The Career
Engineering technology emphasizes the application of scientific and engineering techniques to a variety of real-world problems. Application is the key word in this definition, in that engineering technology emphasizes practical applications as well as theory. Engineering technologists work in the job spectrum between the engineer and the skilled technician, with responsibilities closest to those of the engineer.
The work of technologists is usually focused on product improvement, manufacturing, construction and engineering operational functions. Technologists are employed in a large and wide-array of industries including: manufacturing, construction, industrial, maintenance and management.
Entry-level positions in product design, testing, development, systems engineering, field engineering, technical operations and quality control are common for engineering technology graduates. Programs prepare their graduates to apply others’ designs.
Professional Traits
Those pursuing a career in this field should:
- Be able to anticipate and prevent problems
- Provide fair but firm guidance
- Be enthusiastic and constantly alert
- Possess good communication and organizational skills
- Work well independently and on a team
- Be able to analyze, compare and interpret detailed information
The Program
ECC offers its engineering technology students a complete two-year program which includes the basic calculus, physics and chemistry classes as well as the hands on mechanical and electrical classes in state-of-the-art facilities. ECC students participate in classroom design projects. Class sizes are small, giving students the opportunity to receive individual help when necessary.
Admissions Requirements
To enter the program, students must have completed:
- High school diploma or the equivalent (documentation must be sent to the registration office)
- Application for admission
- A placement test as specified by the college (some coursework requires minimum placement results)
Transfer Options
Engineering Technology students benefit from an articulation agreement between East Central and Southeast Missouri State University. They transfer to four-year, bachelor of science programs with a very high completion rate.
Please note that transferring credit is decided solely by the bachelor degree-granting institution, not ECC. Students are advised to make early contact with the four-year college or university of their choice so that they can take the appropriate coursework at East Central.
Employment Opportunities and Salary Information
The number of positions in the engineering technology field is expected to remain steady, with no or little change by the year 2022, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here are the median annual salaries for the main career types in this field as of 2014:
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians |
$64,310 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians |
$60,330 |
| Industrial Engineering Technicians |
$55,660 |
| Electromechanical Technicians |
$55,600 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technicians |
$55,470 |
| Environmental Engineering Technicians |
$51,030 |
| Civil Engineering Technicians |
$50,290 |
Accreditation
East Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2400
Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504
800-621-7440
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