If you enjoy problem-solving, science, and mathematics, you might consider an engineering technology degree for your undergraduate studies. Engineering technology professionals apply both theory and evidence-based principles.
Equal parts science and mathematics, technology and theory, an online engineering technology degree can help you prepare for a career in a variety of technological and industrial fields.
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If you have an interest in innovation and design as well as a passion for using technology to solve problems, then an online technical engineering degree program may be a good fit.
Online Engineering Technology Degrees
Earning an online engineering technology degree can be a strategic step toward your long-term goals in engineering, design, and technological innovation.
Students who pursue an engineering technology bachelors degree often have a passion for knowing how things work and how things could work even better than they currently do. While they may be interested in designing and creating new infrastructure, products, and technology, innovation and application of theory are also important to them.
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There’s more to an engineering technology degree than just science and math, though. Students who enroll in these programs often hone their skills in areas that will help them professionally, including:
- Written and oral communication, including presenting and sharing ideas
- Collaboration between teams and specialties
- Critical thinking
- Analyzing complex problems
- Researching, experimenting with, and implementing innovative solutions
Engineering technology students often select degrees in specialized areas, such as computer and information technology engineering or aerospace and avionics. After graduation, they may pursue careers in fields that align with their chosen specialization.
Frequently, professionals with an engineering technology background select careers that have “technologist” or “technician” in the title. This indicates that they are focused on the operation and potential of a system or infrastructure rather than the overall design.
Engineering technology professionals may also be responsible for the testing and maintenance of their design projects.
Engineering Technology Careers & Salaries
Engineering technology majors frequently choose careers in which they may put their technical knowledge to use.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries of career opportunities related to the study of engineering technology.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $73,580 |
| Avionics Technicians | $69,280 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $63,640 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,460 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists Technicians | $60,360 |
| Drafters | $60,290 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,220 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $58,320 |
| Computer Support Specialists | $57,910 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $48,390 |
Those who earn their bachelors degree in engineering technology often continue on to pursue jobs as technologists or technicians, though job titles and responsibilities can vary.
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Some long-term career goals may require additional education or experience within the field, but many aerospace, health and safety, and industrial engineers begin with a bachelors degree in engineering technology.
Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
The courses you’ll encounter as you pursue your bachelors degree in engineering technology will likely be unique to the school you choose.
Some common course topics across many engineering technology programs include:
- Physics for Engineers: This course prepares you for the physical challenges of design with an understanding of how outside forces can impact a project.
- Technology and Information Systems: In this course, you’ll learn about the various programs, software, and tools you may encounter in your career.
- Programming for Engineers: This course introduces you to the systems and programming languages that are common in engineering fields.
- Digital Circuitry Design: Courses such as this one focus on how analog components can create specific digital behaviors.
- Solid and Fluid Mechanics: Understanding how shaped and shapeless matter acts and interacts can be important for future engineering professionals.
- Introduction to Research Methods: In this course, you’ll learn about resources and theories as well as how to create experiments and implement your findings.
- Thermodynamics: Understanding the relationship between heat and energy can be valuable for students of various engineering technology disciplines.
- Automation and Controls: This course provides you with detailed information on how different types of machinery, technology, and tools can be used to improve an operation.
- Systems and Computer-Aided Design: You’ll learn how to use various types of design software, apps, and digital tools to create designs.
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: In this course, you’ll learn not only how AI and machine learning are designed but also how you can apply these functions to your own designs.
Students may also take courses that focus on a particular concentration within engineering technology, such as aerospace, aviation, logistics, or intelligence engineering.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions requirements for each school on your list may be different, so it’s helpful to check out the application process and requested documentation for a specific school before you start filling out forms.
In many cases, schools will request:
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
- High school transcripts or GED equivalent
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
You may also be asked to speak with an admissions counselor or engineering technology department head to discuss the program and what you hope to achieve with your education. Some schools request an application fee as well.
Online Engineering Technology Degrees Accreditation
When considering bachelors degree programs in engineering technology, you may wish to give preference to schools that are regionally accredited.
Schools and programs that have received regional accreditation have been evaluated according to high academic standards. As a result, some financial aid opportunities specifically stipulate that qualifying students receive their degree from an accredited learning institution.
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Additionally, some employers and professional organizations require candidates to hold a degree from an accredited school and program.
ABET Accreditation
If you want to begin a career in an engineering technology field, it’s strategic to choose a program that has been vetted and approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
ABET reviews postsecondary programs in science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Programs from degree-granting colleges and universities are individually reviewed and receive accreditation apart from the school itself. In an ABET accredited program, you can feel confident that the education you receive is up to industry standards.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you are interested in need-based financial assistance, you can start the process by completing and submitting the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the first step in qualifying for student loans and additional forms of federal aid.
You can also explore scholarship and grant opportunities. These may be offered through your school, public organizations, or private donors. They may have eligibility requirements based on demographics, academic or athletic performance, or competition.
If you are currently employed, you can also discuss tuition reimbursement or educational assistance opportunities with your employer.
What Is an Engineering Technology Degree?
An engineering technology degree is a strategic bachelors program for those who are interested in the possibilities of engineering. This degree focuses on how engineering can improve products and processes.
Engineering technology majors often concentrate their degrees on certain areas—such as electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering—to expand capability and capacity in various fields. Your engineering technology degree program can help you advance your knowledge of science, math, and technology.
It can also help prepare you for professional scenarios and opportunities in a variety of fields, such as aeronautics and space exploration, intelligence and defense, and health and safety.
Is Engineering Technology a Good Degree?
Yes, engineering technology is a good degree for many undergraduate students. Understanding how things work can be beneficial for a variety of careers in the field of engineering. Whether you want to work as a designer or technician, earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology could be the first step in a long-term career.
With an engineering technology degree, you may be better prepared for problem-solving, innovation, collaboration, and hands-on investigations to keep systems and infrastructures operating successfully. Engineering technologist roles also tend to make above-average salaries. For instance, the median salary for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians is $60,460 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What Can You Do with a Bachelors in Engineering Technology Degree?
Once you’ve earned your online engineering technology degree, you may choose from many potential career paths. Though job titles and responsibilities can vary by employer, the skills you have obtained through your studies can apply to a variety of engineering specialties.
For example, some graduates pursue careers in medical technology, machine learning, sustainable energy, machine and product design, or in government roles for defense and intelligence. Many engineering technology majors go on to become engineering technicians in electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering.
Some graduates decide to continue their educations in an on-campus or online masters in engineering technology degree program.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Degree in Engineering Technology?
The length of time it takes to get your online degree in engineering technology depends on the school’s schedule and your enrollment status.
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If you select a school with a traditional 16-week semester, you can generally complete your bachelor’s degree in 4 years if you remain enrolled full-time. Schools that offer an 8-week semester may allow you to complete your degree earlier, as long as you are enrolled full-time on a year-round basis. On the other hand, part-time enrollment could require more time to complete your degree.
Where Can You Work with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology Degree?
Engineer technologists are an important part of many industries. While some individuals work in industrial production environments, others work in research laboratories or in government facilities. Some professionals work directly with machinery and physical components, while others specialize in innovating computer behaviors and electrical circuitry.
Engineering technology professionals are frequently in hands-on roles, placing them in the field, in the lab, on the network, or on the manufacturing production site. They are often involved with each step of the process of their designs and implementations as well.
What’s the Difference Between Engineering vs. Engineering Technology Majors?
While there are many areas in which the studies of an engineering major and an engineering technology major overlap, they also differ in several ways.
| Engineering Major | Engineering Technology Major |
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These majors are similar but can prepare students for different field specializations post-graduation.
Is a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Online Degree Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor of Engineering Technology online degree is worth it for many students. Students who earn a bachelors degree in engineering technology are often skilled in every aspect of how things work within their field.
This could include everything from understanding the theory and concept behind the design to using their knowledge to innovate and implement new ways of doing things. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering and architecture occupations overall are expected to see 4% job growth over the next ten years.
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There are many areas in which you can focus your engineering technology studies. This could allow you to plan your educational and professional paths according to your interests.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Engineering Technology Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
DeVry University offers a Bachelor’s of Engineering Technology program online. Most courses are taught in an asynchronous format. Courses are typically 8 weeks long, and there are usually start dates every 8 weeks. The program requires 126 hours, and 2 additional credentials, a certificate and an associate’s degree, may also be earned.
DeVry University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program online. Courses may be taught using a mix of synchronous and asynchronous formats. The program requires 122 credit hours, including virtual labs and a capstone project. Courses are usually 9 weeks long, and there are typically 5 start dates each year.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Indiana State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management program online. The program is a degree-completion option, and an on-campus or online associate degree in engineering technology or a similar field is required for admission.
Classes are typically 8 or 16 weeks long and may include topics such as engineering design, production planning, industry safety, Lean Six Sigma, research and development, and project management.
Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kent State University offers a BS in Engineering Technology program with online options offered for junior- and senior-level classes. Concentrations include Electronics Technology, Green and Alternative Energy, Integrated Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Systems. Courses typically follow a regular semester schedule. An AS in engineering or a related field is usually required for admission.
Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The New England Institute of Technology offers a BS in Engineering Technology program online or on campus. Specializations include Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology. The option to participate in an internship for credit may be available. There are typically 4 start dates per year, and the program may be completed in just 18 to 36 months.
New England Institute of Technology is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Alabama–Huntsville offers a BS in Engineering Technology program online and in a hybrid format. Hybrid courses typically meet in a classroom 1 evening per week with most classwork being completed online. Fall and spring classes usually follow a 16 week semester schedule, and there are commonly 5 start dates per year. Up to 75 percent of program required credits may be transferred from other institutions.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of South Carolina offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management program online. An associate’s degree in engineering technology from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is required for admission. Courses are typically taught in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, and new terms commonly begin 6 times per year.
The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Wenatchee Valley College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology through a combination of face-to-face, hybrid, and online classes. Potential courses include Engineering Statics, Fluid Mechanics, and Dynamic Systems and Control. The program requires an associate’s degree for admission consideration. The program may be completed in 2 to 3 years, depending on coursework previously taken.
Wenatchee Valley College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Western Carolina University offers a BS in Engineering Technology with both online and evening classes at off-campus locations. The program is designed as an option to earn an engineering degree through part-time study. Classes are typically 8 or 16 weeks long, and a capstone project is usually required. The online program is not accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Western Kentucky University offers a BS in Engineering Technology Management program online. Potential courses include Systems Design and Operation, Safety in Industry, and Technology Management. An associate’s degree or certificate in an engineering field should have already been earned. Courses typically follow a regular semester schedule with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.
Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your BS in Engineering Technology Degree Online
Earning an online BS in Engineering Technology can be a beneficial step for those who are interested in transforming and revolutionizing how things are done.
Engineering technology professionals have an instrumental role in the infrastructure of today’s society. They understand how things work, keep them functioning properly, and discover new ways of operating, producing, and designing. If you are interested in earning your online engineering degree in this field, you can take a look at some of the engineering technology programs offered by accredited schools.
The sooner you start exploring your options, the sooner you may discover the program that’s the best fit for you, your dreams, and your learning style.
