Engineering technology is a field of knowledge in which advanced techniques in mathematics and higher education of science comes together in an effort to improve on existing technology for the benefit of mankind. The education of engineering technology in large part focuses on key aspects of science and engineering to give students the knowledge and techniques to improve currently existing products, manufacture new products, and perform advanced operations within engineering.

Education in Engineering Technology in the United States:
The Technology Accreditation Commission, a part of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET), recognizes all programs related to Engineering Technology in the United States. The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) also accredits Engineering Technology education within education institutions that offer associate, bachelor and advanced degrees. Only some schools within the field offer advanced degrees. The type of education in engineering technology can vary greatly depending the school that is attended. For instance, ATMAE programs require that a student be versed in management, as opposed to programs accredited by TAC or ABET.

The United States Department of Education recognizes engineering technology as a field that is primarily focused on engineering values and ideas, along with the technical skills necessary for a typical engineering development projects. Also, engineering technology involves functions for research, production, operations, and programs that are designed for specific engineering fields.

What is the Difference Between Engineering and Engineering Technology Programs?
According to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the difference between engineering and engineering technology is that while engineering and technology are very similar there are many differences, including:

• Engineering programs on the undergraduate level require a great deal more mathematical skills and a higher level of mathematics than technology programs.

• Undergraduate programs for engineering generally focuses on concepts of theory, while the technology field is primary concerned with applications.

• After completing their education, engineering students typically spend their time planning projects, while on the other hand, technology students work to carry out plans and implement them.

• Engineering and engineering technology programs are accredited in two separate ways, requiring different criteria.

• The title of the two fields are different as well– engineer program graduates are referred to as ‘engineers’, while technology engineers are called ‘technologists’.

• In the United States, most professional engineering teams only allow students in engineering programs to be licensed.

• Finally, engineering students generally require a period of internship before entering into a field, however, engineering technology students are immediately prepared to be in the field.

Positions in the Engineering Technology Field:
Depending on the degree, a person may be placed into a variety of fields. When a graduate acquires an associate’s degree or lower, he or she would commonly be in a Engineering Technician job role. A person receiving a bachelor’s degree or higher are usually given the title of a technologist or an applied engineer. The positions of an technologist can include either product design, testing, development, systems engineering, technical operations, and quality control.