Engineering technology
Engineering Technology (ET) is a field of
study which focuses on the applications of
engineering and modern technology, rather
than the theoretical. Engineering technology
is typically undertaken as an alternative to an
engineering degree and the requisite profes-
sional licensing requirements.
Education
In the United States, Engineering Technology
programs are accredited through the Techno-
logy Accreditation Commission of the Accred-
itation Board for Engineering and Techno-
logy. Depending on the institution, associate
and/or bachelor degrees are offered, with a
few institutions also offering advanced de-
grees. The type, length, and quality of educa-
tion offered can vary greatly depending on
the educational institution and the specialty
pursued within Engineering Technology.
Worldwide Perspectives
The Sydney Accord is an agreement among
the signatory nations acknowledging the aca-
demic equivalence of accredited Engineering
Technology programs.
The Engineering Technologist Mobility
Forum is an international forum held by sig-
natories of the Sydney Accord to explore mu-
tual recognition for experienced engineering
technologists and to remove artificial barri-
ers to the free movement and practice of en-
gineering
technologists
amongst
their
countries.
Engineering versus
Engineering Technology
Programs
See also: Controversies over
the
term
Engineer
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology describes the difference between
engineering and engineering technology as:
"Engineering and technology are separate
but intimately related professions. Here are
some of the ways they differ:
• Engineering undergraduate programs
include more mathematics work and
higher level mathematics than
technology programs.
• Engineering undergraduate programs
often focus on theory, while
technology programs usually focus on
application.
• Once they enter the workforce,
engineering graduates typically spend
their time planning, while engineering
technology graduates spend their
time making plans work