Our programs empower graduates by developing technical skills, as well as career, leadership, and life skills.

Department of Technology and Applied Science
About the Department
Housed in Benthack Hall of Applied Science, the Technology and Applied Science Department offers state-of-the-art construction, woodcrafting, manufacturing, and food preparation labs, so you can expect to graduate with a modern, high-tech education. What’s more, our new Center for Applied Technology boasts new tech-savvy classrooms and 13 state-of-the art instructional labs for drafting, manufacturing, applied engineering, robotics, and more, which provides you with excellent hands-on learning opportunities.
If you’re pursuing a career in the family and consumer sciences field, our clothing lab offers excellent hands-on learning experience for soft furnishing and textile construction, while our sample room offers carpet, wallpaper, and a variety of flooring samples for interior design classes.
Highlighted Programs
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Wayne State College Students Earn Awards at SkillsUSA, Qualify For Nationals
Wayne State College students Krystin Aschoff, Chris Todd, Ryan Zoucha, Tyler Sitzmann, and Landin Pribnow earned awards at the recent Nebraska SkillsUSA Leadership Conference.
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Program Feature: Industrial Technology Degree Program
Students share why they are in the industrial technology degree program at Wayne State College.
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Program Feature: Family and Consumer Sciences Degree Program
Students share why they are in the family and consumer sciences degree program at Wayne State College.

“The coolest thing about my program is the different technology you get to use in the labs. The faculty are really great to work with. They're always encouraging and trying to push you to be a better educator. If you don't know something, they're super easy to approach, and they're always willing to help you with the project.”
Jacob Henderson
Major: Industrial Technology Education
Hometown: Ida Grove, Iowa
Recognized for Excellence
Wayne State College is nationally ranked and continually recognized for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.

No. 1 in Nebraska
Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2022
College Affordability Guide

Most Affordable College in Nebraska, 2022
No. 1 in Nebraska
College Affordability Guide
College Affordability Guide ranks Wayne State in the No.1 spot for 2022 as the Most Affordable College in Nebraska. College Affordability Guide focuses not only on the financial cost of colleges, but on the opportunity cost: what happens to students once they're enrolled. Do they graduate? Can they pay back their loans? Their analysis is designed to find schools that are affordable not only for the average student, but for lower-income students as well.
Ranking is based on the following factors:
- Institutional Fit – At least 500 students enrolled and the ability to earn non-standard credits, including at least 20% of students receiving Pell Grants.
- Getting In – Overall affordability and equitable use of financial aid, making the average net price of $15,000/year or less
- Getting Out – High graduation rate with more than 50% of students either debt-free or paying down student debt within three years of graduation
- Top Colleges - The combination of these "Institutional Fit," "Getting In," and "Getting Out" filters leaves a small group of schools that are serious about making sure that students of all backgrounds get their money's worth.

No. 1 in Nebraska, Top 1% in the U.S.
Top Ranked Human Development and Family Studies College, 2019
College Factual

Top Ranked Human Development and Family Studies College, 2019
No. 1 in Nebraska, Top 1% in the U.S.
College Factual
Wayne State College performed very well in a recent ranking of Human Development & Family Studies programs. College Factual ranks programs offered by four-year colleges and universities and has recently updated its rankings. WSC’s programs in this category have been ranked #1 in Nebraska for 2019. This makes us the best in the state.
Human development and family studies looks to understand how people develop and relationships form in society. It studies the cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of people throughout different stages. Classes you may take when studying HDFS could include: child guidance and parenting, contemporary family issues, multiethnic society, early childhood education, human sexuality, child development, lifespan development, psychology, and sociology.
College Factual, located in Troy, New York, is a leading source of college data analytics and insights, with a strong focus on student outcomes. Its mission is to help all types of students discover their best-fit college and major so they can enjoy their college experience and graduate with less debt. College Factual provides coverage for over 2,500 colleges and universities, 350 college majors, for students in over 160 countries. Learn more about College Factual.

Recognized for Excellence
Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Colleges of Distinction

Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23
Recognized for Excellence
Colleges of Distinction
Wayne State College has been named as a College of Distinction. Colleges of Distinction honors and recognizes the hundreds of smaller, teaching-centered colleges that make up the fabric of the American educational system, schools that deliver well four overarching distinctions — Engagement, Teaching, Community, and Outcomes — which are the fundamental elements of an effective undergraduate education.
To be designated a “college of distinction,” a school’s curriculum must emphasize such core competencies as critical thinking, writing, oral skills, research, and global perspectives. They must also offer dynamic out-of-classroom learning and study abroad programs. The process is objective, in-depth, and qualitative; however, quantitative data such as class-size statistics, faculty-to-student ratio, plus retention and four-year graduation rates are also taken into account.
Technology and Applied Science Programs
Choose from our technology and applied science majors, or enhance your education by adding on a second major or minor. Explore your options here.
Program Name | Bachelor's | Pre-Professional or Affiliate | Master's | Minor | Education Field Endorsement | Education Subject Endorsement | Supplemental Endorsement |
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Construction Management | Explore | Explore | |||||
Drafting and Design | Explore | Explore | |||||
Early Childhood and Family Studies | Explore | ||||||
Engineering Technology | Explore | ||||||
Family and Consumer Sciences | Explore | ||||||
Family and Consumer Sciences Education - Online Master's Degree Option (MSE) | Explore | ||||||
Family and Consumer Sciences Occupational Education (6-12) | Explore | ||||||
Family Life Studies | Explore | ||||||
Fashion Merchandising | Explore | ||||||
Foods and Nutrition | Explore | Explore | |||||
Health Sciences Education | Explore | ||||||
Industrial Technology | Explore | ||||||
Industrial Technology Education - Online Master's Degree Option (MSE) | Explore | ||||||
Interdisciplinary Studies | Explore | Explore | Explore | ||||
Interior Design | Explore | ||||||
Manufacturing Management | Explore | Explore | |||||
Mapping | Explore | ||||||
Merchandising and Design | Explore | ||||||
Safety Management | Explore | Explore | |||||
Skilled and Technical Sciences Education (6-12) (formerly Industrial Technology Education) | Explore | ||||||
Technology (transfer only) | Explore | ||||||
Work-Based Learning Education (9-12) | Explore |
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education by participating in clubs, organizations, competitions, and more.

Clubs and Organizations
- Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Professionals
- Associated General Contractors of America
- Drafting and Design Club
- Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
- National Association of Homebuilders
- Nutrition Club
- Occupational Safety Organization
- SkillsUSA

Service-Learning
Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.

Opportunities
- Field trips – Visit local construction and manufacturing facilities to meet pros in the industry and get a peek at operations behind the scenes to watch how things are made.
- Competitions – Earn national recognition and prizes for your skills and accomplishments when you compete in FCCLA STAR events.
- Dean's Ambassadors - The Dean's Ambassadors include students from the fields of health, law, and engineering. Their purpose is to represent Wayne State College in the community and develop positive relationships between the two.

Internships/Clinicals
We encourage all students to complete an internship before graduating to build your portfolio and gain experience in this field of study. If you’re an education major, you’ll need to complete clinical practice (student teaching). Career Services is also available to help you find internship opportunities.
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Department of Technology and Applied Science.
Scholarships
In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships for technology and applied science students.