Engineering Technology is the practical application of engineering principles and practice to real-world problems. Engineering Technology is differentiated, in part, by the level and amount of math involved but also in the emphasis on engineering applications rather than theory and research. While there is overlap in career outcomes for students in both Engineering and Engineering Technology, careers in Engineering Technology tend to be more applied and would include construction and manufacturing process management, field engineering, engineering sales and marketing, product service and support, product testing, and product quality control.
Students in the Engineering Technology Program will learn computational tools for engineering, engineering design methods, engineering ethics and standards, quality systems, and elective content focused on general engineering and semiconductor manufacturing. The NAU experience culminates in a one-semester Capstone where students will work with our industry partners on real-world problems that will prepare them for jobs and give them industry networking opportunities.
NAU’s BS in Engineering Technology (BSET) program includes flexible pathways that include: (1) a 90-30 option for students at Pima Community College who have completed both their AGEC requirements and an Associate of Applied Science in select Industry, Manufacturing & Construction programs, (2) a two-year BS completion option for students with significant community college coursework which includes select technical coursework, and (3) as a four-year stand-alone option for students interested in completing an engineering technology degree wholly at NAU.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics over 470,000 workers are working in engineering technology areas with a median annual wage of $80,000 in 2021. Some of the most popular specializations and career areas include: field engineering, engineering management, process management, electrical, architecture, business and finance, and engineering sales.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 125 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
| Emphasis Required | An emphasis is required for this major. |
Purpose Statement
Engineering Technology is the practical application of engineering principles and
practice to real-world problems. Engineering Technology is differentiated, in part, by the level and amount of math involved but also in the emphasis on engineering applications rather than theory and research. While there is overlap in career outcomes for students in both Engineering and Engineering Technology, careers in Engineering Technology tend to be more applied and would include construction and manufacturing process management, field engineering, engineering sales and marketing, product service and support, product testing, and product quality control.
Students in the Engineering Technology Program will learn computational tools for engineering, engineering design methods, engineering ethics and standards, quality systems, and elective content focused on general engineering and semiconductor manufacturing. The NAU experience culminates in a one-semester Capstone where students will work with our industry partners on real-world problems that will prepare them for jobs and give them industry networking opportunities.
The Engineering Technology program has two emphases. The General Engineering emphasis allows students to select upper-division elective coursework to match their interests and provide broad practice in engineering technology. The Semiconductor Fabrication emphasis allows students to take specific coursework related to electronic materials, devices, and fabrication. While the General Engineering emphasis provides a broad foundation in engineering technology principles and practice, the Semiconductor Fabrication emphasis provides specialized training for careers in the electronics and semiconductor industry.
Student Learning Outcomes
We intend to seek accreditation for this degree from ABET and thus it uses the following ABET learning outcomes:
More Information
This major requires 85 - 86 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 85 - 86 units:
Pre-Professional Requirements (55 - 56 units)
Professional Requirements (12 units)
*Courses are pending approval by the General Studies Committee.
Emphasis Requirement - Select one (18 units)
General Engineering Emphasis (18 units)
No more than two Ds are allowed in ET coursework.
Upper-division ET coursework requires the completion of the Engineering Technology Milestone, which requires completing the following courses with a Grade of "C" or better:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.