Engineering Technology Specialized Associate Degree Program

Two-Year Associate in Specialized Technology (AST) Degree Program
Earn your specialized associate degree in Engineering Technology at our State College, Pennsylvania, campus

Our Engineering AST Degree Program At-a-Glance

  • Earn your specialized degree in just 2 years
  • Accredited by ACCSC
  • Licensed by the PA Department of Education, Department of Private Licensed Schools

What You Need to Know About Our Engineering Technology AST Degree

Engineering is what has built so much of our modern society — from our homes to our office buildings to our roads and bridges. None of it is possible without the design and planning of architectural, civil, industrial, and mechanical engineers, and none of those teams work without the engineering technologists and technicians who provide vital support. From data to design, engineering technicians make it possible for projects to go from concept to reality. At South Hills School of Business & Technology, we can prepare you to step into this in-demand field in just two years with our Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Engineering Technology.

South Hills recognizes the value of practical application and experience, which is why we use real-world examples and training in the technical skills you will need to succeed. Your experienced, professional instructors will teach you about:

  • Designing using computer-aided design (CAD) software
  • Exhibiting competence in applying industry standards and codes
  • Accurately measuring using a variety of precision measuring instruments in the architectural, civil, and mechanical engineering fields
  • Creating technical documents, estimates, and proposals
  • Identifying, analyzing, and solving broadly defined engineering technology problems
  • Conferring with supervising engineers in the preparing and finalizing of plans
  • Understanding different materials and the science behind their usage

We include a 12-week internship with one of our partner employers as part of your program, so you will have the opportunity to put what you’ve learned to work.

The AST degree program at South Hills is designed to help apply your new skills to entry-level engineering technician or technologist in a wide variety of engineering areas, including:

  • Mechanical, which focuses on the designing, development, building, and testing of mechanical devices
  • Civil, which focuses on the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects
  • Architectural, which focuses on the planning and designing of houses, factories, buildings, and more
 
 

The Outlook for Engineering Technology Jobs and Careers

The Engineering Technology program at South Hills is designed to prepare you for entry-level jobs like:

  • Civil CAD Drafter
  • CNC Programmer
  • Materials Technician
  • Estimator
  • Field Surveying Technician
  • Mechanical Engineering Technician
  • Architectural Drafter
       

The field of engineering technology is expected to see steady growth throughout the next decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, although the exact amount of varies depending which area of engineering you’re interested in. Job opportunities for civil, architectural, and mechanical engineering techs are expected to grow about 4-6% through 2030 and add thousands of jobs.

With a specialized associate degree in engineering technology, you lay the foundation to increase your opportunities for success.

Why You Should Choose South Hills?

South Hills School of Business & Technology has been in the business of helping our students gain the specialized career skills they need for over 50 years. We know that we can help you, too, as you prepare for your future career. Here are just a few reasons why:

  • Important internship and networking opportunities — Every specialized degree program we offer at South Hills includes a 12-week internship component, which gives you not only hands-on experience, but also a chance to network and connect with our partner organizations.
  • Small class sizes — It’s important to us that each of our students feels seen, both in what they need out of their education and what their goals are. It’s why we keep our class sizes small, so you can build a personal relationship with your instructors.
  • Experienced instructors and mentors — Our instructors are also experienced professionals who know what it takes to be successful in the job market. Engineering technology classes are taught by real professionals in the field who incorporate their experience into the curriculum.
  • We’ve been providing specialized skills training in Central Pennsylvania since 1970.
  • Career and alumni services — South Hills is an education community, there for you from the day you enroll to graduation and for years afterward. We have a dedicated Career Services team to help ready you for finding and securing a job, and support you as you advance in your career.
  • Financial aid and scholarships — Finances should not stand in the way of you being able to train for the career you want. South Hills offers a number of ways to help pay for your program for those who qualify. Grants, loans, and special funding for veterans are just some of the possibilities we can explore with you, and our Financial Aid team is available to help you navigate these options.

Professional development.

Engineering Technology
You’ll learn to develop innovative engineering solutions while you problem-solve independently and as part of a team.

Small class sizes.

Engineering Technology
Keeping our student-to-faculty ratios low ensures you receive the kind of one-on-one attention and mentorship you need to succeed.

Experienced instructors.

Engineering Technology
Our instructors are working professionals with up-to-date experience in every facet of the industry.

Real-world job insights.

Engineering Technology
A second-year internship gives you critical exposure to the field of your choice.
 

Student Internship Locations


  • Barton Associates, Inc.
  • Pennoni Associates, Inc.
  • Homeland Manufacturing Services
  • Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC
  • GP Cabinets LLC
 

A Closer Look at Our Engineering Technology Classes

The Associate of Specialized Technology Degree in Engineering Technology at South Hills is an on-campus program that features small class sizes and more opportunities for individualized attention.

This AST degree program consists of 132 credits that can be completed in just 2 years. It includes courses like:

  • IM238 Materials Science
  • IM239 Mechanical CAD
  • CE111 Building Codes
  • IM106 Architectural CAD I
  • IM233 Machining Processes
  • CE205 Civil Design
  • IM215 CNC Programming
  • IM244 Solid Modeling CAD

You can see the full breakdown of the courses you will take, including descriptions, in our course catalog.

 
 

Complete Course List

Engineering Technology Course List

Engineering Technology Course List for 2023-24

TermCourse #Course NameCreditsClock Hours
First TermGE117Applied Algebra460
GE183Business English I460
CP283Microsoft Office460
PD110Professional Development224
IM108Technical Drawing I4.560
Totals:18.5264
Second TermGE230Applied Algebra II460
GE184Business English II460
IM109Engineering Excel336
IM238Materials Science560
IM245Technical Drawing II4.560
Totals:20.5276
Third TermIM210Applied Physics for Engineering Technology4.560
IM211Applied Physics for Engineering Technology Lab0.510
CE111Building Codes336
IM222Geometry & Trigonometry for Engineering Technology460
GE259Technical Writing2.536
IM239Mechanical CAD4.560
Totals:19.0262
Fourth TermIM106Architectural CAD I572
CE201Civil CAD572
IM110Introduction to Geomatics Geospatial Science448
IM233Machining Processes3.548
IM247Machining Processes Lab124
IM244Solid Modeling CAD572
Totals:23.5336
Fifth TermIM214Architectural CAD II4.560
CE205Civil Design4.560
IM215CNC Programming3.548
IM248CNC Programming Lab124
CD207Job Search Skills224
IM249Intro to Electrical Engineering560
Totals:20.5276
Sixth TermIM257Architectural CAD III4.560
IM258Engineering Technology Project480
GE178Human Relations in the Workplace2.536
IM243Mechanical Design460
GE258Statistical Methods and Applications460
Totals:19296
Seventh TermCD106Career Preparation0.510
GE261Engineering Economics221
IM259Engineering Technology Internship11330
Totals:13.5361
ET PROGRAM TOTAL CREDITSET PROGRAM TOTAL HOURS
130.5 Credits2,011 Clock Hours

Meet the Faculty

Gary Powers

Program Coordinator
State College Main Campus


Gary's Biography

John Henry

Instructor
State College Main Campus


John's Biography

Todd Rhodes

Instructor
State College Main Campus


Douglas Snyder

Instructor
State College Main Campus


Mike Shamalla

Instructor
State College Main Campus


Program Advisory Committee

State College Main Campus
Member NameJob TitleCompany
George Dick  Technician Stahl Sheaffer Engineering
Todd Rhodes  Designer Barton Associates
Jeremy Rickard  Engineer Technician Stahl Sheaffer Engineering
Dan Ring  Process Engineer Avail Technologies