A picture of students at the 2011 Engineering Career Night

AET222

AET vs Traditional

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While students can earn a Bachelor Degree in either an applied engineering technology or traditional engineering program, it is important to understand the differences before making a choice:

  Bachelor of Science
Applied Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Science
Traditional Engineering Program
Degree
(Examples)
BS Mechanical Engineering Technology
BS Electrical Engineering Technolog
BS Mechanical Engineering
BS Electrical Engineerin
Careers Production and Manufacturing technical support, set-up, calibration, product evaluation and testing using diagnostic devices. Assist engineers in the design and development of products, machinery
and processes
Lead research, design and development of new products and the processes to manufacture those products. Manage capital projects and leadingedge technology from conceptual design to detailed engineering and build
Starting
Salaries
Typical starting salaries are in the range of $40,000 to $50,000 Typical starting salaries are in the range of $45,000 to $55,000
Overview of
Curriculum
Classroom instruction is lighter on theory and heavier on technology applications related to manufacturing, design, and engineering Classroom instruction is heavier on theoretical principles and derivations of engineering and design principles from fundamental laws
Classroom
Instruction
Classroom instruction is extensively integrated with hands-on use of manufacturing and test equipment,
machinery, calibration and instrumentation.
Classroom instruction is less related to the use of equipment and machinery.  State-of-the-art computer applications, software and design tools are used.
Mathematics Math requirements vary from Technical and College Level Algebra and Trig, possibly followed by Pre-calc, Calculus 1 + Calculus 2 & Statistics. Algebra, Trig, and Pre-calculus are followed by Calculus 1 + Calculus 2 + Calculus 3 + Differential Equations.
Physics Technical/College Physics I and II
These courses are Algebra and Trig based
University Physics I and II
These courses are calculus based
High School
Curriculum
Mostly college prep classes in math and science. Honors level classes in math and science.  Some AP level classes.
High School
GPA
2.5 to 2.75 or higher is recommended Students entering engineering colleges generally average 3.1 to 3.5
PSSA
Guideline
Tends toward Proficient Level Tends toward Advanced Level
Student
Profile
Students in Applied Engineering Technology
  • Favor the application of technology
  • Like hands-on work
  • Like to learn how things work
  • Like to take things apart and put them
  • back together
  • Prefer not to get engaged in high-level
  • theory in technology
  • May want to get a Certificate or Associate degree first
Students in Traditional Engineering 
  • Enjoy conceptual thinking 
  • Like the challenge of advanced calculus in engineering work
  • Like higher-level design
  • Aspire to leadership roles in engineering and management
  • Want to obtain a Professional Engineering License
  • More likely to go to Graduate School
Delaware
County Community College
Educational
Programs
College Transfer Partners and Information
  • Can start in high school in a Career Pathways Program, or start after high school is finished and obtain your Associate… AND/OR… Bachelor degree
  • Realize large financial savings
Engineering Transfer Program
  • Do your first two years at DCCC and earn an Associate in Science Degree
  • Get small class sizes and individual attention
  • Realize large financial savings