What is Industrial Technology?

Industrial Technology can be defined in many ways. The best definition is that Industrial Technology is an applied science that uses the principles of engineering to solve common problems. The Industrial Technology graduate is schooled in both the theory of engineering applications and the application of those theories to the solution of real-world problems encountered in industry. 

What is the difference between Industrial Technology and Engineering?

The differences between Industrial Technology and Engineering vary between the disciplines. Basically, Industrial Technology is less mathematically and scientifically rigorous than engineering. Many Industrial Tech applications rely more on the basic math and science skills in solving problems than engineering applications. This means that Industrial Tech students need fewer math and science courses than students majoring in engineering. 

Does this mean that Industrial Technology is inferior to Engineering? NO! Quite the opposite is true. Since many of the courses Industrial Technology graduates are required to take contain laboratory experiences, they are more widely schooled in the practical applications of mathematical and scientific skills to solve problems than many engineering graduates. As a result, Industrial Tech graduates are very well prepared for employment in areas that require the ability to quickly solve problems in the workplace. 

Why should I choose an Industrial Technology program when there is an Engineering program available?

That is strictly up to the individual. Industrial Tech programs have always stressed "hands on" applications of theory, rather than the theory itself. Most Industrial Tech programs contain just enough basic theory of the fundamental concepts of the principles of engineering and devote the majority of the students' time in learning to APPLY that theory to finding solutions to workplace problems. So, if you are a "hands on" person who would rather do things instead of sit and compute answers, an Industrial Technology program may be a better fit for you! 

Aren't Industrial Technology programs ONLY 2-year programs?

NO! There are several options for students that want to earn a Bachelor's Degree in either Industrial Technology or Engineering Technology. Students in Walters State's Industrial Technology Degree concentrations earn Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degrees. This means that the degrees are designed for the student to enter the workforce upon graduating from WSCC. However, there are many colleges and universities in Tennessee that accept the courses from Walters State's Industrial Technology program when the GRADUATE transfers to their institution, East Tennessee State University being one of them. Each college is different, and the Industrial Technology faculty can answer these questions about each 4-year school - so call or e-mail one of them!

What is the difference between an Industrial Technology program and an Engineering Technology program?

Basically, there is no difference between the two in terms of the types of courses taken. The difference is in which professional agency accredits the program. Engineering Technology programs can be accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Industrial Technology programs can be accredited by NAIT (National Association of Industrial Technology).

Accreditation means that the program meets or exceeds the minimum requirements as defined by the accrediting agency. It also means that an Industrial Technology program concentration in Manufacturing in Tennessee would be very similar to, and of like quality to a program with the same name as a college in Michigan, California, or any other state.

Is Walters State's program accredited? Yes, by NAIT. As a matter of fact, Walters State's program was the first 2-year program ever accredited by NAIT. Are you looking for a quality technical education? You're on the right track!

What kind of jobs do Industrial Technology graduates qualify for?

With a 2-year degree, Industrial Tech graduates typically land jobs where they are called "technicians" (Manufacturing Technicians, Electrical Technicians, Quality Technicians, etc.). Those that go on to and complete Bachelor's Degree requirements at a 4-year college or university typically compete with graduates from Engineering programs for positions with the word "engineer" in the title. Most of these jobs have a large amount of "hands on" content, which is why the Industrial Tech graduates qualify for them.

What kind of background should I have to enter an Industrial Technology program?

Ideally, one entering the Industrial Technology program at Walters State should have a good background in math and science. Taking algebra, geometry and trigonometry in high school is a great way to prepare for the program. Also, physics classes provide a background in applying math, especially an applied physics course. Also, courses in CAD, Principles of Technology, Diversified Technology, Fundamentals of Manufacturing, and other technical courses offered in high school are good areas of study to prepare for an Industrial Tech program.

Does a student HAVE to have these courses to get into the program? No, but if you are in high school now and can take some or all of them, you'll be better prepared if you do. Many of our students have been out of high school and working in industry for a while and cannot go back and take these courses. That's okay, because Walters State has courses that will help get you caught up, no matter if you haven't taken the courses or if it has been a while since you had them and are a little rusty.  

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