What can I do with a major in Engineering Technology?
Lewis-Clark State College offers one and two year certificates, A.A.S. and B.A.S
Degrees in Engineering Technology through the Technical and Industrial Division.
You can learn more about the Technical and Industrial Division and the Engineering
Technology degrees by visiting the LCSC catalog.
» Click below for specific areas you are interested in:
Civil Engineering Technician
Environmental Engineering
Technician
Electro-Mechanical Engineering
Technician
Geographical
Information Systems
Technician
Architectural Drafting
Technician
Civil Drafter
Surveying Technician
Mechanical Drafter
Mechanical
Designer/Machinist
Program Description:
The Engineering Technology Program provides students with skills in computer aided
drafting, surveying (Civil option), Solid Modeling and CNC Machining (Mechanical option),
and other related skill sets. Rapidly evolving computer technology is creating new
educational and employment opportunities. Our computer equipment maximizes "hands-on"
time for each student. The Engineering Technology Program combines laboratory experience
with general education and technical courses. Field trips to manufacturing plants and
construction sites may be arranged during the program. Related work experience obtained
through regular course work, co-ops, internships, or full or part-time summer jobs are
extremely beneficial.
Students are required to purchase necessary drafting equipment, textbooks, and reference
materials. Grading is based upon on-the-job standards and a grade point average of 2.00
for each unit and/or the approval of the instructor is required to permit entry into a
following unit. Cooperative professional/technical education (with local employers) may be
included in the program with advisor approval.
Students choosing to specialize their studies may pick one of three optional endorsements.
In the second year of the program, students electing not to take the General (Traditional)
Program may direct their study emphasis towards Geographic Information Systems, Civil or
Mechanical disciplines, which would result in an A.A.S. degree in Engineering Technology
with emphasis in the selected discipline.
What can I do with a major in Engineering Technology?
Upon completion of the Engineering Technology A.A.S. degree, the student will possess
technical skills in chosen areas that may include:
 Computer Aided Drafting using AutoCAD software.
 Civil Drafting
 Surveying
 Architectural Drafting
 Structural Drafting
 Mechanical 3D Design using AutoCAD and Solid Works software.
 CNC Machine Programming
 Geographic Information Systems
In addition to these drafting skills, the student will be able to demonstrate:
 Oral and written communication skills required in a drafting office
 Problem solving skills.
A Bachelor of Applied Technology degree or a Bachelor of Applied Science degree is offered
upon completion of the A.A.S. Degree.
 Bachelor’s degrees offer an expanded range of career opportunities in industry, business,
and government.
 Bachelor’s degrees increase opportunities for career advancement
 Bachelor’s degree is good background for pursuing technical graduate degrees as well as
professional degrees in business administration, medicine or law.
What can I do with a major in Engineering Technology?
Civil Engineering Technician
Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers to plan and build highways, buildings, bridges, dams,
wastewater treatment systems, and other structures, and to do related research. Some estimate
construction costs and specify materials to be used, and some may even prepare drawings or perform
land-surveying duties. Others may set up and monitor instruments used to study traffic conditions.
Employers include Dept. of Transportation and other federal, regional or local public departments and
private engineering/surveying firms. There are several employers in the area or within commuting
distance.
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Environmental Engineering Technician
Environmental engineering technicians work closely with environmental/civil engineers in developing
methods and devices used in the prevention, control, or correction of environmental hazards. They
inspect and maintain equipment affecting air pollution and recycling. Some inspect water and
wastewater treatment systems to ensure that pollution control requirements are met. Employers
include state and local public facilities and several private engineering firms. There are a few employers
in the area or within commuting distance, relocation is possible.
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Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician
Electro-Mechanical engineering technicians combine fundamental principles of mechanical engineering
technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits to design, develop, test, and manufacture
electrical and computer-controlled mechanical systems. There are a few employers in the area or within
commuting distance, relocation is possible.
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Geographical Information Systems Technician
Geographical Information Systems technicians develop and customize geographic information systems
and provide technical and analytical data. Employers include various federal, state, and local agencies
that manage populated areas for urban planning and support and private firms with large areas of land
to manage and maintain. Outlook is very favorable with several companies in the area or within
commuting distance.
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What can I do with a major in Engineering Technology?
Architectural Drafting Technician
Architectural drafting technicians document building details and layout drawings or light design. Some
detail construction processes, estimate costs and document materials to be used. There are very few
architectural firms large enough to employ drafters, relocation is probable.
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Civil Drafter
Civil drafters detail construction drawings, topographical profiles, and related maps and specifications
used in planning and construction of civil engineering projects, such as highways, river and harbor
improvements, flood control, and drainage: Review rough sketches, drawings, specifications, and other
engineering data received from Civil Engineer. Plot maps and charts showing profiles and cross-sections,
indicating relation of topographical contours and elevations to buildings, retaining walls, tunnels,
overhead power lines, and other structures. Draft detailed drawings of structures and installations, such
as roads, culverts, fresh water supply, sewage disposal systems, dikes, wharfs, and breakwaters.
Compute volume of tonnage of excavations and fills and prepares graphs and hauling diagrams used in
earthmoving operations. May accompany survey crew into field to locate grading markers or to collect
data required for revision of construction drawings. Perform other duties as described under Drafter.
May specialize in drafting and modifying topographical maps from surveying notes and aerial
photographs and be designated Topographical Drafter. May use computer-assisted drafting (CAD)
equipment and software and be designated, Civil Drafter. Other “Specialist” positions may be found in
this profession.
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Surveying Technician
Surveying technicians transport, adjust and operate field surveying instruments, such as the theodolite,
total stations, global positioning, and land-sat equipment. As well as compile notes, make sketches and
enter data into computers. May split time between outdoor and indoor activities.
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Mechanical Drafter
Mechanical drafters prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including
dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
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What can I do with a major in Engineering Technology?
Mechanical Designer/Machinist
Mechanical Drafters/Machinists sketch, draft and complete solid models of parts from various input
sources. Set up and operate a variety of machine and computer (CNC) tools to produce precision parts
and instruments. Includes precision instruments to fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments.
May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines.
Possess knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining
procedures.
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