ETD Frequently Asked Questions

What is Engineering Technology?

At Greenville Technical College, Engineering Technology is a 2-year associate degree program in which the students are educated and trained to become entry-level technicians in the engineering, construction and manufacturing industries.  From an academic perspective, engineering technology focuses on the practical application of engineering knowledge & practice to the solution of needs and wants in the industrial and construction segments of business and commerce.

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What is the difference between a degree in Engineering Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering?

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology  ( ABET ) describes the difference between engineering and engineering technology as: "Engineering and technology are separate but intimately related professions. Here are some of the ways they differ:

• Engineering undergraduate programs include more mathematics work and higher level mathematics than technology programs.
• Engineering undergraduate programs often focus on theory, while technology programs usually focus on application.
• Once they enter the workforce, engineering graduates typically spend their time planning, while engineering technology graduates spend their time making plans work.
• Graduates from engineering programs are called engineers, while graduates of technology programs are often called technologists.
• Some U.S. state boards of professional engineering licensure will allow only graduates of engineering programs—not engineering technology programs—to become licensed engineers."

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What math score do I need to enter the Engineering Technology program?

The entry level course in the Engineering Technology program is either CPT 101 or EGR 130 – both Introduction to Computers.  In order to enter these courses, the student must at least place into MAT 101 based on their ASSET & COMPASS test scores. If a student does not place into MAT 101, they can take remedial math in order to qualify for MAT 101.

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How much math will I have to take in the Engineering Technology curriculum?

Being an Engineering Technology program accredited by TAC of ABET, the math content in the ET majors must include “algebra, trigonometry, and an introduction to math above the level of algebra and trigonometry”.  The curriculum for most of the majors in the ET Division includes MAT 110 and MAT 111.  These two courses cover algebra, trigonometry, and analytical geometry.  These two courses stop just short of calculus.  A full treatment of calculus is required in baccalaureate programs.
The EET and EGT programs require MAT 110 and MAT 111 only.  The CET program requires MAT 102 and MAT 109 instead of MAT 110 and MAT 111. The AET and GMT programs require one more math course above MAT 111.  The MET program adds MAT 130 ( Intro to Calculus ) to the MAT 110 and MAT 111 in its curriculum. 

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Can I take Engineering Technology at GTC and then transfer to a 4-year program?

Yes this can be done, depending on which 4-year program you are planning to transfer to. If you are planning to transfer to a 4-year bachelor of science program, then you would have to integrate all of the required University Transfer courses into your class schedule as you take your Engineering Technology  courses. This can be done, but it is recommended that you work closely with a faculty advisor to make sure that the correct courses are taken. There are also  4-year programs in Engineering Technology that you can transfer to.  Schools such as SC State, Western Carolina, UNC Charlotte, and now USC-Upstate are options to consider. Please contact your faculty advisor for more details.
The ET Division also has a University Transfer program.  In this case, you come to GTC for the sole purpose of transferring to a 4-year institution, rather than in the pursuit of an associate degree.  This program is run by the MET Department, and your inquiries should be directed to Mark Hapstack, the Department Head for MET.

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What types of programs does GTC offer in the Engineering Technology program?

The Engineering Technology program at GTC offers 6 associate degrees.  They are:

• Architectural Engineering Technology
• Construction Engineering Technology
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Engineering Graphics Technology
• Geomatics Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology

Each of the above programs offers certificates and diplomas below the associate degree level.  Please refer to the specific programs for more information about these.

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What is the Dual Credit program?

Dual Credit is a program offered by GTC in which high school students in the local school district can take Engineering Technology courses and get college credit for doing so prior to completing the 12th grade. This is accomplished by offering EGT 110 and EGT 151 at the local Career Centers and at the Charter High School at Greenville Tech. In this scenario, the high school student takes a class and gets both high school credit and college credit. The Career Centers involved at the present time are Bonds in Greer and Golden Strip in Mauldin.

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Can I get a Co-Op job while I am a student in the Engineering Technology program?

In a word, yes. It is very common for local employers to look to Greenville Tech for students to fill summer internships and co-op jobs. These type of employment opportunities are posted on the bulletin boards the Engineering Technology Division by the faculty. Another place to inquire about co-op is to contact Susan Gasque at 250-8105, who is the Cooperative Education Coordinator at the college.

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What kinds of jobs do Engineering Technology graduates obtain?

The purpose of the Engineering Technology program at Greenville Technical College is to provide employers in the local region with qualified entry-level engineering technicians. Depending on which ET program you are majoring in and the employer, these positions can sometimes be called engineering technician, engineering assistant or CAD designer.

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What is the typical starting pay for entry level jobs in the Engineering Technology field?

This varies according to the local market conditions and the particular industry that is doing the hiring. Some industries pay more than others. However, in the year 2006, the starting pay range for Engineering Technology graduates in the Upstate of South Carolina is somewhere from a low of $14 per hour to a high of $20 per hour.

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Can I come to GTC and just take one Engineering Technology course, rather than pursue a degree?

In a word, yes. To do this you would still have to go to the Admissions and Registration Center ( ARC ) at McAlister Square and become a college student by completing the standard application process. If you are here to take only one class, you should probably declare CAREER DEVELOPMENT as your major. In this case, you may be able to avoid taking the math placement test.

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What if I need to take a short course, rather than a full semester long course?

Short courses are offered in the Engineering Technology Division as Continuing Educational classes. These courses can be customized for technical content and length. In this case you would register thru the Buck Mickell Center by calling Linda Gathings at 250-8194.

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I took college level courses several years ago at another college. Do I still need to take those courses at GTC?

The first thing you must do is get your transcript from the other college sent to Greenville Tech. Once your transcript is in the hands of the Student Records office, it will be evaluated and credits will be listed in accordance with guidelines established by the college. It is at this point that an advisor or the Engineering Technology faculty can review with the student how many previous courses can count for credit at Greenville Tech. Please understand that we cannot talk about existing credit until your transcript is received by Greenville Tech.

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I took Drafting & CAD in high school. Do I still need to take those courses at GTC?

In some cases yes, in some cases no. If you were enrolled in a Dual Credit program at a Career Center in Greenville County, then the answer is no. In that case, you were previously registered as a Greenville Tech student and you already have credit for the courses at GTC. If you took drafting & CAD in high school without Dual Credit, you can still challenge an EGT course by taking an exemption exam. In this case, the EGT faculty will allow you to take a final exam for either EGT 110 or EGT 151. If you pass the exam and pay the $125 fee to the college, you get credit for the course. Another option that many students elect to do is simply take the EGT course and get a good grade. If you have a background in drafting & CAD, then the entry level EGT courses at GTC should be an easy path to a good grade.

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I have never been a student at GTC. I want to take an Engineering Technology course. Where do I go to get started?

After reviewing the information on the Engineering Technology web site and perhaps speaking to one of the ET faculty, your next step is to make a visit to the Admissions & Registration Center ( ARC ) at McAlister Square. Here, you should fill out a college application and take the appropriate entrance test. The COMPASS and ASSET tests help determine your existing level of math and English skills for placement into entry level courses. You will also be required to meet with an advisor in order to plot a course for academic success in the ET major that you have chosen.  Please feel free to contact a member of the ET Division faculty before the scheduled first day of classes with any questions you might have.

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What happens if I move to another city before I complete my Engineering Technology degree? Do the EGT courses transfer to other colleges?

Because we are part of the 16 colleges in the South Carolina Technical College System, every course will transfer to any other tech college in the state of SC. Because all six of the Engineering Technology majors are accredited by TAC of ABET, most of the GTC courses will transfer to other engineering technology programs across the USA. This would have to be done on a case by case basis with colleges outside the state of SC, but your chances are good, due to our accreditation.

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Does GTC offer Engineering Technology courses in non-traditional formats, such as on-line, video, telecourses, weekend courses, etc.?

In a word, yes.  Some of the majors in the Engineering Technology Division are utilizing an on-line program called Web-CT in order to make classes available in a much more flexible and convenient format.   Other ET Division courses are available in video and weekend formats.  The best way to inquire about these options is to contact the department head of the ET major you have chosen or check out the web site for the individual ET major, which is linked off of this web site.

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