Utah State University is launching a new engineering technology degree program that gives students hands-on experience across a range of skills.
Job prospects for graduates include the manufacturing field, robotics, electronics, machining technologies, food manufacturing and others. The program has been developed in close collaboration with industry leaders like Northrop Grumman, ensuring the curriculum aligns with real-world needs.
The engineering technology program, in the Department of Technology, Design and Technical Education (TDTE) in the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, is set to enroll students in fall 2024.
“Usually everyone’s first question is, ‘Well, how is that different from engineering?’” said Andrew Deceuster, TDTE associate department head and program lead. “Engineering technology is more of an applied approach to engineering. The degree is meant for people with a really strong hands-on background. They can work with production and engineering to solve problems with equipment, processes and designs.”
Students will take classes covering topics such as electronics, manufacturing processes, computer-aided design, technical communications and more. They will also have a year-long senior capstone project in which they design, document and build a project from scratch.
“This program has a real hands-on approach,” said Steve Williams, TDTE professional practice assistant professor. “Students will learn some materials science and some engineering principles, but very much from the applied standpoint. They’ll be able to take what the engineer has designed, implement it, and make it work.”
This will be USU’s first bachelor of applied science degree program. The BAS distinction means students have slightly fewer required general education classes in favor of courses focused on technical skills. In addition to the bachelor’s degree that prepares engineering technologists, the university also recently opened an associate of applied science (AAS) degree to prepare students as engineering technicians.
The degree program will be stackable, meaning students with relevant certificates from technical colleges will be able to transfer some technical certificate credits and continue developing their skillset at USU.
“We are excited to offer this engineering technology degree program which has been developed to support manufacturing and related industries,” said Professor Brian Warnick, TDTE department head. “In addition to providing opportunities for career advancement, the program is designed to contribute to a highly skilled and appropriately trained workforce, meeting industry needs for engineering technologists and technicians.”
USU will offer this program both on-campus and through an online-plus approach. The plus indicates that in addition to online instruction, hands-on laboratories and experiences are required. The program allows working professionals and those across the state to benefit from the curriculum without needing to relocate.
“For the people who love to tinker, people who love to mess around creating things in their garages, this is the perfect degree for you,” Deceuster said. “It provides you technical knowledge, lets you use your hands, and leads to awesome careers.”
To learn more about the new engineering technology program, email Jessica Deceuster at jessica.deceuster@usu.edu.