The following definition of engineering technology was established by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, and was approved by the Engineering Technology Council of the American Society for Engineering Education:
"Engineering Technology is the profession in which knowledge of the applied mathematical and natural sciences gained by higher education, experience, and practice is devoted to the application of engineering principles and the implementation of technological advances for the benefit of humanity. Engineering Technology education for the professional focuses primarily on analyzing, applying, implementing and improving existing technologies and is aimed at preparing graduates for the practice of engineering closest to the product improvement, manufacturing, and engineering operational functions."
Thus engineering technology is the application of engineering principles and modern technology to help solve or prevent technical problems Engineering Technology education focuses primarily on the applied aspects of science and engineering aimed at preparing graduates for practice in that portion of the technological spectrum closest to product improvement, manufacturing, construction, and engineering operational functions. Students learn how a system works and why it is designed in a particular fashion. Manufacturing Engineering Technology students obtain hands-on technical capabilities that help to solve problems and help them explain solutions.
The Manufacturing Engineering Technology program at MSU is designed to graduate students that are college-educated problem solvers who can support the engineering process and management. Manufacturing Engineering Technology graduates fill the void between a two-year technical or vocational school graduates and engineering graduates. The technology workplace includes mathematicians, scientists, engineers, Engineering Technologists, technicians, crafts persons, trades people, and artists. These people have specialized education and often work together as a team. As a team player, each team member has a different but important role. Scientists are concerned with advancing our understanding of the laws of nature and our knowledge of scientific principles, and are primarily involved in research. Engineers employ the scientific knowledge developed by scientists in planning, designing, and constructing technical devices and systems. Engineers develop technological innovations, and work at conceptualizing and designing technical devices or systems. Technicians tend to be technical or vocational school graduates, and are employed doing physical building, operating, or repairing of equipment. Manufacturing Engineering Technology fits in the technological spectrum between engineers and technicians, closest to product improvement, lean manufacturing, product testing, facilities construction, and engineering operational functions.
