What is Engineering Technology

The following definition of engineering technology was established by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., and was approved by the Engineering Technology Council of the American Society for Engineering Education.

Engineering technology is the profession in which a knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences gained by higher education, experience, and practice is devoted primarily to the implementation and extension of existing technology for the benefit of humanity.
Engineering technology education focuses primarily on the applied aspects of science and engineering aimed at preparing graduates for practice in that portion of the technological spectrum closest to product improvement, manufacturing, construction, and engineering operational functions.

Thus engineering technology is the application of engineering principles and modern technology to help solve or prevent technical problems.
Engineering technology is a relatively new discipline. Before engineering technology programs like Northeastern's emerged, people with scientific or technical ambitions had a difficult decision to make-what kind of education should they pursue? College-bound students had three choices.
Choice number one meant selection of a major from among the pure sciences, such as physics, chemistry, or biology. However, these majors are appropriate only for people interested in pursuing additional degrees, laboratory research, or careers in education.
The second choice involved selection from among the engineering science majors like civil engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. But engineering requires highly developed analytical skills and prepares people for careers conceptualizing and designing technical devices or systems.
The third choice was deciding not to attend college, but to enroll in a technical or vocational school. This route is best suited for people interested in the trades; that is, for people who want careers physically building, operating, or repairing machinery.
Engineering technology curricula provide a fourth option. The programs are designed to meet the growing need created by the technology revolution for college-educated problem solvers who can support the engineering process.
Engineering technology programs include scientific and engineering principles relevant to your chosen field: you will come to understand why a system is designed in a particular fashion and how it works.
In addition, engineering technology students acquire hands-on technical skills that enable them to solve production and system implementation problems and help them explain solutions.
People who are part of the technology workplace include scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, and tradespeople. All these people have specialized education or training beyond the high school level and often work together as a team. As on any team, the players have different but important roles.
Scientists are concerned with advancing our understanding of the laws of nature and our knowledge of scientific principles. The scientist is primarily involved in research.
Engineers employ the scientific knowledge developed by scientists in planning, designing, and constructing technical devices and systems. The engineer is a developer of technological innovations.
Engineering technologists work closely with engineers in coordinating people, material, and machinery to achieve the specific goals of a particular project. The engineering technologist is often responsible for design and development.