Fairleigh Dickinson University
School of Engineering and Engineering Technology
Engineering vs Engineering Technology
Is Engineering or Engineering Technology for you?
The Engineer and the Technologist
The engineer and the technologist use science, mathematics, and technical
problem-solving skills to design, construct, maintain and distribute goods,
services and information. Specifically, engineers and engineering technologists
engage in
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the design and development of new products and services;
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testing and research to produce safe, economical and durable products;
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managing the development and production of goods and services.
Today's modern society depends on individuals with the ability to design,
produce, manage, operate and maintain a vast array of increasingly complex
technology. Whether the field is communications or computers, transport
or office equipment, skyscrapers or water supplies, space vehicles or appliances,
automated factories or new life-saving medical equipment, engineers and
technologists influence the way we live. And the challenges and opportunities
will continue to grow. Engineering and engineering technology careers have
enormous potential for satisfaction and success. Degree programs in engineering
and engineering technology also serve as excellent preparation for other
career fields - such as retailing, real estate, law, medicine and politics.
Engineering
Engineering has been defined as the art of applying the principles of mathematics
and science, experience, judgement and common sense to make things which
benefit people. In other words, engineering is the process of supplying
a technical product to meet a specific need.
Engineers have many different kinds of jobs to choose from -- research,
design, analysis, development, testing and sales. If you are interested
in discovering new knowledge, consider a career as a research engineer.
If you are imaginative and creative, design engineering may be for you.
If you like laboratory work, test engineering might be the answer. If you
like to manage projects, look into becoming a development engineer. Sales
engineering could be a good choice if you are persuasive and like working
with people.
Engineering Technology
Engineering technology programs are characterized by their focus on application
and practice, and by their approximately 50/50 mix of theory and laboratory
experience. Technologists are employed across the technological spectrum,
but are better suited to areas that deal with hardware application, implementation,
and production, as opposed to the conceptual design and research functions.
Engineering technology is the profession in which a knowledge gained through
higher education, experience and practice is devoted primarily to the implementation
and extension of existing technology in such areas as product improvement,
manufacturing, and engineering operations.
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