The industrial technology bachelor's degree option is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare a broadly educated generalist in industry and technology, rather than a specialist in a specific technology. Students may, however, develop areas of concentration of their own design through the choices of electives. In addition to a multifaceted technical education, all graduates are required to have a solid general education background in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and the life and physical sciences. The industrial distribution option is designed for students seeking a career in wholesale, retail, or industrial distribution. Students pursuing this option will continue their studies in accounting, technical sales, warehouse management, inventory control and financial transactions in distribution.
Students study a broad core program of general education subjects essential for all teachers.
They develop technical competencies that will enable them to present effective instruction covering a broad range of industrial tools, materials and processes. They also complete a sequence of professional education courses, including student teaching. Technology education at Purdue University also offers the individual student an opportunity to acquire a degree of specialization in one or more of the technical subject areas. The Department of Industrial Technology at West Lafayette provides instruction leading to the Master of Science degree. Special programs of graduate study may be designed for people who do not have an advanced degree objective but are concerned about improving their professional qualifications or meeting advanced certification requirements.