We're getting the word out about ETE: how to take the ball and run with it to get a top-notch engineering technology education ... the variety of college programs you can pursue ... and the career opportunities that could result from an ETE. Below, we get the ball rolling with a few commonly asked questions about ETE. Q. What's the primary difference in education requirements for engineering technologists and technicians? A. The Engineering Technician will normally have received an Associate of Applied Science degree (a two-year degree). The Engineering Technologist will have received a four-year Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from an accredited engineering technology program. Q. What do engineering technology education programs generally consist of? A. Engineering technology programs focus on application and practice and, generally, offer a 50/50 mix of theory and laboratory experience. Programs include specialized technical courses that emphasize rational thinking and applying scientific principles to find practical solutions to technical problems, as well as courses in mathematics and science. Most programs also include classes that help students improve their communication skills, which is important because technologists and technicians must be able to describe and communicate their ideas to co-workers. Technologists also take a number of courses in the humanities and social sciences to gain an understanding of how their technical work can affect society. Q. What are some of the college programs I could consider for engineering technician or technologist? A. The disciplines are many in engineering technology, but some of the programs offered by both two- and four-year colleges can include: civil engineering technology; electromechanical technology; electronics and computer engineering technology; environmental engineering technology; industrial engineering technology; manufacturing engineering technology; mechanical engineering technology; plastics and composites engineering technology; and quality engineering technology. To learn more about the program that interests you, contact your local college or university admissions office, the Dean of Engineering or the department chairperson. More questions? Great! Click on to find an ETE school near you or contact eteinfo@asee.org for more information.