B.S. Engineering Technology

Engineering Technology students need an aptitude for math and science. The program requires one semester of college calculus (Calculus I) and physics, applied throughout labs and projects. In high school, take four years of math, including algebra and trigonometry or precalculus. Calculus is helpful but not expected.

Your future career will also include collaboration, economic considerations, creative problem solving and your ability to feel comfortable wearing many hats. So, bring along curiosity, a critical mind and a willingness to work hard.

The first year of your program will include program and general education courses – depending on the concentration you have chosen. You will take engineering fundamentals in addition to English composition, calculus and physics courses.

As You Progress

As you progress in your program you will learn and apply manufacturing techniques as well as design and planning strategies. Industry trends show an increasing demand for graduates who are technically competent and can perform well in corporate and team environments. Interpersonal competencies and communication skills are integrated within the technical content.

A co-op or field experience is required. Students can complete this requirement during the summer after the sophomore or junior year. An impressive number of employers is visiting campus every semester during UW-Stout Polytechnic's Career Conference – this gives students the opportunity to interview for positions. Several student organizations provide you with additional professional and technical experiences as well as the chance to develop your leadership skills and professional network.

Program Educational Objectives

The Engineering Technology program develops engineering technologists who are:

• In demand by employers in their respective engineering technology discipline
• Recognized for their ability to apply technology expertise in their discipline
• Recognized for their leadership and teamwork skills
• Demonstrating continued career growth and professional development

Engineering Technology Student Outcome Criteria

UW-Stout Polytechnic's Engineering Technology program graduates will have:

1. an ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
2. an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
3. an ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;
4. an ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes; and
5. an ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.

Advisory Committee Members

What is the B.S. Engineering Technology at UW-Stout Polytechnic? 

UW-Stout Polytechnic's B.S. Engineering Technology is an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree, established in the 1950s, that prepares students to apply engineering in design, automation, and production. Students choose one of four concentrations, complete a required co-op, and take professional studies that prepare them for a future management track. Learn more in the Engineering Technology Career Guide.

How is engineering technology different from mechanical engineering at UW-Stout Polytechnic? 

Every engineering program at UW-Stout Polytechnic is hands-on from day one, so the difference is focus, not lab time. Mechanical Engineering goes deeper into engineering science, such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and stress analysis, to design new mechanical systems. Engineering Technology applies engineering across design, automation, plastics, and production, and adds professional studies that prepare graduates for a management track. Shared introductory courses let students explore before committing. See the full comparison in the Engineering Technology Career Guide.

What concentrations does the B.S. Engineering Technology at UW-Stout Polytechnic offer? 

Four, built on shared technical courses, so students can switch concentrations or add a second one:

• Industrial Automation: design, build, and improve the electro-mechanical systems used in manufacturing and product development. Roles include automation, manufacturing, and project engineer.
• Mechanical Design: design, fabricate, and test mechanical components for a range of industrial applications. Roles include mechanical, automotive, and project engineer.
• Plastics: design and implement plastics processes that turn several types of plastics into finished products. Roles include plastics, product, and project engineer.
• Production Operations: implement and improve processes at the system level. Roles include process, quality, product, and project engineer.

Is UW-Stout Polytechnic's Engineering Technology program ABET-accredited? 

Yes. The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission's General Criteria. ABET accreditation tells employers the program meets national quality standards for engineering technology education.

Do Engineering Technology graduates from UW-Stout Polytechnic need a PE license? 

No. The careers Engineering Technology prepares you for, including manufacturing, automation, quality, and production engineering roles and operations leadership, don't require a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Graduates report a $63K average starting salary, according to UW-Stout Polytechnic's career outcomes report, and experienced professionals can move into roles such as industrial production manager, where the BLS median pay was $126,060 in May 2025. Because UW-Stout Polytechnic's program is accredited by ABET's Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC), graduates aren't eligible for PE licensure in Wisconsin, which requires an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) degree. 

Read more about PE licensure and engineering technology.

Is a co-op or internship required in the B.S. Engineering Technology at UW-Stout Polytechnic? 

Yes. Every Engineering Technology student completes a co-op or field experience, usually in the summer after sophomore or junior year, through UW-Stout Polytechnic's Cooperative Education & Internship Program (CEIP). Recent employers include Bobcat Company, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Johnson Controls, and Mercury Marine, and more than a third of UW-Stout Polytechnic students accept jobs with their internship employer.

What do UW-Stout Polytechnic Engineering Technology graduates earn, and where do they work? 

According to UW-Stout Polytechnic's career outcomes report, Engineering Technology graduates report a $63K average starting salary, and 100% are employed or continuing their education within six months. Recent employers include 3M, Kohler Co., Northrop Grumman, Parker Hannifin, and Polaris. For national pay by job title, see engineering technology jobs and salaries.

What math and science does the B.S. Engineering Technology at UW-Stout Polytechnic require? 

The B.S. Engineering Technology requires Calculus I, along with physics, and applies that math throughout labs and projects. To prepare, take four years of high school math, including algebra and trigonometry or precalculus, plus physics or chemistry if you can. Students who aren't ready for calculus when they arrive start with a prerequisite math course and work up to Calculus I.

Can I transfer into Engineering Technology at UW-Stout Polytechnic from a technical college? 

Yes. You can bring in up to 60 transfer credits from prior coursework or professional experience, and articulation agreements map specific programs into the degree, such as Mid-State Technical College's Mechanical Design Technology associate degree into the Mechanical Design concentration. Some credits can also be earned through Credit for Prior Learning.

What labs and equipment do Engineering Technology students use at UW-Stout Polytechnic? 

Engineering Technology students work in the Research & Development Prototyping Lab, the Industrial Robotics & Machine Vision Lab, and the Enterprise Systems Lab, along with dedicated automation and motion controls labs and labs for machining, computer-aided manufacturing, welding, metal casting, wood, and plastics.

Is the B.S. Engineering Technology at UW-Stout Polytechnic STEM OPT eligible for international students? 

Yes. The B.S. Engineering Technology is a STEM-designated program, so eligible F-1 international students can apply for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after graduation.

Which UW-Stout Polytechnic engineering program is right for me?

UW-Stout Polytechnic's six engineering degrees share introductory courses and hands-on experiences, so students have time to find their field after they start. Compare all six side by side in the Engineering at UW-Stout Polytechnic guide.