Additional specific objectives of the Engineering Technology program offered at Western Illinois University include learning and developing problem solving and critical thinking skills that will be needed by successful industrial managers working with technical applications. The program also includes a strong foundation in business management principles and practices.
The Engineering Technology program is designed to specifically provide students with the background to function effectively in a technical/management position with a manufacturing industry. Drafting/Design, CNC machining, CAD/CAM, Electronics Fluid Power, CIM and Robotics are all part of this program.
Why Choose Engineering Technology at WIU?
A vast majority of our graduates from the Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree program reported that they had secured employment in the business and industry sector within a year of their graduation date.
- Instruction utilizes a balance of lectures and laboratory experiences.
- All laboratories have industrial-sized, modern equipment.
- Advanced computer laboratories are provided, and all labs are open only to students in engineering technology classes.
- Required internships provide course credit for actual work experience.
- Classes are small -- usually no larger than 24 students.
- Faculty members are accessible and focus on teaching.
- All courses are taught by faculty, most of whom are tenure track; graduate students do not teach classes in the department.
Special Opportunities
A key component of the major is a required internship. Every student in his or her junior/senior year earns course credit for successfully applying knowledge while gaining invaluable on-the-job experience. By securing an internship in any approved major-related field, each student has the opportunity to enhance his or her skills in a professional work environment of particular interest. Many students report that the internship experience helps them focus their career goals and make vital industry contacts that benefit them upon graduation. Industry site supervisors continually report that the required internship is a vital link between education and the world of business, industry, and government service. There are many ways to benefit from a baccalaureate degree in Engineering Technology (ET):
- 91+% placement
- Applications oriented (hands-on)
- Small student-faculty ratio
- Small class sizes
- Diverse faculty
- Certification opportunities
- Higher salaries
- Develop ability to work in teams
- Required internship (industry experience)
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