College of Engineering offers state’s only undergraduate degree in engineering & technology management

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette started the Fall 2022 semester offering the state’s only undergraduate degree in engineering & technology management. The engineering and technology management degree places emphasis in the areas of management, leadership, engineering application and technology that prepare students to meet industry challenges for the 21st century and beyond. This Bachelor of Science degree is offered in the Department of Engineering Technology, formerly known as the Department of Industrial Technology.

“I am very excited to welcome a new department and a new degree to our college. The graduates of the engineering & technology management program will be a great asset for economic development not only in Acadiana but the State of Louisiana as well,” said Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering.  “We are committed to future growth that produces next generation, career-ready, highly skilled, well-rounded engineers, and engineering technologists in high demand for their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.” continued Dean Khattab. 

New courses have been introduced and several courses have been modified for the new degree. The engineering and technology management bachelor’s degree offers courses that include an Introduction to Project Management, Planning and Control; Introduction to Engineering and Technology; Supply Chain Logistics Technology; Environmental Safety and Sustainability; Introduction to Innovation Engineering, Automation & Control, Robotics, Quality Control, Industrial Safety, OSHA Safety Standards, 2D and 3D Engineering Graphics and Modeling, Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) Applications, Statistics and Fluid Power Systems. The program continues to build skills based on an Algebra and Trigonometry foundation.

“This field leads to exciting and professionally fulfilling careers that stay on the cutting edge of new advancements. Working in a team-based, technical environment allows a graduate to be a leader in engineering and technology management,” said Dr. Shelton Houston, Department Head of Engineering Technology “Engineering and technology managers improve the performance of systems, ensure the quality of products, and design better ways of making products,” continued Houston.

Focus areas on construction management, automation and controls, chemical industry technology, and industrial safety are available for students to pursue.  In addition, a minor in business is embedded in the curriculum which includes accounting, business management, business law, marketing, and finance.

According to the May 2021 Occupational Employment and Wage Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the annual mean wage for Engineering Technologists in the US is $67,166 and $61,690 in Louisiana with 92,350 employed in the US and 3,050 in Louisiana.

The annual mean wage for Project Management specialists in the US is $73,404 and $64,610 in Louisiana with 1.4M employed in the US and 20,870 in Louisiana.