by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you enjoy building things and solving problems? Ever wonder how things work? The many objects we take for granted every day are a direct result of the work of many dedicating Engineering Technicians working to assist Engineers by testing materials, drafting reports and creating plans. Engineering Technology focuses on the technical aspects of engineering. A curiosity for the way things operate is what inspires engineering technology. Collecting data and conducting experiments, building and designing new ideas for products are all things that a student in engineering technology would learn.
Course load for this field includes automated manufacturing technology, computers for engineering technology, construction methodology and procedures, and technical drawing. This major can be completed as an Associates or Bachelors.
General Engineering Technology was the 156th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 4,676 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 10.3% increase in engineering tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 4,195.
This year's Best General Engineering Technology Schools ranking compares 64 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom engineering tech rankings further below.
An absorbing interest in the way things work is crucial for success, as well as creativity and a hands-on approach to learning. Knowledge of mathematics and science are essential for this major. Heavily focused on these two foundations, an individual with a love for analyzing and problem solving could be very successful in this field.
Although not required, you can prepare for the major by taking classes in high school on electronics, physics, computer science, and calculus; this allows you to get a taste of what engineering technology encompasses.
general engineering technology degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic general engineering technology program qualifications, to serve in some engineering tech careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Engineering Tech degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in general engineering technology to the highest engineering tech degree, a . The time it takes to complete a engineering tech degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A degree in Engineering Technology provides students with a broad set of skills. Entering the workforce, students will be prepared to assist engineers to develop and manufacture new products and services. Engineer technicians will draw up drafts for projects; conduct lab experiments and solve complex problems and make new discoveries.
Recently graduated general engineering technology students earned an average of $53,419 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $18,245 to as high as $101,472. As you might expect, salaries for engineering tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
One of 18 majors within the Engineering Technologies area of study, General Engineering Technology has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technology | 4,500 |
| Applied Engineering Technologies | 176 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | 11,906 |
| Electromechanical Engineering Technology | 10,593 |
| Drafting & Design Engineering Technology | 8,964 |
| Environmental Control Technology | 8,690 |
| Electronics Engineering Technology | 8,592 |
Image Credit: By KUKA Systems GmbH under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
