What is engineering technology?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Engineering technology is an applied field focused on integration, implementation and execution, often in the context of intelligent manufacturing and industrial systems. Engineering Technology pedagogy uses engineering science to solve challenges in business, industry and government entities. Students in engineering technology programs learn how technologies such as automation and controls, sensors and data acquisition, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and intelligent manufacturing can be integrated with people, processes, tools and organizational structures to improve industrial performance.<\/p>\n\n\n
Start your engineering technology career with Purdue University<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Engineering technology students take advanced coursework in math and science and integrate that knowledge through laboratories, design projects, experimentation and industry-based challenges. Their coursework prepares them to implement, optimize and manage manufacturing and operational systems in engineering-driven careers like smart manufacturing, automation systems, industrial automation and digital manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The real value of engineering technology is learning how to solve real-world problems by understanding the need, designing solutions, working across disciplines, using data to make decisions, and turning ideas into outcomes that work reliably in practice,\u201d said Rami Ghannam, professor in and head of Purdue University\u2019s School of Engineering Technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engineering technology programs prepare graduates to work across the fields of automation, robotics, data analytics, artificial intelligence and human-centered operations. Majoring in engineering technology is a great option for students who want to learn through laboratories, projects and applied challenges how to integrate, test, implement and improve solutions in areas such as automation, intelligent manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, transportation, digital systems and other technology-intensive industries. Graduates typically pursue careers across manufacturing, automation, product development, operations, reliability, quality, supply chain, energy, digital systems and technical leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An engineering technology degree may be a good fit for you if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engineering technology can lead to strong career outcomes and long-term professional growth across a wide range of technology-intensive industries. Career benefits of earning an engineering technology degree include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Graduates who understand production and operations are in high demand in a large array of fields and industries, ranging from manufacturing to construction and information technology. Engineering technology graduates generally work in engineering roles and demand competitive pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a>, the median engineering technology salary is $86,000 annually. Students who have a graduate degree in engineering technology command a higher salary on average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By completing engineering technology coursework, engineering technology students develop the critical thinking and application skills necessary to support long-term career growth and stability, even amid technological change and job market uncertainty. According to Research.com<\/a>, close to 85% of undergraduate engineering technology graduates find employment within two years of graduation, which reflects strong industry demand. Many engineering technology graduates go on to work for major employers in the manufacturing space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen I think of companies that hire our engineering technology graduates, I think of Subaru, Caterpillar, Boeing and Eli Lilly,\u201d said Duane Dunlap, chair of Engineering Technology graduate programs at Purdue. \u201cThe reason these companies often hire engineering technology students from Purdue is that they know how to take engineering science and apply it to daily workforce challenges. They turn engineering science into workable solutions for an employer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For professionals who are seeking to advance their career, a degree in engineering technology provides a pathway to engineering careers like design, production operations, facilities construction, data management and supply chain. In these roles, graduates can expect significant task variety and the chance to see and feel the impact of their work on real products and organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engineering technology students also contribute directly to their local communities by using their skills to support industries that drive workforce growth, create high-paying jobs and fuel innovation. According to Forbes<\/a>, manufacturing is essential to the economic strength of the U.S., and the field depends on professionals who can connect advanced technologies with industrial needs.<\/p>\n\n\n Engineering technology is geared toward upskilling professionals and supporting local industries.<\/p>\n\n <\/blockquote>\n Rami ghannam<\/p>\n Professor in and Head of Purdue University\u2019s School of Engineering Technology.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In many fields, earning a graduate degree can open the door to leadership opportunities. Engineering is no different. Earning a master\u2019s in engineering can lead to higher earning potential, streamlined career advancement, and the chance to increase technical specialization and qualify more quickly for advanced licensures, such as a Professional Engineer (PE)<\/a> license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engineering technology graduate programs prepare students for job opportunities by emphasizing advanced technical expertise and industry-ready skills. Many graduates leave their programs with direct industry experience and higher-level technical skills that help distinguish them in the job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGraduate education combined with professional experience positions prepares students for promotions, expanded responsibilities and increased compensation,\u201d said Dunlap. \u201cStudents in engineering technology pursue graduate degrees because they want more opportunity and an additional degree of freedom in the workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The workforce-ready skills that engineering technology programs teach give learners access to many possible career paths and fields, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What career an engineering technology degree qualifies you for depends on the program you choose \u2014 programs that have coursework in your area of interest, allow concentrations and majors, and give learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios can help with career placement and advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building upon its ABET-accredited undergraduate programs, Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Engineering Technology<\/a> prepares working professionals to customize their degrees and build targeted skills in industrial systems and intelligent manufacturing. Students can tailor their studies to their career goals by earning a graduate certificate in smart manufacturing<\/a> and taking coursework in areas including cybersecurity, facilities engineering, change management, technology and energy sustainability. In all the courses they take, students build practical skills that can be applied directly to address critical challenges within their organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Students work extensively with expert Purdue faculty, get unparalleled industry exposure and network with other successful professionals. Past students have held a wide variety of roles, including manufacturing manager, operations manager, engineering manager, plant manager, continuous improvement leader, supply chain director, smart manufacturing engineer, technical program manager, director of operations and vice president of manufacturing.<\/p>\n\n\n The faculty involved in the program have been teaching working adults for almost a decade. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, supply chain and technology IT teams.<\/p>\n\n <\/blockquote>\n Duane dunlap<\/p>\n Chair of Engineering Technology graduate programs at Purdue<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIs an engineering technology degree worth it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Wide variety of career options and competitive salaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Career stability and strong job placement after graduation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Laboratory-based learning that supports industrial innovation and local business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Advanced degrees and workforce experience lead to more opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are some engineering technology careers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Lead intelligent manufacturing and industrial transformation with Purdue University<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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