Electrical Engineering Technology (E E T)

 

 

Click here for program requirements as listed in Penn State's Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin.

The Bachelor of Science graduate with a major in Electrical Engineering Technology (E E T) is an engineering technologist who can bridge the gap between scientific advancement and practical electrical devices and systems. Research in all fields of electrical engineering has produced an abundance of new knowledge in recent years. Many of these advanced scientific achievements have been unused due to the shortage of engineering technologists specifically educated to convert scientific information into practical devices and systems.

The E E T major aims to equip students with the various skills necessary to adapt new scientific knowledge to new products. Technical selections are offered in the senior year to provide some degree of specialization, but all graduates receive a well- rounded basic education in electrical and electronic design principles. The strengths of the program include: an applied, hands-on program; extensive laboratory experience; promising job placement; and accreditation by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone 410-347-7700, or on the Web at www.abet.org.

E E T graduates who wish to continue their professional development can take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination in Pennsylvania, a prerequisite for taking the Professional Engineering Examination.

For a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, a minimum of 128 credits is required.

Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes

Please click here for detailed information on the Electrical Engineering Technology program’s Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes.

Opportunities in Electrical Engineering Technology

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Electrical Engineering Technology program will find a job market with many opportunities. Within the program options—General Electrical Engineering Technology or Computer Engineering Technology—students can prepare for interesting and challenging careers. Opportunities can be found in the areas of computer interfacing and networking, development engineering, manufacturing, product engineering, field service, energy management, quality control, technical sales, or management. These opportunities can be found in a variety of firms engaged in electronic manufacturing, industrial control, applications engineering, and in power utilities.

Licensure

Graduates are encouraged to continue their professional development by taking the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination in Pennsylvania at the end of their senior year, a prerequisite for taking the Professional Engineering Examination.

Student Organizations

The School of Science, Engineering, and Technology encourages student involvement in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Job Titles

Some of the positions involving an electrical engineering technologist include: Communications Engineer, Computer Engineering Technologist, Electrical Engineering Technologist, Electromechanical Engineering Technologist, Engineering Assistant, Field Service Technician, Industrial Technologist, Product Engineer, Project Assistant, Network Manager, Technical Salesperson, Technical Assistant, and Technical Writer.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most electrical engineering technologists work in durable goods manufacturing, mainly in electronic machinery and equipment, industrial machinery and equipment, instruments and related products, and transportation equipment industries. Another 30 percent work in service industries. Increasing demand for more sophisticated electrical and electronic products will continue to contribute to growth in opportunities for graduates. Overall, employment for electrical engineering technologists is expected to grow at an average rate through 2008.

Selection of Major in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology

Excellent guidance for students, parents, friends and others regarding the similarities and differences between Electrical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Technology is provided at the following IEEE and ASEE web sites:
http://www.ieeeusa.org/careers/yourcareer.html
http://www.engineeringk12.org/students/What_Is_Engineering/default.php