Engineering Technology

Associate Degree

Program Outline

Your program consists of four semesters and is designed to provide the knowledge and skills you’ll need for your new career. You will receive credit for previous college work if you meet Penn Foster College standards. If you wish to receive credit for previous coursework, contact the college you attended and ask that your official transcripts be forwarded to Penn Foster College for evaluation. All previous college work must have been completed with a grade of “C” or better, and up to 75% of the required credits may be transferred. We will also credit your tuition for all the courses that are acceptable.

We’ll send your first lessons immediately after your enrollment for the first semester has been accepted.
Courses will follow one at a time as you complete your required assignments, so you’ll always have learning materials to work with. As you complete each semester, an enrollment application for the next semester will be sent to you.

Computer Specifications
As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need access to high-speed internet to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 10® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running macOS® or later, Microsoft® Office 2019 or Microsoft 365® and an email account to complete this program with Penn Foster.

Online Library and Librarian
Students at Penn Foster College have access to an online library during their college studies. Students can use the library to do the required course research or for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and will assist students in research activities.

Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your learning materials:

Program Goal and Outcomes

Program Goal
The overall program goal for the A.S. in Engineering Technology Degree is to prepare students for entry-level positions as engineering technicians.

Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to...

  • Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
  • Demonstrate proficient computer and information literacy skills
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences
  • Recognize the work habits and characteristics that are demonstrated by successful technicians, including the codes and standards that technicians must know
  • Read and interpret various types of technical drawings, including those used in engineering applications, and understand the basics of computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Develop engineering graphics, utilizing orthographic projections, dimensioning, sectioning, tolerance, and threads
  • Identify the basic terminology, theories, and applications relating to electricity and electronics, including the components and operation of electrical and electronic systems
  • Identify various types of electric motors and describe how they are controlled; list the steps to use when troubleshooting electric motors and controllers
  • Explain the methods, laws, and procedures used in engineering mechanics, including the branches of statics, dynamics, kinematics, and kinetics
  • Identify manufacturing systems and processes, and recognize different materials used in manufacturing and engineering applications
  • Describe total quality management (TQM), materials and inventory management, inspection plans, measuring tools that collect quality data, and various statistical process control methods
  • List the steps and materials used in the tool design process, including the design of workholding devices, jigs, presses, dies, and gages
  • Understand the basic concepts of pneumatic systems and how they compare and contrast with hydraulic systems; identify the concepts related to the delivery of compressed air
  • Recognize important safety facts and practices associated with electrical, chemical, fire, material-handling, and machine hazards
  • Understand the fundamentals of designing machine elements, including developing an awareness of procedures and materials, identifying how forces and stresses affect materials, and recognizing machine components
  • Demonstrate common technical skills employed by engineers, such as the use of manufacturing processing equipment, measuring devices and quality control equipment, and skills in the testing of materials

 

Semester 1

Orientation to Engineering Technology (1 credit)
Succeed by learning how to use your Penn Foster program, and learn the basics of engineering technology.

Objectives:

  • Understand how to use your Student Portal.
  • Access the Penn Foster Community and use it to find answers.
  • Connect with Penn Foster on various social media sites.
  • Use a scientific calculator.
  • Learn about the development of engineering and engineering technology.
  • Understand technical mathematics.

Math for STEM (3 credits)
In this course, you'll learn the essential math skills necessary for future success in an AS technology program. The course of study includes a review of basic math functions, including trades-based examples, the metric system, formulas, introductory algebra, applied geometry, and some practical applications of trigonometry.

Objectives:

  • Define basic math skills to solve real-world skilled trades–related problems
  • Illustrate your ability to effectively use the metric system
  • Identify your knowledge of formulas to solve problems
  • Identify algebraic concepts to solve problems
  • Solve perimeter, area, and volume for a variety of geometrical shapes
  • Define basic trigonometry functions such as sine and cosine to perform trades-related calculations

Foundation Skills in Writing (3 credits)

Objectives:

  • Review basic grammar.
  • Use action verbs.
  • Learn how to construct paragraphs.

Computer Applications (3 credits)
Microsoft® Office allows people to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases. This course will teach you how to use three popular tools from the Microsoft® Office Suite — Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®. In this course, you'll learn how to use Word™ to create and edit text documents, insert figures and tables, and format pages for a variety of uses. You'll then learn how to use Excel® to organize and format data, including charts, formulas, and more complex tables. Next, you'll learn how to use PowerPoint® to create and deliver slide shows. Finally, you'll complete a graded project, which will test the skills acquired in Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.

Objectives:

  • Create various Microsoft® Word™ documents.
  • Produce a thorough Microsoft® Excel® spreadsheet.
  • Identify the basic skills needed to use Microsoft® PowerPoint®.
  • Synthesize what you’ve learned by integrating Word™, Excel®, and PowerPoint®.

Introduction to Technical Drawings (3 credits)

Objectives:

  • Read and interpret technical drawings.
  • Interpret symbols and abbreviations.
  • Apply dimensioning and tolerancing to actual print reading.
  • Get an overview of computer-aided drawing and its role in modern technology.

Physical Science (3 credits)

Objectives:

  • Define the physical universe as you know it.
  • Get the foundation you need to understand chemistry, physics, and earth and space sciences.

Proctored Examination
You will be required to complete a proctored exam on selected courses each semester. These assessments will evaluate the knowledge and skills that you learned during the semester. You choose the time, the location, and the qualified exam supervisor.

 

Semester 2

Manufacturing Materials and Processes (3 credits)

Objectives:

  • Cover a comprehensive collection of manufacturing and materials processing techniques.
  • Learn the historical perspectives and basic science of manufacturing and its related materials.
  • Read about specific manufacturing methods as they are applied to specific materials.
  • Study the theory of the automation of today’s manufacturing environment, productivity, and quality improvement systems.

Intermediate Algebra (3 credits)
Algebra is the mathematical language used to interpret and represent patterns in numbers by using variables, expressions, and equations. Algebra is an essential tool used in business, science, and computer technology. Throughout this course, you’ll be introduced to algebraic concepts, along with real-world application problems from a variety of fields. In addition to providing a springboard to the discovery of underlying mathematical properties, these applications illustrate the importance of mathematics in your world.

Objectives:

  • Demonstrate effective quantitative skills
  • Solve algebraic equations, linear equations, inequalities, and absolute value equations
  • Solve and graph linear equations and inequalities
  • Solve polynomials
  • Apply algebraic operations to rational expressions and rational equations
  • Solve problems involving radicals and complex numbers
  • Solve quadratic equations, rational inequalities, nonlinear equations, and nonlinear inequalities
  • Calculate exponential and logarithmic functions
  • Solve binomial expansions, sequences, and arithmetic and geometric series
  • Prepare for the final exam

Drafting with AutoCAD® (3 credits)

Objectives:

  • Draft using AutoCAD.®
  • Learn computer-aided drafting and design systems.
  • Use AutoCAD® menus and features.
  • Create files and entities.
  • Organize and annotate drawings.
  • Modify displays.

English Composition (3 credits)
This course teaches the skills and techniques of effectively developing, drafting, and revising college-level essays toward a specific purpose and audience: active reading, prewriting strategies, sentence and paragraph structure, thesis statements, varied patterns of development (such as illustration, comparison and contrast, and classification), critical reading toward revision of structure and organization, editing for standard written conventions, and use and documentation of outside sources. Students submit two prewriting assignments and three essays (process analysis, comparison and contrast, and argumentation).

Objectives:

  • Use writing skills to construct well-written sentences and active reading skills to understand and analyze text
  • Develop paragraphs using topic sentences, adequate detail, supporting evidence, and transitions
  • Contrast the revising and editing steps of the writing process
  • Distinguish between different patterns of development
  • Write a process analysis essay using prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing skills
  • Recognize how to determine the reliability of secondary sources and to give proper credit to sources referenced in an essay
  • Write a comparison and contrast essay by using persuasive writing techniques to defend a claim
  • Create a sound written argument using techniques of drafting and evaluating sources

Electrical/Electronics Theory (3 credits)

Objectives:

  • Get a foundation in electrical and electronics terminology, theory, and concepts.
  • Learn the basic principles of electricity and the fundamental applications of Ohm's law to circuit analysis.
  • Read about magnetism and electromagnetism, and alternating current theory and circuit applications.
  • Study theory and applications of most basic components, devices, and machines.
  • Explore capacitors, inductors, batteries, DC and AC motors, conductors, insulators, and basic rectification devices.

Proctored Examination
You will be required to complete a proctored exam on selected courses each semester. These assessments will evaluate the knowledge and skills that you learned during the semester. You choose the time, the location, and the qualified exam supervisor.

 

Semester 3

Engineering Mechanics (3 credits)

Objectives:

  • Learn about the branches of engineering mechanics.
  • Study free-body diagrams, kinematics, force-mass acceleration method, impulse momentum, and the collision of two bodies.

Quality Control Systems (3 credits)

Objectives:

  • Read about establishing quality systems.
  • Explore interpreting conventional and GD&T system drawings.
  • Learn about setting up and using inspection tools and equipment.
  • Discover how to develop part acceptance procedures.
  • Study the statistical process control (SPC) fundamentals and practical applications.

Precalculus (3 credits)

Objectives:

  • Solve and graph exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric equations
  • Convert angles from radians to degrees and vice versa
  • Verify trigonometric identities
  • Use right triangle trigonometry, the Law of Sines, and the Law of Cosines to solve problems and plot points in the polar coordinate system
  • Use multiple techniques to solve and graph systems of linear equations and inequalities
  • Recognize, graph, and use equations for parabolas, hyperbolas, and ellipses
  • Solve basic concepts of derivatives
  • Demonstrate various analytical and problem-solving skills that involves math calculations related to precalculus

Arts and Humanities Elective (6 credits)
Choose two ...

HUM102 - Art Appreciation
In this course, you will gain an understanding of artistic media, historical periods and artistic movements, the roles of the artist and the viewer, and the principles of art criticism.

Objectives:

  • Define the language, visual elements, and principles of design of art
  • Identify two-dimensional media
  • Identify three-dimensional media
  • Explain the evolution of art from ancient Mediterranean cultures through eighteenth century Europe
  • Identify features and popular examples of art throughout the history of African, Asian, Pacific, and American cultures
  • Compare the genres of the Modern and Postmodern eras of art from around the world

Textbook: Living with Art, 11th Edition

HUM104 - Music Appreciation
In this course, you'll practice the skill of active listening. Learning to listen differently will allow you to experience all kinds of music in a new way. Most listeners are familiar with how music makes them feel, and we often say we like a particular piece of music because it has a "good beat" or a beautiful melody. This course will allow you to go deeper. You'll identify what the composer might have been trying to convey and listen for the way elements of musical composition and performance make each piece unique.

Objectives:

  • Identify the building blocks of music a composer can use to create a piece, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, form, and timbre
  • Differentiate between the music of the baroque era and the musical styles of previous time periods
  • List the major characteristics of classical music, including form, melody, and instrumentation
  • Describe the musical trends and innovations that occurred during the romantic era
  • Relate musical styles of the early twentieth century to comparable movements in art and literature
  • Explain the evolution of American popular music in the twentieth century
  • Describe the influence of world music on modern western composition
  • Synthesize research comparing composers' influence in their respective genres

Textbook: Experience Music

ENG115 - Introduction to Literature
This course will allow you to develop your critical thinking skills and broaden your knowledge of the main genres of literature — fiction, poetry, and drama.

Objectives:

  • Explain how to effectively read fiction for both knowledge and enjoyment
  • Identify different styles and forms of poetry
  • Use what you've learned in this course to discuss, write about, and understand literature
  • Prepare a critical interpretation of fiction or poetry based on what you've learned in this course
  • Discuss how literary dramas differ from fiction and poetry
  • Identify different strategies of critical literary analysis

Proctored Examination
You will be required to complete a proctored exam on selected courses each semester. These assessments will evaluate the knowledge and skills that you learned during the semester. You choose the time, the location, and the qualified exam supervisor.

 

Semester 4

AutoCAD® Applications - Engineering Technology (3 credits)

In this course, you’ll learn the standard rules and practices used to generate detailed parts drawings and assemblies, and how to apply AutoCAD software to the actual execution of the drawing process. You’ll also learn to visualize objects in the views that are required for orthographic projections, rules for correct dimensioning and tolerancing, and where to locate dimensional information for standard machine elements.

Objectives:

  • Understand the basics of AutoCAD and the methods used to create orthographic projections
  • Analyze the requirements needed to use AutoCAD for sectioning and dimensioning drawings
  • Understand advanced drawing techniques and the difference between tolerance and threads
  • Analyze the procedures and features required to create assembly and pictorial drawings
  • Create a set of drawings using AutoCAD for the mentioned scenarios to show your skills

Textbook: Engineering Graphics Essentials with AutoCAD 2023 Instruction

Technical Electives (6 credits)
Choose two ...

EST200 - Fluid Power

Objectives:

  • Get a comprehensive overview of hydraulics and pneumatics.
  • Explore the basic scientific principles and concepts necessary for understanding the operation and applications of hydraulic and pneumatic components and systems.
  • Learn about power system controls, system schematics, and essential troubleshooting practices.

IET232 - Programmable Logic Controllers

Objectives:

  • Distinguish between the various hardware components, systems, and codes used in PLCs
  • Analyze the basic functions of programming and wiring diagrams in PLCs
  • Point out the fundamentals of programming timers and counters in PLCs
  • Analyze the functioning of programming control instructions and data manipulation in PLCs
  • Categorize the various functioning of arithmetic operations, sequencer, and shift register instructions in PLCs
  • Analyze the installation process and troubleshooting of PLC as well as the control process systems
  • Prepare for the final exam

IET243 - Industrial Safety

Objectives:

  • Learn the procedures for handling various materials.
  • Explore performing job tasks safely.
  • Survey the regulations designed to improve industrial safety.

MET231 - Mechanical Design 1

Objectives:

  • Identify different mechanical systems as well as the principles and materials that must be applied in their design
  • Explain the different types of machine loading and stresses
  • Describe how loading leads to mechanical failure and how loading affects rotating shafts
  • Recognize the different types of fasteners and the factors that contribute to their strength

MET232 - Mechanical Design 2

Objectives:

  • Describe the design and use of springs and bearings
  • Describe and distinguish different types of gears
  • Differentiate other elements used in mechanical design
  • Consider geometric tolerances in mechanical design

MET240 - Electro/Mechanical Control Technology

Objectives:

  • Analyze the various types of instrumentation and control systems
  • Categorize tools and requirements of pressure and level measurement
  • Identify the purpose, importance, and tools of flow and position measurement
  • Describe the various types of analyzers and their purposes
  • Categorize the various types of signal transmission and communication
  • Distinguish between the components of automatic control systems and their purposes
  • Differentiate between the various types of valves and other control-system actuators
  • Differentiate between the methods and tools of controlling safety systems
  • Analyze the different instrumentation and control applications

Textbook: Instrumentation and Process Control

MET243 - Tool Design

Objectives:

  • Analyze the structure of the tool designing process and the elements involved in it
  • Identify the factors ruling the selection of workholding devices in the process of designing
  • Categorize the steps needed in designing fixtures and jigs
  • Distinguish between the pressworking tools and the various processes where they are used in their design
  • Explain the principles of bending, forming, drawing, and forging in the designing of dies
  • Identify the various principles involved in the designing of gages
  • Categorize the methods of tool design

Textbook: Fundamentals of Tool Design

MET242 - Tool Design 2

Objectives:

  • Understand the principles of gauging.
  • Read about the tools for soldering and brazing.
  • Explore mechanical joining processes.
  • Learn about safety and tool materials.

MET248 - Industrial Plastics

Objectives:

  • Learn about basic chemical principles that are relevant to the plastics industry.
  • Understand the properties and uses for various types of plastics.
  • Discover how to test and identify the plastic's properties, and the effects of introducing certain additives.
  • Learn about manufacturing processes, such as molding, machining, finishing, process control, and extruding.

Social Science Elective (6 credits)
Choose two ...

BUS121 - Economics 1

Objectives:

  • Explain the economic systems and the economic perspective
  • Identify the key factors in macroeconomics and how economists study the economy as a whole
  • Explain the macroeconomic models and fiscal policies
  • Explain money, banking, and financial policy
  • Explain extending analysis of aggregate supply, current issues in theory and policy, and international economics
  • Analyze foreign exchange and investment and the effects each nation’s economy has on another nation’s economy

SSC125 - Introduction to Sociology

Objectives:

  • Describe deviance, crime, and social control.
  • Discuss the effects of stratification, racial and ethnic inequality, sex, gender, and sexuality.
  • Examine the role of health, family, education, and religion in human behavior.

SSC130 - Essentials of Psychology
This course will introduce you to the relationship between biology and behavior. You will learn about human development throughout the life span.

Objectives:

  • Identify major psychological theories.
  • Discuss consciousness, memory, thought, and language.
  • Define intelligence, personality, and stress.
  • Analyze the role of gender in psychology.
  • Explain how community influences behavior.

Precision Machining Operations (3 credits)

In this course you’ll learn the basic concepts of milling programs, various lathe operations and safety requirements, and the major components of machining centers.

Objectives:

  • Point out the procedures for using various precision measuring instruments
  • Categorize the functions of micrometers, indicators, and gages
  • Analyze the tools used during material testing, machine and job setup, manufacturing production, and inspection
  • Point out the basic principles of grinding operations
  • Point out the fundamentals of milling machines
  • Analyze the general terminologies associated with lathe operations
  • Point out the fundamentals of external lathe operations and turning operations
  • Define areas of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
  • Prepare a set of three AutoCAD drawings of HVAC layouts

Proctored Examination
You will be required to complete a proctored exam on selected courses each semester. These assessments will evaluate the knowledge and skills that you learned during the semester. You choose the time, the location, and the qualified exam supervisor.

 


We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

* As a degree candidate, you will take a proctored examination at the end of each semester on selected courses within that semester. We make it easy because you pick the location and the person you want to supervise the exam, as long as Penn Foster College's established policy and qualifications are met. Complete information packets with procedures will be provided well in advance, before completion of final semester coursework.

Note: Advanced standing student shipments may vary from the above schedule.

A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this degree program. Although this outline covers all four semesters of the Engineering Technology Degree Program, you receive lesson materials for each semester as you enroll.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Apple, Mac, and macOS are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

AutoCAD is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.