Succeeding as an engineering professional
Authors: Buchanan Walter W. 
Published: May 2014

Graduating student outcomes are presented, comparing ABET's expectations for Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) baccalaureate graduates and Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) baccalaureate graduates. ABET is a good place to start for the outcomes that engineering and engineering technology students must achieve to be workplace-ready. The Student Outcomes (General Criteria 3) that follow are pretty comprehensive and similar, which is the purpose of this submission.

Engineering and Engineering Technology Comparisons:

1.

Engineering 3(a) to Engineering Technology 3B(b.) Outcomes

(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

b. an ability to select and apply a knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to engineering technology problems that require the application of principles and applied procedures or methodologies

2.

Engineering 3(b) to Engineering Technology 3B(c.) Outcomes

(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

c. an ability to conduct standard tests and measurements; to conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments; and to apply experimental results to improve processes

3.

Engineering 3(c) to Engineering Technology 3B(d.) Outcomes

(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability

d. an ability to design systems, components, or processes for broadly-defined engineering technology problems appropriate to program educational objectives

4.

Engineering 3(d) to Engineering Technology 3B(e.) Outcomes

(d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams

e. an ability to function effectively as a member or leader on a technical team

5.

Engineering 3(e) to Engineering Technology 3B(f.) Outcomes

(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

f. an ability to identify, analyze, and solve broadly-defined engineering technology problems

6.

Engineering 3(f) to Engineering Technology 3B(i.) Outcomes

(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

i. an understanding of and a commitment to address professional and ethical responsibilities including a respect for diversity

7.

Engineering 3(g) to Engineering Technology 3B(g.) Outcomes

(g) an ability to communicate effectively

g. an ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature

8.

Engineering 3(h) to Engineering Technology 3B(j.) Outcomes

(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context

j. a knowledge of the impact of engineering technology solutions in a societal and global context

9.

Engineering 3(i) to Engineering Technology 3B(h.) Outcomes

(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

h. an understanding of the need for and an ability to engage in self-directed continuing professional development

10.

Engineering 3(k) to Engineering Technology 3B(a.) Outcomes

(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

a. an ability to select and apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline to broadly-defined engineering technology activities

11.

Engineering 3(j) to Engineering Technology 3B(k.) Outcomes

These don't closely align:

(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues

k. a commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement

Professional Registration: Following attainment of a baccalaureate degree, becoming a Professional Engineer (P.E.) is important as a lifelong credential. All fifty states allow an EAC baccalaureate graduate to become licensed and about 35 states have a path for licensure for an ETAC baccalaureate graduate. The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination can normally be taken before or right after graduation and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Examination can normally be taken after four years of PE supervised engineering work experience. For ETAC graduates this normally takes longer depending on the state. It is recommended that all engineers obtain this credential, if so allowed, as it is a good career credential.