Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Metropolitan State College of Denver offer Engineering?
- What is the difference between Engineering Technology and Engineering?
- How do I decide which degree is right for me, Engineering or Engineering Technology?
- I am interested in computers, what forms of degrees are available?
- I am interested in a second degree. Do I have to take all the classes listed as required?
- What is ABET accreditation?
- What degrees are ABET accredited at Metro State?
- What are the pay differences between Engineering and Engineering Technology?
- What is the demand for engineers?
- What are the salaries (pay) like?
- Can I become a licensed Professional Engineer with an engineering technology degree?
Does Metropolitan State College of Denver offer Engineering? – Yes, Metro State offers a form of engineering called Engineering Technology. Four-year Bachelors of Science Engineering Technology degrees are available in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical.
What is the difference between Engineering Technology and Engineering? The engineering technology degree is a hands on, applications oriented method of engineering that is primarily aimed at the work force to fit between an Engineer and a Technician. Sometimes they are called Technologists. After several years of experience many of our engineering technology graduates have obtained titles of engineer. The engineering degree is more of a theory and research oriented degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (1998) wrote the following about the difference:
Engineer vs. Engineering Technology
"In addition to the standard engineering degree, many colleges offer degrees in engineering technology, which are offered as either 2- or 4-year programs. These programs prepare students for practical design and production work rather than for jobs that require more theoretical, scientific and mathematical knowledge. Graduates of 4-year technology programs may get jobs similar to those obtained by graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering. Some employers regard them as having skills between those of a technician and an engineer."
"Many 4-year colleges offer bachelor's degrees in engineering technology, but graduates of these programs are often hired to work as technologists or applied engineers, not technicians."
How do I decide which degree is right for me, Engineering or Engineering Technology?
- Research the various degree options that are available.
- Ask questions of different schools.
- Ask if they have any alumni or industry contacts that you can talk to.
- Some students find out that they want to switch degrees after they have started the program. The later you switch the harder it becomes.
I am interested in computers, what forms of degrees are available? The college has several degree programs in Computers, some of which are: Computer Information Systems (CIS) from the School of Business, Computer Science from the School of Arts and Letters, Electrical Engineering Technology with a Computer Engineering Technology Concentration which is part of the School of Professional Studies, and available through MSCD's Individualized Degree Program (IDP) a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology. Computer Engineering Technology though the IDP is not ABET accredited.
I am interested in a second degree. Do I have to take all the classes listed as required? No, in fact many four-year degrees satisfy the general studies requirements of the college, with exception of two requirements: a three-credit multi cultural requirement and the senior experience in the second-degree requirement. If the student in their first degree meets the mathematics, Chemistry, Physics requirements a second degree can be met in a minimum amount of time. An advisor can work out with the student which classes they will need, for a second degree. The student must keep in mind we still must maintain standards that are set by our TAC of ABET accreditation and the college.
What is ABET accreditation? To quote The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET):
"In the United States, accreditation is a non-governmental, peer review process that ensures educational quality. Educational institutions or programs volunteer to periodically undergo this review to determine if minimum criteria are being met. Accreditation verifies that an institution or program meets the criteria, ensuring a quality educational experience."
There are two types of accreditation: institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation evaluates overall institutional quality. Regional accreditation of institutions is one form of this. Specialized accreditation, however, examines specific programs of study to determine if graduates are prepared to enter the profession. This type of accreditation is granted to specific programs at specific levels. Programs of architecture, nursing, law, medicine and engineering are often evaluated through this type of accreditation. In the United States, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is responsible for the specialized accreditation of educational programs in engineering, engineering technology and engineering-related fields. Programs either receive accreditation or are denied, but they are not ranked.
ABET began in 1932 as the Engineers' Council for Professional Development (ECPD) and was formed to promote the status of the engineering profession and enhance the quality of engineering education. In 1980, the ECPD became the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, focusing its efforts on the accreditation of educational programs.
ABET now accredits some 2,300 engineering, engineering technology and engineering-related educational programs at over 500 colleges and universities in the U.S. ABET is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for its responsibility in these areas. In 1997, ABET expanded its mission to include the accreditation of applied science programs.
ABET is a federation of 31 professional engineering and technical societies. Representatives from these societies, who are practicing professionals from industry and academe, form the body of ABET through its Board of Directors and four working Commissions:
- Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)
- Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC)
- Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC)
- Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC)
The ABET Board of Directors sets policy and approves accreditation criteria while the Commissions implement accreditation procedures and decisions. The active participation of practicing professionals allows accreditation to reflect standards set by the profession itself. This approach provides a better-prepared graduate, which ultimately translates into a valuable employee.
Why is accreditation important?
Accreditation helps many people make important decisions about education including:
- Students choosing an educational program
- Parents seeking assurance of a quality education
- Institutions seeking to improve the education provided by their programs
- Employers recruiting well-prepared graduates
- State registration, licensure and certification boards screening applicants for entry into professional practice
- Industry seeking to voice educational needs to institutions"
What degrees are ABET accredited at Metro? Only Five: Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology programs are accredited by the ABET Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC). Surveying and Mapping Program is accredited by the ABET Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ASAC). Computer Science Program is accredited by the ABET Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC). Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) www.abet.org, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202, Telephone: (410) 347-7700.
What are the pay differences between Engineering and Engineering Technology? In the early 1990's the pay differences started to disappear as the demand for engineers grew. Our Engineering Technology grads now make about the same as Engineers. While in the 1980's the pay difference was about $5000.00 less to start and any pay difference disappearing after five years experience.
What is the demand for engineers? According to the Occupational Employment Statistics from Bureau of Labor Statistics Computer Engineering will grow 117% over the period 1998-2008, one of the three fastest growing job fields. The Civil and Electrical areas are in the 21-35% growth range and Mechanical and Surveying to be 10-20% growth.
What are the salaries (pay) like?
From the May 2004 Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Colorado Board of Labor and Employment (CBLE):
| Area | Colorado Annual Mean (May 2004) |
Colorado Hourly Mean (May 2004) |
Colorado Starting Wage (2002 CBLE data) |
National Mean (May 2004) |
Colorado Range (May 2004) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $64,930 | $31.22 | $41,639 | $66,930 | $42,910 - 93,240 |
| Electronics Non Computer Engineer | $81,250 | $39.06 | $50,498 | $77,450 | $53,570 - 117,810 |
| Electrical Engineer | $75,280 | $36.19 | $47,980 | $74,220 | $49,160 - 107,930 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $98,280 | $47.25 | $58,021 | $84,010 | $63,210 - 138,740 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $70,620 | $33.95 | $47,480 | $68,460 | $44,080 - 104,200 |
Can I become a licensed Professional Engineer with an engineering technology degree? Yes, Colorado law and Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors rules allows graduates of an Engineering Technology program that is ABET accredited to sit for the EI and PE exams. When PE or EI is the goal of the student we might recommend an engineering degree program based on that students needs.
Note the State of Colorado Statues below changed July 1, 2004. For more information please check this site: http://www.dora.state.co.us/aes
From the Colorado revised statutes on Engineering Intern (EI):
12-25-112. Qualifications for engineer-intern.
(1) (a) An applicant may qualify for enrollment as an engineer-intern by endorsement if such applicant is enrolled in good standing in another jurisdiction requiring qualifications substantially equivalent to those currently required of applicants under this part 1 or if, at the time of initial enrollment in such jurisdiction, such applicant met the requirements for enrollment then in existence under Colorado law.
(b) Upon completion of the application and approval by the board, the applicant shall be enrolled as an engineer-intern if the applicant is otherwise qualified pursuant to section 12-25-111.
(2) (a) An applicant may qualify for enrollment as an engineer-intern by graduation and examination if such applicant passes the fundamentals of engineering examination.
(b) In order to be admitted to the examination pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (2), the applicant must:
(I) Have graduated from a board-approved engineering or engineering technology curriculum of four or more years; or
(II) Have senior status in a board-approved engineering or engineering technology curriculum of four or more years.
(c) Upon passing the examination and the submission of official transcripts verifying graduation or impending graduation, the applicant shall be enrolled as an engineer-intern if the applicant is otherwise qualified pursuant to section 12-25-111.
(3) (a) An applicant may qualify for enrollment as an engineer-intern by graduation, experience, and examination if such applicant passes the fundamentals of engineering examination and possesses a total of six years of progressive engineering experience, of which educational study may be a part.
(b) In order to be admitted to the examination pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (3), the applicant must:
(I) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2004, p. 1295, § 13, effective May 28, 2004.)
(II) (A) Have graduated from an engineering curriculum of four or more years not approved by the board or from a related science curriculum of four or more years; and
(B) Have four years of progressive engineering experience, of which educational study may be a part.
(c) Upon passing the examination and the submission of evidence of experience satisfactory to the board, the applicant shall be enrolled as an engineer-intern if the applicant is otherwise qualified pursuant to section 12-25-111.
(4) (a) An applicant may qualify for enrollment as an engineer-intern by experience and examination if such applicant passes the fundamentals of engineering examination.
(b) In order to be admitted to the examination pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (4), the applicant must:
(I) Have graduated from high school or its equivalent; and
(II) Have six years of progressive engineering experience, of which educational study may be a part.
(c) Upon passing the examination and the submission of evidence of experience satisfactory to the board, the applicant shall be enrolled as an engineer-intern if the applicant is otherwise qualified pursuant to section 12-25-111.
From the Colorado revised statutes on Professional Engineer (PE):
12-25-114. Qualifications for professional engineer.
(1) (a) An applicant may qualify for licensing as a professional engineer by endorsement if such applicant is licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction requiring qualifications substantially equivalent to those currently required of applicants under this part 1 or if, at the time of initial licensure in such jurisdiction, such applicant met the requirements for licensure then in existence under Colorado law.
(b) Upon completion of the application and approval by the board, the applicant shall be licensed as a professional engineer if the applicant is otherwise qualified pursuant to section 12-25-113.
(2) (a) An applicant may qualify for licensing as a professional engineer by graduation, experience, and examination if such applicant passes the principles and practice of engineering examination.
(b) In order to be admitted to the examination pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (2), the applicant must:
(I) (A) Have graduated from a board-approved engineering curriculum of four or more years; and
(B) Have eight years of progressive engineering experience, of which educational study may be a part; and
(C) Have been enrolled as an engineer-intern in this state; or
(II) (A) Have graduated from a board-approved engineering technology curriculum of four or more years; and
(B) Have ten years of progressive engineering experience, of which educational study may be a part; and
(C) Have been enrolled as an engineer-intern in this state; or
(III) (A) Have graduated from an engineering curriculum of four or more years not approved by the board or from a related science curriculum of four or more years; and
(B) Have ten years of progressive engineering experience, of which educational study may be a part; and
(C) Have been enrolled as an engineer-intern in this state; or
(IV) (A) Have graduated from an engineering curriculum of four or more years or from a related science curriculum of four or more years; and
(B) Have twenty years of progressive engineering experience, of which educational study may be a part.
(c) Upon passing the examination and the submission of evidence of experience satisfactory to the board, the applicant shall be licensed as a professional engineer if the applicant is otherwise qualified pursuant to section 12-25-113.
(3) (a) An applicant may qualify for licensing as a professional engineer by experience and examination if such applicant passes the principles and practice of engineering examination.
(b) In order to be admitted to the examination pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (3), the applicant must:
(I) Have twelve years of progressive engineering experience, of which educational study may be a part; and
(II) Have been enrolled as an engineer-intern in this state.
(c) Upon passing the examination and the submission of evidence of experience satisfactory to the board, the applicant shall be licensed as a professional engineer if the applicant is otherwise qualified pursuant to section 12-25-113.
(4) (a) A professional engineer who has been duly licensed to practice engineering in this state and who is over sixty-five years of age, upon application, may be classified as a retired professional engineer. Individuals who are so classified shall lose their licensure and shall not practice engineering and shall pay a fee to retain retired professional engineer status.
(b) (I) A retired professional engineer shall be reinstated to the status of a professional engineer upon payment of the renewal fee. No other fee shall be assessed against such retired professional engineer as a penalty.
(II) For any professional engineer who has been retired for two or more years, the board may require reexamination or recertification, unless the board is satisfied of such retired professional engineer's continued competence.
From the Bylaws and Rules of the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors:
4.6 – Educational Credit for Engineering and Surveying Applicants
4.6.1 – Engineering Education
4.6.1.1 – Board-Approved Engineering Curriculum. Pursuant to Sections 12-25-112(2)(b)(I) and (II) and 12-25-114(2)(b)(I)(A), C.R.S., a board-approved engineering curriculum of four or more years is an engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology/Engineering Accreditation Commission (ABET/EAC).
4.6.1.2 – Board-Approved Engineering Technology Curriculum. Pursuant to Sections 12-25-112(3)(b)(I) and 12-25-114(2)(b)(II)(A), C.R.S., a board-approved engineering technology curriculum of four or more years is a technology degree accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology/Technology Accreditation Commission (ABET/TAC).