Engineering Technology Degree

Explore the Engineering Technology degree program

Engineering technology is a practical application of science and engineering to a wide range of real-world challenges. Wayne State College now offers a new program in this field, the only one of its kind in Nebraska. With a degree in Engineering Technology, you’ll be prepared to work with engineers on a wide variety of projects using basic engineering principles and technical skills. The work will focus on product improvement, manufacturing, construction, and engineering operational functions.

As an engineering technologist, you’ll oversee the use of technologies recommended by engineers, train and provide support for end users, assist engineers in data gathering and assessment technologies, and provide other support to engineers and the organizations they serve.

While engineers focus on the theoretical aspects, a degree in Engineering Technology will lead you to a career in using practical skills and a conceptual understanding of science to achieve your goal.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Engineering technology topics covered

Data analysis and statistics for business
Chemistry, calculus, and physics
Project management strategies and software
Engineering economics
Engineering and technology principles in production and design
Manufacturing technology materials and processing
Mechanical and engineering drafting using computer-aided design (CAD) software
CNC machine programming, setup, and operations
Electronics and control systems in manufacturing environments
Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) and robotics programming
Material science, composition, and structural analysis

Student learning outcomes

Apply engineering theories and concepts to solve technical problems
Utilize equipment and technology that is relevant to the engineering industry
Demonstrate effective skills in written, oral, and graphical communication
Work in a team environment to solve engineering problems

Nebraska S-STEM Scholars Program

Incoming first-year students majoring in Enginering Technology are eligible for the Nebraska S-STEM Program. Students in the program are awarded up to $10,000 per year based on their unmet financial needs. If selected for the program, you’ll be guided by faculty mentors through independent research projects beginning your first year and supported by a team of advisors, supplemental instructors, and peer tutors. A research and travel stipend is also provided to help you attend regional conferences and network with fellow mathematicians, and present your research. Additionally, you’ll live in the residence halls for your first two years alongside other S-STEM scholars, where you’ll support each other while developing leadership and professional skills.

Nebraska S-STEM Scholars Program

Engineering technology internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find engineering technology internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

Great Dane Trailers
Hausmann Construction
Kiewit Corporation
Ronco Construction

Career services and internships

Graduates of the Engineering Technology degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Note: Due to the recent addition of the Engineering Technology program, career outcomes will be available for reporting beginning in Summer 2024 with the 2022-23 Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Possible careers:

Electrical engineering technologist
Production manager
Material manager
Manufacturing technologist
Maintenance technologist
Mechanical design drafter
Construction engineering technologist
Architectural engineering technologist

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Engineering Technology courses (57 credit hours)

Credits: 3
Description: This course introduces an analytical toolset to address modern, data-intensive business problems. The course provides an overview of the key concepts, applications, processes, and techniques relevant to business analytics. The course is intended to provide tools for business applications using data, databases, and reports from analytic models. It covers the basic fundamentals of data analysis and inferential statistics as well as predictive modeling techniques, including linear regression, logistic regression, and decision trees.
Credits: 4
Description: Emphasis on nomenclature, atomic structure, bonding, gaseous and liquid states, equilibrium, and stoichiometry. Class includes 3 hours of lecture and 3 hours of laboratory. Class fee of $20 required.
Prerequisite: High school chemistry or CHE 102 Chemistry for General Studies
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to the management of projects. Emphasis is placed on both the technical aspects of the project management process and the management of the human behavioral/situational aspects of projects. The nature of projects is explored. The techniques and tools of project management are introduced. Operational, tactical, and strategic implications of project management approaches are considered. The use of current project management software is incorporated. Students are also provided with an understanding of the many environmental and behavioral issues surrounding project management, and approaches to dealing with these issues. Graduate students in these courses have additional requirements beyond those for the undergraduate students.
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to the management of projects. Emphasis is placed on both the technical aspects of the project management process and the management of the human behavioral/situational aspects of projects. The nature of projects is explored. The techniques and tools of project management are introduced. Operational, tactical, and strategic implications of project management approaches are considered. The use of current project management software is incorporated. Students are also provided with an understanding of the many environmental and behavioral issues surrounding project management, and approaches to dealing with these issues. Graduate students in these courses have additional requirements beyond those for the undergraduate students.
Credits: 3
Description: Engineering economics is the application of economic techniques to the evaluation of design and engineering alternatives. The role of engineering economics is to assess the appropriateness of a given project, estimate its value, and justify it from an engineering standpoint. This course covers the time value of money and other cash-flow concepts, reviews economic practices and techniques used to evaluate and optimize engineering decisions and discusses the principles of cost analysis.
Credits: 3
Description: An introductory course of engineering and technology principles. Designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for all Industrial Technology, Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS) and undeclared majors. Engineering concepts along with new technology will be utilized in the design and production of products made. Students will employ problem-solving, research and design, and interpersonal communication skills as they work through the assigned classroom and lab activities. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An exploratory course introducing students to the five areas of the manufacturing industry. Hands-on lab activities will reinforce lessons in sheet steel and aluminum, plastics, wood, and the foundry. Appropriate material selection, process selection, safety, use of manufacturing and industrial tools and equipment, and measurement will be presented. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course focuses on the properties of materials and is intended as an introduction to material science. Materials are used in everything, and many major engineering problems are materials problems. The course will provide students with an introduction to stress, strain, and deformation analysis of materials subjected to axial, torsional, and bending loads and will also focus on mechanical lab testing and structural analysis of polymers, metal, and ceramics.
Credits: 3
Description: A drafting and design class that will emphasize geometry, geometric construction, multi-view drawings, orthographic projection, sectional views, primary and secondary auxiliary views, dimensioning, isometric drawing, sketching, and drafting standards. The course will include extensive use of computer aided drafting software and solid modeling software, problem-solving, and elements of design. Students will be introduced to prototype development and 3D printing. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to manufacturing via lectures, lab activities, and field trips. Lecture topics will cover manufacturing from product demand to fulfillment, while the lab element will focus on metal machining. (Lecture and lab combined) ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $30 required.
Credits: 3
Description: The following topics are covered in this course: basic concepts and definitions of composite materials; fabrication, structure, properties, and applications of fibrous materials; and structure and properties of polymer matrix, metal matrix, and ceramic matrix materials. The student will also study the interface between fiber and matrix and the properties and applications of polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and carbon/carbon composites.
Credits: 3
Description: The goal of this course is to teach the student to produce a product on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills and lathes. Topics include reading a detailed blueprint, tooling selection, work holding strategies (including jigs and fixtures), CNC programming, machine setup, and CNC operations. Students will use various specialized measurement tools to meet established quality standards. Multi-axis programming will be used to program parts. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $30 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will cover electricity, electronics, hydraulics, and pneumatics as each relate to controlling machines in manufacturing environments. Students will further explore the areas of Alternating Current, Direct Current, analog and digital circuitry, solid state devices, AC and DC motors, sensors, programmable logic controllers, and selected information input systems. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better
Credits: 3
Description: Introduction to the concepts and procedures of CIM production as well as the main components and devices in a CIM cell. Using a fully simulated industrial CIM, students learn about the CIM production cycle, from customer order and inventory control, through automated manufacturing of materials into finished parts, to quality inspection and final delivery. Additional topics include programming industrial robots and the opportunity to earn an industrial Robot Certification. (Lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $10 required.
Credits: 3
Description: Students design, set up, and operate CIM cells, and learn more advanced robotic programming, are introduced to Quality Control video device with software, part feeding, and ERP. Activities will migrate from basic operations to identifying cost savings opportunities and increasing throughout, if not earned in ITE 421, the opportunity to earn an Industrial Robot Certification is possible. Lecture and lab combined.
Prerequisite: ITE 421/521 Computer Integrated Manufacturing and Robotics or department chair approval
Credits: 5-6
Description: Students taking an internship for their major are required to secure placement in an internship of a professional capacity and related to their major concentration. Internships must be approved by the advisors. Internships are supervised and must show at least 50 clock hours at work for each credit hour earned. A signed internship agreement is required.
Choose one of the following courses:
- MAT 130 Precalculus (5 credits) – A rigorous course in the computational and theoretical aspects of algebra and trigonometry: equations and inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; complex numbers; polynomial, rational, radical, exponential logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, equations, and graphs; right triangle trigonometry; inverse functions; law of sines; law cosines, trigonometric identities. Mastery of these skills will empower a student to achieve success in Calculus I. Prerequisite: Placement or “C-“ or better in MAT 121 College Algebra.
- MAT 140 Calculus (5 credits) – Mastery of algebra and trigonometry is necessary before taking this course. Theory and applications of limits, derivatives, antiderivatives, definite integrals, and differentials of algebraic, trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential functions. Prerequisite: Placement or “C-“ or better in MAT 130 Precalculus.
Choose one of the following courses:
- PHY 201 General Physics I (3 credits) – An algebra-based general physics course intended primarily for health professions, life science and education students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. PHY 321 Physics Laboratory I required. Prerequisite: Two years of algebra.
- PHY 301 University Physics I (4 credits) – High school physics and MAT 140 or equivalent calculus class. A calculus- based general physics course intended primarily for scientists, pre-engineers, computer and math majors and advanced health professional students. Topics include vectors, kinematics and dynamics, equilibrium, rotational motion, energy, momentum, oscillations, fluids, and thermodynamics. PHY 321 required. Prerequisite: High school physics and MAT 140 Calculus or equivalent calculus class.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Engineering Technology at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

Safety Management (major or minor)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Engineering Technology program may also be interested in:

Agricultural Engineering (transfer program)
Construction Management (B.A. or B.S.)
Mechanical Engineering (transfer program)

I chose Wayne State because of the excellent academic programs, top-of-the-line facilities, and the small-town community feel. Wayne State College is helping me prepare for my future by teaching me in classes using real-life examples and simulating realistic scenarios that I may encounter post-collegiately. My professors are also great at thoroughly explaining the material, encouraging safety protocols, and ensuring that I understand the material before moving on so that I get the most out of my education.

Abe Schroeder

Ravenna, Nebraska

Majors: Engineering Technology, Safety Management