Program: AS-25690

Engineering Technology (ET) is applied engineering in which the concepts of technology, science, and mathematics are integrated with hands-on applications to drive engineering solutions. The Associate in Science in Engineering Technology degree program with specialization in Advanced Manufacturing is designed to meet Florida’s and Polk County’s need for a highly skilled, well-trained, and technically competent manufacturing workforce, and to meet the challenges of ever-changing and increasingly complex manufacturing processes. The AS in Engineering Technology degree can serve as either a terminal degree or as the first step of a Florida college system 2+2 program leading to a baccalaureate degree in a technical area or in management.

The Associate in Science in Engineering Technology degree with the Advanced Manufacturing Specialization prepares the student with skills in production processes, quality systems, and maintenance awareness for modern manufacturing processes, safety, and automation (including Programmable Logic Controls). It provides the graduate with the requisite proficiencies in instrumentation, device networking, and systems functions required by today’s manufacturing processes. Process improvements, including total predictive maintenance, lubrication technology, vibration, and alignment, as well as quality work practices utilizing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, are also emphasized in the curriculum. This program is designed to develop the technical skills and management competencies needed to advance efficient and effective performance strategies within advanced manufacturing entities.

This Engineering Technology specialization requires an 18-credit program core, a 13-credit Advanced Manufacturing Specialization block, 11 Technical Elective credits, and 18 General Education credits, for a total of 60 credit hours. ET core and specialization courses use competency-based individualized instruction, meaning that instead of teaching the course through traditional lectures and laboratory sessions at scheduled times, all of the material is formatted into self-study modules (called “units”) that contain both theory and hands-on components. These modules provide information on applied engineering competencies, components, circuits, mechanisms, and equipment that are widely used in manufacturing facilities. Several unit modules make up one course. 

The Engineering Technology lab and classroom facility at the Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center in Bartow consists of high-quality laboratory equipment for numerous hands-on activities that develop the skills required to construct, operate, analyze and program a wide range of circuits and equipment used in this field.  An instructor monitors the student’s progress, grades exams, and determines the final letter grade for each course completed. The instructor also assists the student in selecting appropriate courses to progress through the program. Engineering Technology classes are open for enrollment at all times, and scheduling is independent from traditional fall, spring, and summer terms at the College.

Certain courses in this program require placement at the college level or satisfaction of developmental education requirements in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
After successfully completing this program, the graduate is able to:
PLO1: Demonstrate an understanding of industrial processes and material properties.
PLO2: Generate and interpret computer-aided drawings.
PLO3: Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of electricity and electronics.
PLO4: Demonstrate an understanding of industrial safety, health, and environmental requirements.
PLO5: Demonstrate proficiently in the use of quality assurance methods and quality control concepts.
PLO6: Demonstrate proficiency in using tools, instruments and testing devices.
PLO7: Demonstrate basic troubleshooting skills.
PLO8: Demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
PLO9: Demonstrate appropriate math skills.
PLO10: Demonstrate an understanding of modern business practices and strategies.
PLO11: Demonstrate employability skills.
PLO12: Understand, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain pneumatic, hydraulic, and electromechanical components and/or systems.
PLO13: Identify lean and six sigma concepts in manufacturing environments.
PLO14: Operate industrial automation systems.
PLO15: Troubleshoot industrial automation systems.
PLO16: Apply the principles of robotics to automated systems.
PLO17: Use proficiently human machine interfaces to operate automated systems
PLO18: Identify, implement and/or interpret supply chain and operations management concepts and techniques.