B.S. in Engineering Technology

View requirements for Electrical Engineering Technolgy.

The emphasis in electrical engineering technology introduces students to diverse and growing areas such as electronic circuits, digital systems, communications, electronic controls, industrial controls, and fiber optics. The field of electronics is constantly growing, and NIU graduates are taught fundamental and advanced concepts, which help them to excel in industry. With the application of computers and software, electrical companies consistently require engineering technologists who are able to handle a wide range of tasks.

The NIU graduates in this field have the theoretical design and development background in many areas to handle complex tasks. In addition, NIU graduates possess a wide variety of hands-on skills, which makes them very desirable in industry, where they are called upon to design and integrate automation components, intricate component testing procedures, and fixtures for testing complex circuits. Students who graduate from the NIU technology program quickly obtain employment, with outstanding compensation, at both large and small companies—in most cases prior to graduation

View requirements for Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Students who choose to pursue manufacturing engineering technology are introduced to the diverse areas of manufacturing systems and processes. The exciting field of manufacturing is comprised of many growing areas such as CNC machining, automation, robotics, plastics processing, quality control, and computer-aided design and manufacturing, to name just a few. Since the manufacturing environment requires engineering technologists to handle a wide range of tasks, technologists must be trained in many areas within the field.

The emphasis in manufacturing engineering technology produces students with both a diverse theoretical education and the hands-on skills needed to succeed within any area of manufacturing. Students who graduate with this emphasis quickly obtain industrial employment at both large and small companies, with outstanding compensation.

View requirements for Industrial Management and Technology

The emphasis in industrial management and technology provides students with a combination of hands-on technical skills and a sound management base. This emphasis requires eight courses, in which students are taught current technology concepts. Students are also required to take courses in the areas of industrial management. Students who graduate from NIU with this emphasis have the skills to enter management or manufacturing fields, and are highly sought after by companies both as interns during their studies or for employment after graduation. Choose from three sub-emphases:

Environmental Health and Safety

Students learn how to protect others by conducting hands-on workplace safety and health assessments. They use advanced electronic monitoring devices to measure exposures to nanoparticles, noise, aerosols, vapors and gases. Students learn about ergonomics, disaster preparedness, control of hazardous industrial operations, air and water quality, and how to manage and lead the safety function as an integral part of business operations.

Electronics Engineering Technology

Students in electronics technology study the fundamentals of circuit design and analysis, electric machines, control and power systems, as well as the application of electronic devices and components. All of the courses in this area include laboratory components, which are taught in our well-equipped labs.

Design and Production

Students are taught basic and advanced fabrication principles and process for plastics, metals, and other materials. Students learn the basics of processes, systems, and automation through implementation of programmable logic controllers. Our graduates learn basic and advanced concepts in the use of SolidWorks and its application in the area of 2-D drafting and 3-D modeling, including advanced solid modeling using SolidWorks. Students in this area learn to apply the CAD and drafting principles to the area of tool and die and machine design.

View requirements for Energy and Environmental Technology

Energy and environmental issues, from climate change and land and water usage, to energy consumption and alternative energies, represent critical challenges for society. The Department of Engineering Technology has developed a unique program that examines energy and environmental issues from engineering and technical perspectives.

The emphasis in Energy and Environmental Engineering Technology provides undergraduate students with an understanding of the applications and needs in this important area. This emphasis addresses engineering and technology advancements that improve the environment, as well as the development of new technologies that utilize green principles for processing, manufacturing and transportation topics, as well as providing reductions in our carbon footprint.

This program introduces students to energy-related technical and management topics including energy management and auditing, building management, energy efficiency in manufacturing, and alternative sources of energy. Courses in the curriculum cover important topics, like the application and manufacture of solar cells, the production of wind, thermal, and hydro-electric power. In addition, the curriculum introduces students to basic and advanced topics in building efficiency including HVAC and the reduction of energy usage as well as efficient facilities management.