Program: 25670

Engineering Technology (ET) is applied engineering in which 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 a specialization in Mechanical Design and Fabrication 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 Mechanical Design and Fabrication Specialization of the program focuses on material fabrication using computer numerical control (CNC) machining processes, solid-modeling design and programming, and computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programming.

The Associate in Science 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 Engineering Technology Program prepares the student with skills in production processes, safety, quality systems, and maintenance awareness for modern manufacturing processes. It emphasizes the development of proficiencies related to Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Computer Numerical Control (CNC), digital manufacturing (3D printing), and systems functions that are required by today’s manufacturing processes. Process improvements, including total predictive maintenance, lubrication technology, and vibration and alignment, as well as quality work practices, are emphasized. This program develops the technical skills and management competencies needed to advance efficient and effective performance strategies within advanced manufacturing entities.

This Engineering Technology specialization is comprised of an 18-credit program core, a 12-credit Mechanical Design and Fabrication Specialization block, 12 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 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 facilities at the Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center in Bartow provide 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. A student is able to enroll in and begin classes in Engineering Technology at almost any time during any regular semester session. Scheduling is flexible and independent from traditional fall, spring, and summer term-enrollment dates 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):
Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is able to:
PLO 1: Demonstrate fluency with industrial processes and material properties.
PLO 2: Generate and interpret computer-aided drawings.
PLO 3: Demonstrate a fundamental application of electricity concepts and electronics.
PLO 4: Apply industrial safety, health, and environmental requirements.
PLO 5: Demonstrate proficiency in the use of quality-assurance methods and quality-control concepts.
PLO 6: Demonstrate proficiency in the use of tools, instruments, and testing devices.
PLO 7: Assess and apply basic troubleshooting skills.
PLO 8: Demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
PLO 9: Apply appropriate math skills.
PLO 10: Identify and apply modern business practices and strategies.
PLO 11: Demonstrate the skills needed for employability.
PLO 12: Assess and apply the principles, concepts, and applications utilized in metal fabrication methods.
PLO 13: Demonstrate proficient usage of the principles, concepts, and applications necessary to composite-fabrication operations and processes.
PLO 14: Demonstrate proficiency in the set-up and operation of manual- and computer-numerical control (CNC) machining centers.
PLO 15: Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer-aided drafting and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software.
PLO 16: Identify and incorporate solid-modeling design and programming.