Engineering vs. Engineering Technology

Many students want to know what the difference is between Engineering and Engineering Technology. According to the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

Undergraduate Programs In:

Engineering Engineering Technology
Degree: bachelor's only Degree: associate or bachelor's
Theory based classes Application based classes
Stress engineering fundamentals and design. Stress current industry practice and design procedures. Introduced to engineering fundamentals and design.
Learn and utilize more and higher level math and science (e.g. Calculus I, II and III and Differential Equations; University Physics I and II, Chemistry I and II) More qualitative and utilize lower level math and science (e.g. for bachelor's: Calculus I, II and Differential Equations; College Physics I and II, Chemistry I)
Develop conceptual skills Develop technical skills
Learn to design Learn to apply design
Can be ABET accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Can be ABET accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC)

EAC and ETAC have different program requirements.  For more information on ABET accreditation criteria you can visit ABET’s website.

Graduate Results:

Engineering Engineering Technology
"Engineer" is typically part of the title Bachelor’s degree - “Technologist” or “Engineer” may be part of the title depending on the company.

Associate degree - “Technician” or “Engineers Assistant” may be part of the title depending on the company.
Usually requires an internship since they do not have the applied skills Ready to go straight to work since they have the applied skills
Design Apply Design (some graduates from bachelor's programs may design)
Creates the plans Executes the plans (some graduates from bachelor's program may create the plans)
Can get Professional Engineering license (PE) (Bachelor's: sits for FE Exam after 0 years work, sits for PE Exam and licensure after 4 years work) Can get Professional Engineering license (PE) (Bachelor's: sits for FE Exam after 0 years work, sits for PE Exam and licensure after 6 years work; Associate: sits for FE Exam after 3 years work and sits for PE Exam and licensure after 6 years work)

For more information on getting licensed as a Professional Engineer in New York State you can visit the NYS Education Department website.


Bachelor of Technology vs Bachelor of Science

Many students want to know what the difference is between Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The only difference is the amount of liberal art credit. A BTech. Requires 30 credits of liberal art classes (your English, History, etc). whereas a B.S. program requires 60 liberal art credits. Since our program has fewer liberal art credits we are able to build in 30 more program related credits, giving students a much stronger technical background than B.S. programs. Students are able to take more program related courses and build a stronger resume. Graduates are equally qualified to apply for the same positions as students graduating from a B.S. program.

Civil & Environmental Engineering Technology
Adrienne Rygel, Ph.D.
Department Chair
315-386-7163
rygela@canton.edu