The Development of Cross Discipline Plans of Study within Existing Engineering Technology Programs to Satisfy Industry Needs

Existing Engineering Technology programs that offer degrees in such areas as Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Civil Engineering Technology have typically not promoted cross discipline learning. The development of crossdiscipline plans of study offer the potential of greater breadth of knowledge and a customization of skills that are directly targeted towards specific industry needs. Augmenting the student’s knowledge base would not only bode well for the academic institution, but also increase the graduating student’s marketability at the professional level. An example would include Mechanical Engineering Technology students with additional exposure to electrical power systems via those courses offered in the Electrical Engineering Technology area. Another example would be additional courses in engineering economics for the Civil Engineering Technologist which would assist in developing solid project costing skills. From an industry perspective the less that a newly hired employee has to be trained, the more quickly the employee will begin contributing to the bottom line.