Engineering Technology and Applied Technology Programs In America

Credential

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BSAS)

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET)

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Associate in Technical Studies (ATS)

Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS)

Diploma/ certificate

Program Length

4 years for bachelor's degrees

2 years for associate's degrees

1-2 years for diploma

12-52 weeks for certificate

Entry

Bachelor's degree - direct entry; entry after 1 or 2 years of certificate or college-level study

Associate's degree - direct entry

Diploma/ certificate - direct entry

Areas of Study

General engineering technology and manufacturing technology

Specialization areas include architectural and building technology, drafting and design technology, environmental technology, transportation, electrical engineering/ automated systems, marine engineering technology, marine technology- navigation, robotics, mechanical engineering technology, aeronautical engineering technology, chemical sciences technology, electronic technology, control systems, and civil engineering technology.

Special Features

Specialized research labs

Opportunities to participate in specialized competitions

Co-op/ work placement/ industry internships

Technology is necessary to make and maintain what we live in, work and even play with. Engineering technology and applied technology is therefore a huge field rich in opportunities for study and employment for international students.

Entering directly from high school into a 4-year college, international students can choose from a variety of bachelor's degrees. For instance, you can take engineering technology programs leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS) in audio, architectural, computer, electronic, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering technology. Other degree options include the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BSAS), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) and Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET), as well as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in applied science and technology. Possible majors include architectural and building technology, drafting and design technology, environmental technology, transportation, electrical engineering/ automated systems, marine engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, aeronautical engineering technology, chemical sciences technology, electronic technology, civil engineering technology. Honors programs are available at some institutions, and many 4-year colleges in the US also offer 2-year associate's degrees such as the Associate in Applied Science (AAS).

Some 2-year colleges and technical institutes have specific Schools devoted to engineering technology, while others will offer engineering technology programs within a School in another discipline. These 2-year colleges usually offer associate's degrees such as the Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Technical Studies (ATS) and Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) degrees, with specializations in many of the above-mentioned fields. Additional areas of emphasis at the associate's level are surveying technology, nanofabrication technology, fiber optics, robotics, plastics and polymer technology and CAD technology. Associate's degrees-- sometimes designated as "pre-Engineering"-- can lead to entry-level employment or ladder directly into bachelor's degree programs at various universities and 4-year colleges. 1- to 2-year diploma and certificate programs may also be available.

At all levels, programs are designed to prepare the graduate for employment as technicians or technologists. Study therefore generally combines classroom theory and learning with practical hands-on lab work. The curriculum may change frequently in order to keep up with industry needs and advances. Students in the 4-year programs usually take 1 or 2 years of general courses, which give them a broad background in engineering foundations. Co-ops and industry partnerships/ internships are often part of the curriculum, and a number of program-specific scholarships are available for both domestic and international students.