Assessing the Value of Bachelor Graduates in Engineering Technology (ET): Making the Case for a Proper Valuation of ET Skills in Industry

Ron Land’s paper “Engineering Technologists Are Engineers” (Land, 2012) and the Department of Labor both seem to agree that graduates with engineering technology (ET) degrees end up having careers is engineering. Professor Land comes upon his conclusion from surveying over 200 companies that hire both engineers and engineering technology graduates. The Department of Labor came to a similar conclusion when they turned down the petition for a separate code for engineering technologists. It is worthwhile to note that the Department used employment data of ET graduates to reach this decision. This paper looks at the immediate value of an engineering technology bachelor degree graduate to her employer by studying ETAC and EAC program criteria. Comparisons will be done for two pairs of similar degrees by looking at their ABET program requirements. The first will be a comparison between the electrical and computer engineering (ECE) and the electronic and computer engineering technology (ECET) programs and the second between mechanical engineering (ME) and mechanical engineering technology (MET) programs. Relevant literature will be used to back up any assertions that are made. The paper provides a rationale of why ET graduates should be valued by industry for their differences as well as their similarities. It argues that new ETs bring important benefits to the workplace that justifies their proper valuation and compensation (similar to engineers) starting on day one.