Make it Happen
High School: Building the Foundation
Although admissions requirements differ from school to school, you should have four years of core classes (see 'The Core'). In addition, you will want to show that you're well rounded, with a wide range of experiences and knowledge. So, in addition to 'the core' it's also important to take courses in history/social studies, geography, computers, and the arts and to get involved in extracurricular activities that you enjoy. All of these build the foundation for your future studies and chosen career.
Don't forget ... you should also do well on standardized tests (scores requirements vary by college), and it's a good idea to take AP/Honors or international baccalaureate (IB) as you can.
The Core
| Language Arts |
4 years (including English, speech, communications) |
| Math |
4 years (including algebra I & II, geometry, trigonometry, calculus) |
| Science |
4 years (biology, chemistry, physics) |
| Second Language |
3 years |
It is also a good idea to take courses of particular interest to you ... they may just help to guide you towards a particular engineering specialty. Do what you love!
Engineering or Engineering Technology
If you know a four-year engineering program isn’t for you but still want to work in the engineering field, a related technology may be a great choice. Engineering technologists are the applications people on a team who work with engineers in the design process and often are heavily involved in implementation or ongoing maintenance of a project. Two-year (associates degree) and four-year degrees (Bachelors degrees) are offered in engineering technology. Two-year degrees in a wide range of engineering specialties are offered at technical institutes and schools, community colleges, and extension programs of universities. Four-year degrees in engineering technology are offered by more than 200 schools and universities. Visit www.abet.org to find one.
Technology is changing how all products and systems are designed, constructed or manufactured, and maintained. It shapes almost every aspect of our lives. Teamwork is needed to complete today's and tomorrow's complex engineering projects. As part of this team, engineering technologists and technicians help make engineering ideas come alive. Working in the same fields (i.e., mechanical, civil, chemical, electrical, and many others) as engineers, technologists and technicians ensure the applications of the design or project.
Engineering technology makes things work. It applies principles of math and science to design and build the structures, equipment, and power systems behind computer systems; roads, bridges, and buildings; sound systems; radar; engines — even variable shocks for mountain bikes.
Engineering technology is a broad term for the field that forms the backbone of manufacturing and other industries. It's often divided into smaller, specialized areas and skill sets. Electrical and mechanical engineering technologies create power systems and their components - things like electrical devices, motors, engines, semiconductors, circuits, and computers. Civil engineering technology focuses on building bridges, tunnels, and transportation systems - from subway and rail to air and space travel. Computer and telecommunications engineering technologies are at work in computer hardware and software, as well as in data and network systems.
Career options for engineering technologists and technicians are as far-reaching as the field itself. Jobs often utilize math, science, building, and problem-solving skills in industries like manufacturing, transportation, microelectronics, biotechnology, aerospace, and computer technology, by providing valuable operations, troubleshooting, and critical information to guide engineering decisions.
What’s the Difference between Engineering & Technology?
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology describes the difference between engineering and engineering technology as: "Engineering and technology are separate but intimately related professions. Here are some of the ways they differ:
- Engineering undergraduate programs include more mathematics work and higher level mathematics than technology programs.
- Engineering undergraduate programs often focus on theory, while technology programs usually focus on application.
- Once they enter the workforce, engineering graduates typically spend their time planning, while engineering technology graduates spend their time making plans work.
- At ABET, engineering and engineering technology programs are evaluated and accredited by two separate accreditation commissions using two separate sets of accreditation criteria.
- Graduates from engineering programs are called engineers, while graduates of technology programs are often called technologists.
- Some U.S. state boards of professional engineering licensure will allow only graduates of engineering programs—not engineering technology programs—to become licensed engineers."
The National Society of Professional Engineers describes the difference between engineering and engineering technology:
"Engineering programs are geared toward development of conceptual skills, and consist of a sequence of engineering fundamentals and design courses, built on a foundation of complex mathematics and science courses. Engineering technology programs are oriented toward application, and provide their students introductory mathematics and science courses, and only a qualitative introduction to engineering fundamentals. Thus, engineering programs provide their graduates a breadth and depth of knowledge that allows them to function as designers. Engineering technology programs prepare their graduates to apply others’ designs."
NSPE Issue Brief #4049: Engineering Technology
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