Automotive Engineering Technology Narrative

Engineering technology has been defined as the part of the technological field which requires the application of scientific and engineering knowledge and methods combined with technical skills in support of engineering activities; it lies in the occupational spectrum between the craftsman and the engineer at the end of the spectrum closest to the engineer. Engineering technology is oriented less toward theory and more toward practical applications. - American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE)

The Automotive Engineering Technology degree program prepares graduates for careers in product research, design, and development, manufacturing, and technical sales in the original equipment and aftermarket industries. Fields include passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, vehicle emissions, safety, fuels and lubricants, construction, industrial, and agricultural equipment. Graduates from the program are currently working for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as General Motors, Polaris, John Deere, AGCO, and Ford along with aftermarket companies such as Competition Cams, OTC, and S&S Cycle. A more complete reference to companies employing AET graduates may be obtained from the Department Chair.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (sae.org) and National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ase.com) are the lead professional societies used in developing program criteria, guiding program relevance, and continuous improvement.