School of Engineering and Technology

MASTER OF SCIENCE - ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY


The School of Engineering and Technology offers a Master of Science in Engineering Technology degree. This STEM designated program (CIP 15.0613) prepares professionals who are knowledgeable about theories and leadership practices for technological applications in engineering-related fields. The program provides advanced coursework in planning strategies, continuous improvement, quality, and leadership. In addition, the program addresses the principles required for leading production and process-related enterprises, which include, but are not limited to, mission, vision, strategic planning, leadership for production and process planning, lean thinking, decision-making, operations management, research and development, and intellectual property protection. 

Distinctive Features

  • Coursework includes problem-based, technology-centered leadership learning experiences.
  • Experiences include designing experiments, preparing presentations and poster sessions, conducting studies that apply continuous improvement strategies and tools, preparing documentation of intellectual property, and working in a team building environment. These learning opportunities help students connect theories and principles with real-world professional practice.
  • Opportunities are provided to participate in industrial work experiences (graduate internship), pursue independent studies, and perform independent research. Coupled with graduate coursework, the degree provides a balanced program of studies that may be designed to meet the individual needs of the student.
  • Required in all coursework is technical writing that meets industry standards.

Why the ET Degree Program?

Graduates of the ET degree program are beneficiaries of the following:

  • Nearly 100% placement
  • Small student-to-faculty ratio
  • Small class sizes
  • Collaborative learning environment
  • Industry certification opportunities
  • High salaries
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Internship opportunities

Professional Certifications

Professional certification is available through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and/or the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Science (ATMAE). SME has the Certified Manufacturing Engineer and Certified Manufacturing Technologist certifications. ATMAE’s certifications are the Certified Manufacturing Specialist (CMS), Certified Senior Manufacturing Specialist (CSMS), Certified Technology Manager (CTM), and the Certified Senior Technology Manager (CSTM). In addition, a student can pursue a certification that matches his or her career path from the American Society of Quality (ASQ), LEED GP, or other recognized certification organizations.

Assistantship Opportunities

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Assistantships provide a full tuition waiver and monthly stipend. Undergraduate and graduate grade point averages, scholarship records, recommendations, and a personal statement provide the criteria for awarding assistantships. Contact the Department of Engineering Technology for Graduate Assistantship application materials.

Career Opportunities

ET Student

The ET degree program enables the University to assist individuals who wish to advance into positions of increased responsibility in business, industry, and government service. The program is designed to allow professionals to keep abreast of changes in technology and allows those with a technical background to gain leadership experience at the graduate level prior to, or while, being employed full-time.

Internship Opportunities

Graduate students are afforded the opportunity to participate in an internship at the graduate level. The majority of students select a company that provides them with the opportunity to work in an area of expertise plus as an integral part of a leadership team. The internships can be completed during any term of the academic year.

Please refer to the graduate catalog for detailed program information and course requirements.

Engineering Technology (ET) Courses

482G Fundamentals of Computer Aided Design

The application of computer aided design techniques utilizing industrial software within a minicomputer and workstation environment.

Engineering Technology (ET) Courses

ET 515 Engineering Technology: Research Design, Visualization, and Dissemination

The development of a foundation and strategy for using digital and conventional applications for implementing research documentation and scholarly dissemination in engineering technology.

ET 525 Management of Engineering Technology

A comprehensive study of the fundamentals used to manage and lead the integration process for emerging and developing technologies for successful development and production of products, goods, and services in a global society.

ET 535 Engineering Technology

Teachings and practice of leadership skills, principles and theory related to modern day leadership for the engineering technology arena. Theoretical leadership styles applied to industry-related practices will allow students to define their leadership style. Case studies and guest lecturers.

ET 545 Information Management Theory

The use of statistical quality control tools to include attribute and variable data to control, troubleshoot and improve manufacturing processes. Design of experiments will be included.

ET 548 Planning Techniques for Leaders

A comprehensive study of activities, elements, and principles of production planning and control, including decision-making schemes, and appropriate implementation of production and process management practices.

ET 550 Industrial Workshop
ET 580 Independent Study

Topics for independent study include: drafting technology, graphic arts technology, industrial education, industrial wood technology, fluid power technology, automotive technology, metals technology, electronics technology, computer‑aided technology, and manufacturing technology.

ET 590 Research Techniques in Technical Areas

Application of various research techniques in technical subjects. Practice in selection, and reporting of industrial research.

ET 592 Independent Research

This course will be designed by the student for independent study.

ET 593 Professional Internship in Manufacturing Systems

Off-campus work experience in a pre‑approved manufacturing site or research facility.

ET 601 Research in Engineering Technology-Thesis

Independent research and study on a selected and approved problem.

ET 602 Professional Certification

Students will present evidence of current professional engineers license or professional certification from SME/MECI, APIC or other department approved certification.

ET 603 Comprehensive Exam in Manufacturing Systems

The student will complete a written comprehensive examination covering contemporary topics in manufacturing systems. The exam content will reflect course work and all other material covered during the student's master's program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission standards of the School of Graduate Studies. A bachelor’s degree with a major in Construction Management, Graphic Communication, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Engineering, or other similar field from an accredited institution is required. It is expected that the candidate will have completed basic technical courses.

The Engineering Technology (ET) degree program is also open to graduates from the fields of liberal arts, science, mathematics, education, and other fields. Students who have been awarded a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have had less than 15 semester hours (sh) of coursework in technical areas may enroll in a two-phase program. Phase One consists of obtaining a total of 15 sh of Engineering Technology courses as proposed by the student and advisor and approved by the Department Graduate Committee. Phase Two is the completion of the program as outlined in the degree requirements below.

Students who wish to be admitted to the Master of Science in Engineering Technology degree program must meet the following entrance requirements:

  1. Submit a completed application packet. All documents listed below should be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies. Files will not be forwarded to the department until all materials are received:
    • Online application to the School of Graduate Studies
    • Two- to three-page essay addressing the topic “Why I want to be a leader in a technological world”
    • Three letters of reference
  2. Graduated with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university.
  3. Completed at least 15 sh of technology-related coursework.

Optional additional materials that would aid the Department Admissions Committee would be the submission of the results of the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). However, the GRE is not required for admission.

Degree Requirements

The degree requires completion of a minimum of 30 sh. All students must complete 21 sh of required core and 6 sh of directed elective courses plus the additional requirement of one of the following three exit options: (1) thesis plan, (2) professional internship plan, or (3) independent research plan. The capstone experience, which culminates each exit option, includes either a thesis or an independent study paper presented to the graduate faculty.

Contact

School of Engineering & Technology

Rafael Obregon, Director
Email: R-Obregon@wiu.edu
Location: Knoblauch Hall 135
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
Phone: (309) 298-1091
Fax: (309) 298-1061

SET Website  |  SET Directory


Engineering Technology Advisor

Garrett "Dave" Hunter
Email: GD-Hunter@wiu.edu
Location: Knoblauch Hall 340
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
Phone: (309) 298-2319

College of Business & Technology (CBT)

Dr. Craig Conrad, Interim Dean
Email: CA-Conrad1@wiu.edu
CBT Email: cbt@wiu.edu
Location: Stipes Hall 101
1 University Circle
Macomb, IL 61455-1390
Phone: (309) 298-2442
Fax: (309) 298-1039

CBT Website  |  CBT Directory

WIU



School of Engineering and Technology

Back to homepage >>