The Engineering Technology M.S. program, geared toward full-time professionals with
night classes, addresses dynamic changes in business and industry. Technically competent
professionals can improve their skills to help successfully transition into leadership
positions in their field of expertise and into a general leadership role outside their
area of technical expertise as their careers grow. Students are educated at the master’s
level in core engineering technologies and the management of those technologies. The
program incorporates courses covering topics common to all areas of the technology
sector of industry, including Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, state-of-the-art technologies,
alternative energy sources and conservation, engineering project management, applied
research, and safety. A non-thesis option includes a business/industry project that
must demonstrate Six Sigma methodology. Each course offers an industry component that
provides real-world experience, while students also conduct applied research in several
classes. Faculty members are highly experienced in their fields and have close ties
to area industry.
Mechanical engineer updates skills with master’s degree
Simone Howard enrolled in the Engineering Technology master’s program to return to
the workforce after being a stay-at-home mom of four children for 13 years. Howard,
a continuous improvement engineering technician at A.O. Smith, previously earned a
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida. She worked
in the power generation industry for about six years in design, marketing, and project
implementation after her bachelor’s degree. “I have always been fascinated by the
challenges in the manufacturing environment,” Howard says. The Six Sigma and Productivity
Strategies/Lean Systems classes for her MTSU Engineering Technology master’s helped
her with “a vital combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications”
she uses in her job at A.O. Smith. “The program has helped me to discover my passions
and to feel confident in pursuing them,” Howard says.
Grad pursues cybersecurity through computer engineering
Chad Lloyd, a software architect and cybersecurity specialist for Schneider Electric,
completed his third degree at MTSU with his Engineering Technology master’s specializing
in computer engineering. Lloyd had a technology focus for his Recording Industry Management
bachelor’s degree, when he also minored in Electronics and Computer Science. He earned
his first M.S. in Computer Science and then got his foot in the door with Schneider
through his Engineering Technology M.S. in 2006. “It is a perfect fit for my skill
set since I work on a team that designs software to interface with mission critical
hardware for power monitoring and control,” Lloyd says. “When I started at Schneider,
I was able to hit the ground running.” He especially benefited from digital design
and communications courses, and his passion for networking security has led him to
become a Certified Ethical Hacker.
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
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MTSU | The University of Opportunities
This program teaches students interpersonal, management, and engineering skills needed
for success in technology-driven organizations, whether public or private. The focus
on these enhanced skills reflects an increasing need in the workplace for graduate
students to fast-track into engineering/technical management or high-value specialty
knowledge management positions. Industry areas include manufacturing/assembly, medical,
human resources/training, and service (retail, food service, etc.), as well as applied
sciences. Some potential positions for degree-holders
- Engineering and technical manager for
- Manufacturing operations (including design, assembly, and fabrication)
- Health care
- Food production
- Training/consulting
- Government agencies
- Engineering designer
- Engineering project manager for
- Process control companies
- Enterprise resource systems developers
- Technology development enterprises
- Manager for global technology companies
- Process and product engineer for manufacturing operations
- Safety engineers and manager for production operations
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Barrett Rifles
- Bridgestone-Firestone
- Calsonic North America Inc.
- General Mills/Pillsbury
- MAHLE Tennex Filters
- Murfreesboro Electric Department
- Nissan North America
- Rich’s Products
- Schneider Electric
- State of Tennessee
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Tridon Clamps
- Vanderbilt Medical Center
- Veterans Administration
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering Technology includes concentrations in
Engineering Technology and in Occupational Health and Safety. The Department of Engineering Technology also participates in the Engineering Management concentration of the Master of Professional Science degree.
The Engineering Technology concentration provides students with the tools to help
understand and solve problems found at the intersection of management, technology,
and entrepreneurship.
Applicants must:
- take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Successful applicants typically have a quantitative
score of 148+ and a verbal score of 143+.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work. If the transcripts are issued
from an international (non-U.S.) institution, a course-by course analysis is required.
Original non-U.S. transcripts should be submitted directly to the evaluation service.
Candidates must either 1) complete and successfully defend a thesis or 2) make an
oral presentation and written report on their Six Sigma project to graduate faculty
at the end of the program.
Most of the courses require technical written reports and oral class presentations,
while three classes require industry-related projects where certifications are earned
in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. Credits toward a certification in Project Management
from the Project Management Institute (PMI) are also awarded.
Some graduates also end up with minors, with computer information systems and business
among the popular ones.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Undergraduate
A student majoring in Engineering Technology can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in one of three concentrations: Computer Engineering Technology, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Mechanical Engineering Technology. Other departmental majors leading to a B.S. include Mechatronics Engineering.
Undergraduate minors available include Electronics, Engineering Systems, Electrical
Engineering and Engineering Technology.
Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology Concentration, M.S.
Saleh Sbenaty, Program Director
(615) 898-2966
Saleh.Sbenaty@mtsu.edu
The Department of Engineering Technology offers the Master of Science degree in Engineering Technology with concentrations in Engineering Technology as well as Occupational Health and Safety and thesis and non-thesis options. The department also offers courses in the Master of Science in Professional Science concentration in Engineering Management.
Under the Engineering Technology concentration, the degree requires the student to select courses, as approved by the graduate advisor, that provide the student with a technical area of specialty or a minor in another department. Currently, typical technical areas include computer systems and networking, mechatronics, robotics, energy harvesting, renewable energy sources and technologies, instrumentation and control, analog and digital electronics, automation, machine design, manufacturing, quality control, and optimization. Other technical areas or a minor can be designed to meet the student's individual needs if approved by the graduate advisor.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Engineering Technology requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Applicant must
- submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Engineering Technology requires completion of 30-36 semester hours (thesis option), with at least 21 hours at the 6000 level. The non-thesis option requires completion of 36 hours, with at least 26 hours at the 6000 level.
Students are expected to have completed 3 semester hours of an approved research tool at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students not meeting this requirement will be expected to complete it as part of their program of study.
Students in the thesis option must complete and successfully defend a thesis (3-9 hours).
Students following the non-thesis option must successfully complete the research project within the required ET 6190 Six Sigma course, complete a report on the project, and present the results.
Curriculum: Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 9 hours of thesis research (thesis option) may be required to fulfill degree requirements.
Thesis Option (30-36 hours)
Core Courses (18 hours)
ET 6010 - Safety Planning
3credit hours
Advanced study of planning in occupational safety and health management, including program planning and development methods and techniques as well as various systems approaches to hazard control.
ET 6190 - Six Sigma
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MATH 1530 or equivalent or consent of instructor. The Six Sigma methodology is defined as a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving, sustaining, and maximizing business success. Through class instruction, simulations, and hands-on projects, students will be able to identify and focus on customers' critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics and solve problems using the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) process and its associated tools. A Green Belt certification will be awarded upon successful completion of an industry/business Green Belt project.
ET 6300 - PMI Project Management
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Project management processes and knowledge areas as sanctioned by the International Project Management Institute (PMI). Successful completion of the course will earn 23 contact hours/professional development units (PDUs) issued by PMI.
ET 6390 - Productivity Strategies/Lean Systems
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and ET 3910 or consent of instructor. Topics include the human element (supervisory and teamwork skills), the theoretical aspect (laws and science covering service and production systems), and the practical aspect (tools for lean operational systems implementation). Theoretical and practical methods needed to complete a required industry/business project and obtain a certification in Lean Manufacturing.
ET 6620 - Methods of Research
3credit hours
Introduces Master of Science students to scholarly research principles and to thesis formats for research reporting. A problem is researched and written up in thesis proposal format.
ET 6710 - Current and Future Trends in Engineering and Technology
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. The latest advancements and practices in various engineering and technology fields. Selected topics may include computers and electronics, networking and telecommunication, instrumentation, lasers, automation and robotics, manufacturing and rapid prototyping, bioengineering and biotechnology, and renewable energy sources. Takes a student-centered, hands-on learning approach and focuses on understanding new technologies and how technology is used in the industry. Research projects will provide appropriate experience and accommodate individual's interest.
Concentration Courses (9 hours)
ET 6720 - Innovative and Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. In-depth coverage of current and future renewable energy sources and energy conversion technologies and efficiency and storage technologies. Environmental, economic, and security impacts are covered.
- Advisor-approved electives 6 credit hours
Thesis Course (3-9 hours)
ET 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6 credit hours
(3 credit hours required)(3 credit hours required)
dotslash:(3 credit hours required)
title:(3 credit hours required)
(3 credit hours required)
ET 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6credit hours
Prerequisite: ET 6620. Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Non-thesis Option (36 hours)
Core Courses (18 hours)
ET 6010 - Safety Planning
3credit hours
Advanced study of planning in occupational safety and health management, including program planning and development methods and techniques as well as various systems approaches to hazard control.
ET 6190 - Six Sigma
3credit hours
Prerequisite: MATH 1530 or equivalent or consent of instructor. The Six Sigma methodology is defined as a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving, sustaining, and maximizing business success. Through class instruction, simulations, and hands-on projects, students will be able to identify and focus on customers' critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristics and solve problems using the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) process and its associated tools. A Green Belt certification will be awarded upon successful completion of an industry/business Green Belt project.
ET 6300 - PMI Project Management
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Project management processes and knowledge areas as sanctioned by the International Project Management Institute (PMI). Successful completion of the course will earn 23 contact hours/professional development units (PDUs) issued by PMI.
ET 6390 - Productivity Strategies/Lean Systems
3credit hours
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and ET 3910 or consent of instructor. Topics include the human element (supervisory and teamwork skills), the theoretical aspect (laws and science covering service and production systems), and the practical aspect (tools for lean operational systems implementation). Theoretical and practical methods needed to complete a required industry/business project and obtain a certification in Lean Manufacturing.
ET 6620 - Methods of Research
3credit hours
Introduces Master of Science students to scholarly research principles and to thesis formats for research reporting. A problem is researched and written up in thesis proposal format.
ET 6710 - Current and Future Trends in Engineering and Technology
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. The latest advancements and practices in various engineering and technology fields. Selected topics may include computers and electronics, networking and telecommunication, instrumentation, lasers, automation and robotics, manufacturing and rapid prototyping, bioengineering and biotechnology, and renewable energy sources. Takes a student-centered, hands-on learning approach and focuses on understanding new technologies and how technology is used in the industry. Research projects will provide appropriate experience and accommodate individual's interest.
Concentration Course (9 hours)
ET 6720 - Innovative and Renewable Energy Sources and Technologies
3credit hours
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. In-depth coverage of current and future renewable energy sources and energy conversion technologies and efficiency and storage technologies. Environmental, economic, and security impacts are covered.
- Advisor-approved electives 6 credit hours
Individualized Study Course (3 hours)
ET 6510 - Advanced Topics in Technology
3credit hours
Independent investigation and report of current problems of particular interest to individual students directed by department faculty members.
ET 6910 - Problems in Engineering Technology
3credit hours
Independent investigation and report of a problem in engineering technology. Designed to meet the particular needs of the students; pursued under the direction of a department faculty member.
Advisor-Approved Electives (6 hours)
- Electives-Complete 6 semester hours from approved courses (could include a minor)
NOTE: The program may include a cognate in management and marketing, computer science, economics, computer information systems, or psychology.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Professional and Accreditation Organizations
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
