Volume 3 No.4, Spring 2000 

ISSN# 1523-9926

THE ENGINEERING TEAM

Submitted by 

Lyle B. McCurdy, Ph.D.
LBMccurdy@csupomona.edu

Professor and Coordinator
Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology
Department of Engineering Technology
Cal Poly Pomona
Pomona, California

(Adopted by the Engineering Liaison Committee, March 24, 1995, State of California)


In today's modern industry, a number of players are involved in developing new products, forming what is commonly known as the "engineering team." These team players are engineering scientists, engineers, engineering technologists, engineering technicians, and vocational technicians. 

Since engineering technologists and engineering technicians are relatively new on the team, some discussion regarding the field of "engineering technology" is needed. 

Engineering technology (ET) education emphasizes problem solving, laboratories, and technical skills; it prepares individuals for application-oriented careers in industry, typically in manufacturing, field-service, marketing, technical sales, or as technical members of the engineering team. 

According to a national accrediting agency (TAC/ABET), graduates of baccalaureate-level engineering technology (BET) programs are called "engineering technologists," and graduates of associate degree (AS) programs in engineering technology are called "engineering technicians." 

The upper-division coursework of BET programs is designed to provide additional analytical and problem solving beyond those learned at the two-year level. Most BET programs are accredited by TAC/ABET, and are designed to accept appropriate coursework in math, science, and a technical specialization completed at approved associate-degree programs. With careful planning students may transfer with maximum efficiency. 

The definitions described herein are intended to conform with ABET criteria for engineering and engineering technology.

 

DEFINITIONS

Engineering scientists

Engineers 

Engineering technologists

Engineering technicians 

Vocational Technicians 


*Note: Technical support skill courses, such as drafting, machine shop or electronic assembly, may be taught by faculty having at least a bachelor's degree in an appropriate science or engineering-related field. They are expected to be artisans or masters of their crafts.

 

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