School of Engineering Technology approved

The Purdue University Board of Trustees Saturday (Dec. 14) approved the creation of the School of Engineering Technology within the College of Technology. It will combine the strengths and degree programs of two departments: Mechanical Engineering Technology and Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology.

The degree programs from the former departments will remain. In addition, a master of science degree in engineering technology has been proposed as the first new offering by the school.

Ken Burbank, head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, will lead the new school. He has been serving as interim head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology for nearly two years as well.

"The breadth of the School of Engineering Technology will enable us to consider more interdisciplinary options. Most new program ideas, from robotics to mechatronics to healthcare technology, require complementary expertise from both disciplines,” Burbank said.

In addition to the current degrees, the new school will allow students to concentrate in one of several focus areas. Initial offerings would be in smart energy, smart manufacturing, smart living, and smart mobility. The focus areas will require strong foundations in electrical and mechanical engineering technology. 

A common interdisciplinary senior project course is also being implemented. It will incorporate industry-sponsored projects into a culminating course where teams of students will be required to solve real problems for a company.

Read the official Board of Trustees announcement from the Purdue News Service.

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