by our College Data Analytics TeamTechnology is forever changing. Whether it is crafting bridges or programming new software, we are always demanding newer, better and faster processes. Engineers are the sources of this change; they examine and redesign existing machinery as well as come up with new products to make the world a better place.
A major in Engineering Technology will provide you with knowledge of engineering principles and technical skills in order to assist engineers with various projects. Students will focus on the technological aspects of engineering. There are many different elements to this field, with opportunities for students interested in electronics, building structures, designing machinery or even preserving nature. A fondness of architecture and engineering can be united with a degree in Architectural Engineering Technology; while an interest in engineering and the environment can lead to a degree in Environmental Control Technology.
Within this field you will be taking courses in Technical drawing, Computers for engineering technology, Processes of industry, and Structural Systems. The majority of these majors, within this field, are offered as an Associate's degree, however depending on the institution this major could be offered as a Bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's may present you with more job opportunities and higher pay, while an Associate's might be recommended for those who already have job experience.
Engineering Technologies was the 20th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 85,188 degrees in this year alone. This 1,542 less than the prior year, a decrease of 1.8%.
This year's Best Engineering Technologies Schools ranking compares 332 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.
Mathematical and Scientific skills are critical in order to be successful in any of these majors. Engineering Technology focuses on the modernization of products; therefore problem solving and creativity are two vital skills. Students interested in this field are advised to take prior courses in mathematics and science. Students may also want to gain work experience through part-time jobs, internships or co-op positions. There is a lot of hands-on learning involved in this field.
engineering technologies 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. Specific engineering tech careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of engineering tech degrees. Engineering Technologies programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest engineering tech degree you can get. 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 bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to engineering tech, with approximately 31.2% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for engineering tech workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 30.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 18.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 15.1% |
| High School Diploma | 14.5% |
| Some College Courses | 8.4% |
Most workers in engineering tech have at least a associate degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in engineering technologies have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which engineering tech career you choose.
Graduates with a degree in Engineering Technology can enter into many different careers. Most graduates become Technicians in whichever concentration they chose; for example, if you majored in Civil Engineering Technology you could become a Civil Engineering Technician. Technicians aid engineers and other project managers in order to complete their assignments.
Others may choose careers in Quality Control. This job involves conducting tests, inspecting products and processes, and collecting data in order to maintain and improve the profitability and regulations of industries.
Most technicians work full 40 hour weeks in offices, construction sites, manufacturing or industrial plants, or laboratories. As technology continues to improve and get more sophisticated, the demand for skilled technicians will grow.
Want a job when you graduate with your engineering tech degree? Engineering Technologies careers are expected to grow 8.8% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to engineering technologies.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Software Applications Developers | 1,086,600 | 30.7% |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 795,800 | 6.1% |
| Systems Software Developers | 472,100 | 11.1% |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | 465,200 | -10.7% |
| Construction Managers | 448,600 | 11.1% |
Recently graduated engineering technologies students earned an average of $52,232 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $6,755 to as high as $135,821. As you might expect, salaries for engineering tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for engineering technologies graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers engineering tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $148,970 |
| Systems Software Developers | $114,000 |
| Engineering Professors | $113,680 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $113,370 |
| Software Applications Developers | $108,080 |
With over 8,908 different engineering tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased engineering tech school rankings to help you with this.
| 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 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer & Information Sciences | 254,454 |
| Engineering | 198,468 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 177,778 |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 52,396 |
| Physical Sciences | 50,306 |
Image Credit: By KUKA Systems GmbH under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
