Programs Overview

The primary goal of the Department of Engineering Technology is preparation of students for both short and long term career success in engineering and technical fields. Our Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) programs are developed specifically for students who desire a technical undergraduate education with an emphasis on solving actual work place problems. These programs provide an exceptionally strong foundation for applications of scientific and engineering knowledge and methods in the work place.

Our faculty is dedicated to excellence in teaching and maintains knowledge of current technology by working closely with industry on applied research projects. As a result, our students enter the work place with state of the art knowledge and the skills to contribute immediately.

There are two main program alternatives leading to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and the next sections describe them briefly.

TAC of ABET Programs for Professional Practice

The first program category is for students who are interested in professional practice and licensing as a professional engineer or land surveyor. The Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC of ABET) accredits these programs and graduates are eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Land Surveying (FLS) examination in Virginia and in most states. These exams are the first step to licensure as a professional engineer or land surveyor.

There are several concentration areas for the TAC of ABET BS in Engineering Technology degree:

• Civil Engineering Technology (CET) with options in Structural Design, Construction Management, and Surveying / Site Development Technology.
• Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) with options in Electrical Systems and Computer Engineering Technology.
• Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) with options in Manufacturing, Systems, Mechanical Systems Design, and Nuclear Technology.

General Engineering Technology (GET) for the Technical Career

The second program category is designed to meet the needs of those students working in technical fields that do not require a professional engineering or surveying license: the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in General Engineering Technology (GET). The BS-GET program is designed for technology fields that require advanced knowledge as a foundation for professional accomplishment, success, and advancement. This includes a wide range of areas such as maintenance/ operations support, manufacturing, technical management, technical sales, and computer network operations. Current GET options include:

• Technical Operations Management
• Construction Management
• Automation and Control Systems
• Computer and Network Operations
• Geomatics and Geographical Information Systems

Comparison of Engineering Technology and Engineering Programs

Engineering technology and engineering are similar in many ways and there is much overlap between these two fields in the work place. The most important distinction involves a difference in focus.

Engineering technology emphasizes application and implementation of known technologies where engineering focuses on research and development of new technologies. From a course content viewpoint, engineering technology programs require mathematics and science courses that are more application based compared to the theoretical concepts that are the focus of engineering programs.

Career Opportunities in Engineering Technology

Engineering technology combines science and engineering knowledge with application skills to provide a solid foundation for success in the technology driven work place. Engineering technology graduates work in a wide array of fields that include:

• Project and construction management
• Automation, robotics, and control systems
• Computer software / hardware systems
• Manufacturing and plant engineering
• Material and equipment fabrication
• Network management and security
• System design and operation
• Telecommunications

Engineering Technology graduates receive excellent starting salaries with diverse entry-level titles such as engineer, project manager, maintenance supervisor, and technical sales specialist.

For more information contact the Engineering and Technology Career Management Center Office.

Graduate Degree Options

Engineering technology graduates have a number of graduate study alternatives. Many enroll in the ODU Masters in Engineering Management program either on-campus or through TELETECHNET to further their education. Others pursue graduate degrees in an engineering or business field.