Degree: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Accreditation: Engineering Technology, Sustainable Design concentration is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), 3801 Lake Boone Trail Suite 190, Raleigh, NC 27607, (919) 635-8335, www.atmae.org.
Program description. Engineering Technology offers a core curriculum with multiple concentrations: Civil Engineering , Industrial Maintenance , Manufacturing and Sustainable Design .
Sustainable Design concentration. The Sustainable Design concentration prepares graduates in commercial and residential architectural fields. Students will gain skills in computer drafting as well as architectural and building design concepts. The curriculum prepares students for a wide range of drafting and design careers working alongside architects, engineers and other professionals. Students will utilize various software programs, including computer aided design (AutoCAD), 3D computer modeling and building information modeling (BIM-Revit). The program introduces students to the concept of sustainability in the context of real-world problems, exploring the interaction of social, economic and environmental systems. Sustainable Design prepares students for critical analysis and problem solving of the built environment through the lens of sustainable energy, materials and technology. This degree provides a technical foundation for individuals preparing to become a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP. Students with an interest in sustainability may attain skills that apply to virtually any field or profession, although advanced degrees or certifications may be required.
Typical job opportunities: Typical job opportunities include architectural designer, residential designer, light commercial designer, kitchen/bath designer, CAD technician, BIM technician/specialist, CAD drafter/detailer, designer. There is a demand for employees and leaders who know what sustainability is and understand its complexity, how to approach problems and solutions and how to work with and draw from different disciplines. By engaging a breadth of knowledge and experience and by acquiring the skills to integrate various domains of knowledge, sustainability students prepare themselves for a variety of careers. Recent interest in sustainability within business and government has created new employment opportunities in positions like sustainability coordinators, assistants to civil engineers, environmental engineers, architects, developers, construction managers and directors. Sustainability graduates may acquire positions in industry, consultancy, utilities, regulatory agencies, nonprofits, governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
Program goals. Upon completion of an Engineering Technology program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:
- Apply basic engineering theories and concepts creatively to analyze and solve technical problems.
- Utilize with a high degree of knowledge and skill, equipment, instruments, software and technical reference materials currently used in industry.
- Communicate effectively using developed writing, speaking and graphic skills.
- Assimilate and practice the concepts and principles of working in a team environment.
- Obtain employment within the discipline or matriculate to a four-year program in engineering or industrial technology.
Program competencies. Upon completion of an Engineering Technology program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:
A. Apply the knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of the concentration of study to specifically defined engineering technology activities.
B. Demonstrate knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering and technology by applying it to engineering technology problems using developed practical knowledge.
C. Conduct and report the results of standard tests and measurements, and conduct, analyze, and interpret experiment or project results.
D. Function effectively as a member of a technical team.
E. Identify, analyze and solve specifically defined engineering technology-based problems.
F. Employ written, oral and visual communication in a technical environment.
Contact(s): Engineering and Media Technologies Department, (865) 694-6483 or (865) 539-7272
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