Automotive Engineering Technology

Description

The mission of Automotive Engineering Technology (AET) is to provide a broad-based education for graduates to enter globally competitive automotive careers to serve the citizens of Minnesota and the world by:

• providing the highest quality education to prepare application-oriented graduates for a broad range of career opportunities in product research, design, development, and technical sales environments;
• encouraging and supporting faculty and students to engage in scholarly research and activities through partnerships with government, industry, and other constituencies that support effective and ethical transfer of technology;
• providing access to state of the art equipment, facilities, and methodologies, along with faculty expertise to benefit AET students; and
• broadening access to the program for diverse populations and support of K-12 pipeline development.

Program Description. 

Engineering technology has been defined as the part of the technological field which requires the application of scientific and engineering knowledge and methods combined with technical skills in support of engineering activities; it lies in the occupational spectrum between the craftsman and the engineer at the end of the spectrum closest to the engineer. Engineering technology is oriented less toward theory and more toward practical applications. - American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE).

Automotive Engineering Technology prepares graduates for careers in product research, design and development, manufacturing, and technical sales in the original equipment and aftermarket industries. Fields include passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, vehicle emissions, safety, fuels and lubricants, construction, industrial, and agricultural equipment. Graduates from the program are currently working for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as General Motors, Polaris, John Deere, AGCO, and Ford along with aftermarket companies such as Competition Cams, Bosch, and S&S Cycle. A more complete reference to companies employing AET graduates may be obtained from the Department Chair.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (https://www.sae.org/) and National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ase.com) are the lead professional societies used in developing program criteria, guiding program relevance, and making continuous improvement.

The primary goal of the AET program is to provide all graduates with the solid technical foundation necessary to insure their success in a wide variety of employment opportunities. To accomplish this goal, program outcomes and objectives are defined and assessed for continuous improvement.

Program Outcomes. Students at the time of graduation are prepared to:

1. apply knowledge of science, math, statistics, and engineering technology to solve problems encountered in a professional career in the automotive industry.
2. design, analyze and build virtual and real models, and conduct testing in product development environments through applied computer technologies.
3. define and communicate a set of requirements for a system, component or process and develop solutions to satisfy given criteria in an optimal fashion using creativity in design.
4. function effectively as a manager, leader, or member of a team.
5. understand and practice professional, ethical, environmental, and global responsibilities.
6. communicate effectively across all design and management interface levels of an organization.
7. recognize the need for, and then develop, the skills for life-long learning.
8. understand and engage in behavior which respects diversity and global cultures
9. practice timeliness and quality with regard to work requirements.

Program Objectives. AET graduates two to three years into their careers should have the foundation to:

1. deliver products, services, and support to both internal and external organizations by applying technical knowledge, problem solving techniques and hands-on skills in traditional and emerging technologies.
2. actively participate in on-going professional development, professional growth, and increasing professional responsibility.
3. effectively communicate ideas to technical and non-technical people.
4. perform in or manage cross-functional teams.
5. work within the accepted standards of professional integrity and conduct.
6. design, analyze, build, and test virtual or real models in product development and continuous improvement environments.
7. implement, and continuously improve cost, quality, time, and goals using world class management methodologies.