Engineering Technology and Commonwealth Engineering

"The degree is engineering technology, the career is engineering."™
- American Society For Engineering Education

Engineering Technology at Penn State

Penn State offers degrees in both engineering and engineering technology. Both fields focus on problem-solving in a technical environment. But how do these fields differ, and which is the right choice for you?

Engineers use theory and advanced mathematics to solve problems.

Engineering technologists use a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Typical descriptors for engineering and engineering technology include:

Typical Descriptors for Engineering and Engineering Technology
Engineer Engineering Technologist
Conceiver Achiever
Planner Producer
Expert Expediter
Masters systems Masters details
Originator Completer
Theoretical Practical
Works with mind Works with hands

Job Functions

Engineering technologists are in demand. Penn State has high placement rate for its engineering technology graduates. Most of our graduates stay in Pennsylvania, but our programs receives interest from employers all over the country.

Student Enrollment and Graduation Data

For information on the number of students enrolled in the engineering technology programs under the College of Engineering, visit  Undergraduate Enrollment. For information on the number of degrees awarding in our engineering technology programs, visit Undergraduate Degrees Awarded.

 

About

The School of Engineering Design and Innovation delivers effective engineering education and unrivaled research opportunities through active, collaborative, project-based, and professionally oriented classroom experiences. The school offers a variety of programs that partner faculty, students, and industry in the study of real-life engineering problems. Our programs teach students to solve real-life problems with innovative solutions. 

School of Engineering Design and Innovation

304 Engineering Design and Innovation Building

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-865-2952