce marketable goods

Civil Emphasis:

• Understand civil technology including civil drafting, basic surveying, and mapping procedures
• Perform basic civil design functions such as surface and contour creation, grading and drainage plans, alignment layout, profiles, pipe networks and detail drawings
• Knowledge of fundamental surveying concepts and practices; topographic surveying and mapping; boundary surveys; construction surveying
• Knowledge of earthwork and volumes; global positioning systems and geographic information systems

Traditional Emphasis:

• Knowledge of fundamental architectural and structural drafting methods and organization; use of the American Institute of Architects Architectural Graphic Standards
• Understand civil technology including civil drafting, basic surveying, and mapping procedures

Mechanical Emphasis:

• Understanding of creation and use of 3-D primitives, surface modeling, basic solids modeling, shading techniques, and the use of rendering and animation software
• Skilled in the use of SolidWorks parametric (3D) design software
• Knowledge of the elementary principles of Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Machining 

Geographic Information Systems Emphasis:

• Understand civil technology including civil drafting, basic surveying, and mapping procedures
• Perform basic civil design functions such as surface and contour creation, grading and drainage plans, alignment layout, profiles, pipe networks and detail drawings
• Knowledge of fundamental surveying concepts and practices; topographic surveying and mapping; boundary surveys; construction surveying
• Knowledge of earthwork and volumes; global positioning systems and geographic information systems