• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology

Students may select coursework in one of three areas of specialization: construction engineering technology, electrical-electronics engineering technology, or mechanical engineering technology. All three options are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, 410.347.7700. This department also supervises engineering technology options in the Master of Engineering degree program.

Program Educational Objectives. During the first several years after graduation, graduates of the engineering technology programs should be able to:

• Acquire an entry-level position in the areas of product development, construction supervision, component design, manufacturing supervision, HVAC design, technical sales, field sales, field service engineering, and work force coordination.
• Apply engineering knowledge to solving practical industrial problems.
• Apply business and project management skills to the management of engineering projects.
• Function effectively on multidisciplinary teams.
• Communicate effectively.
• Continue the process of lifelong learning.

Program Outcomes. To enable engineering technology students to accomplish these objectives, the graduates will have:

• An appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of their disciplines.
• An ability to apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging applications of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology.
• An ability to conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments and apply experimental results to improve processes.
• An ability to apply creativity in the design of systems, components, or processes appropriate to program objectives.
• An ability to function effectively on teams.
• An ability to identify, analyze, and solve technical problems.
• An ability to communicate effectively.
• A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in lifelong learning.
• An ability to understand professional, ethical, and social responsibilities.
• A respect for diversity and knowledge of contemporary professional, societal, and global issues.
• A commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.

Program Overview. The engineering technologist generally works in the applied part of the engineering spectrum and is playing an increasingly important role in our technological society. Rather than preparing students to go into research, the engineering technology program prepares students for those engineering activities that emphasize applying engineering knowledge to solving practical industrial problems. The activities of the engineering technologist usually include product development, construction supervision, technical sales, component design, field service engineering, work force coordination, and supervision.

The construction specialization stresses basic structural design and construction operations to prepare students to enter various phases of the construction industry. Coursework includes basic structural design and analysis, contracts and specifications, construction management, safety and health, surveying, cost estimating, scheduling, and transportation.

The curriculum in electrical-electronics engineering technology is designed to bring the student to a high level of understanding of the body of engineering and scientific knowledge within the broad scope of electrical engineering, but with emphasis upon the application of this knowledge to current industrial practices. The program prepares students to work in all phases of development, design, production, and maintenance in the field of communication, automatic controls, digital systems, computers, instrumentation, and others.

Mechanical engineering technology is concerned with energy, mechanical devices, and manufacturing. The curriculum gives a good base for further learning, via industrial experience, in all of these areas. The curriculum emphasizes environmental control (heating, ventilating, cooling, and humidity control), steam-powered electric generating plants, and mechanical design. Both environmental control and steam power plants offer relatively stable employment, and many engineering technology graduates have obtained jobs in these areas. In the area of mechanical devices, courses in strength of materials, kinematics, dynamics, and design are offered. These courses equip the student to create a mechanical device that will perform the desired function and then design the parts of the mechanical device with sufficient strength to perform that function, including balancing the mechanical device to provide smooth operation. To provide an understanding of manufacturing and of the current industrial practices, the curriculum includes instruction in various types of machine tools and manufacturing processes as well as an introduction to numerical control.

Undergraduate Program

The curriculum in engineering technology consists of a basic core of about 60 semester hours of specified courses. These courses in basic science, humanities, social studies, mathematics, and applied science give a foundation in technology and general education. The remaining 66-67 hours of required coursework vary with the student’s choice of an engineering technology area and electives. The program concentrations allow in-depth training in the student’s chosen field.

Students are required to plan their program in consultation with faculty advisors. Emphasis on communication skills requires the inclusion of engineering communications (PETR 3308).

All students must have a personal computer and should check with the department to obtain recommended specifications.

Once a student has elected to take the State Board Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, that student is obligated to pass the exam to graduate.

Minors .Engineering technology students may pursue a minor in virtually any field of study at Texas Tech. The minor must consist of a minimum of 18 hours, with at least 6 of those hours being junior or senior level courses.

A minor in engineering technology is available by completing 18 hours of selected engineering technology courses. The appropriate engineering technology advisor should be consulted for a list of approved courses.