Engineering Technology

At Cal State LA, our B.S. in Engineering Technology program stands out for its hands-on approach to learning practical engineering skills and knowledge. We believe in the power of practice-based education, so our courses emphasize hands-on work over theory, ensuring that our students develop the skills necessary for success in today's fast-paced industries. Our program focuses primarily on the applied aspects of science and engineering, preparing graduates for careers in Manufacturing Systems and Processes or Sustainable Power and Transportation Technologies.

ETEC Curriculum Advantages

INTEGRATED CURRICULUM
Our curriculum integrates science, mathematics, and modern engineering tools, empowering students to solve real-world engineering problems with confidence.


PRACTICAL MATH
From a mathematical standpoint, engineering technology programs prioritize practical applications of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. The level of mathematics is generally less intensive compared to engineering programs.


HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Through hands-on activities and laboratory experiments, students gain practical experience in design, testing, and analysis. This approach helps in the development of essential workplace skills, preparing graduates for positions in manufacturing, sustainable power, product design, and technical services.

Hands-On Facilities

Students working with machines in the Kenneth R. Thomas Machine Tool Lab

Our Engineering Technology program at Cal State LA offers students access to state-of-the-art hands-on facilities to enhance their learning experience. One of the key facilities available to our students is the Machine Shop. The Machine Shop facility provides students with a practical environment to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom. Here, students have the opportunity to work with various machining tools and equipment under the guidance of experienced faculty members. For more information refer (https://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/makerspace)

The Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility (H2 Station) was formally opened on May 7, 2014. As the largest university-located hydrogen fueling facility in the nation, commissioning continues, and the facility is available to Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). The station is capable of producing hydrogen on-site from renewable energy sources using the process known as electrolysis. FCEVs' fueling at the station emits only water vapor emissions! For more information refer (https://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/h2station)

The Material Testing Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation for conducting a wide range of tests on different types of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Students learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data obtained from material tests, gaining valuable insights into material behavior. The hands-on experience gained in the Material Testing Lab prepares students for careers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and manufacturing, where material testing is essential for product development and quality assurance.

Industry-Standard Software

The Engineering Technology program at Cal State LA not only provides hands-on experience but also equips students with proficiency in a wide range of industry-standard software applications. These software tools are crucial for modern engineering practices, as they are essential for designing and analyzing various engineering systems and processes.

ETEC used software logos

SOFTWARE NAME SOFTWARE USE

DELMIA

Virtual Simulation Software
  • Machining Simulation
  • Manufacturing Simulation
  • Robotics Simulation
  • Ergonomics Simulation
  • Facility Layout 

SOFTWARE NAME SOFTWARE USE

CATIA

3D Parametric Design

SOFTWARE NAME SOFTWARE USE

SolidWorks

2D Sketch & 3D Parametric Design

SOFTWARE NAME SOFTWARE USE

AutoCAD

Draw and edit digital 2D and 3D designs more quickly and easily than you could by hand.

SOFTWARE NAME SOFTWARE USE

Vericut

Machining Simulation

SOFTWARE NAME SOFTWARE USE

MasterCam

Machining Simulation

Objectives & Outcomes

Engineering Technology | Program Educational Objectives

Our Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are the cornerstones of our Engineering Technology program, which emphasize knowledge and skills in design, manufacturing, sustainable energy, research, and management, as well as leadership, entrepreneurship, and a dedication to continuous learning. The following are the Engineering Technology Program Educational Objectives (PEOs).

Graduates of the Cal State LA B.S. in Engineering Technology program who are three to four years out will:

  1. Be employed in Industry utilizing design, manufacturing, sustainable energy, research, and management skills. 
  2. Have secured or pursued Leadership positions and/or entrepreneurial pathways. 
  3. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning to further their professional practice.

Engineering Technology | Program Student Outcomes

We have clear expectations for your success in the Engineering Technology program. These student outcomes describe the knowledge and skills you will gain throughout your studies. By the time you graduate, you will be well-prepared to apply these capabilities to real-world engineering challenges and to effectively collaborate with technical teams.

  1. An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems. 
  2. An ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline. 
  3. An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly defined technical and non-technical environments and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature. 
  4. An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes. 
  5. An ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.

Engineering Technology vs. Engineering

Understanding the distinctions between Engineering and Engineering Technology is essential for aspiring professionals navigating their academic and career paths. Below are the key differences between these two closely related fields to provide clarity and insight.

ASPECT Engineering Technology (ETEC) Engineering (ENGR)
Curricular Focus
  • Focuses on application and implementation
  • Emphasizes theory and conceptual design
Curriculum Features
  • Focuses on practical applications of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus (Calculus 1 at Cal State LA)
  • A few MGMT courses are a possibility
Requires higher-level mathematics, including differential equations.
Career Paths
  • Typically leads to entry engineering and technical manager positions in manufacturing, sustainable energy, sustainability offices, product design, testing, technical services, and sales.
  • Prioritizes hands-on activities that reflect current industrial design practices, nurturing the development of practical workplace skills.
  • Often leads to roles in conceptual design and research and development
  •  
  • Focuses on foundational analysis of problems

Please watch the video to gain a better understanding of engineering technology.ABOUT ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

ETEC Industrial Advisory Board

The Industry Advisory Board (IAB) plays a crucial role in guiding the direction and development of Cal State LA's Engineering Technology program. The IAB provides valuable insights, feedback, and recommendations to ensure our program remains current, relevant, and responsive to industry needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. They provide insights into industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving market demands to help shape the program's curriculum and objectives.
  2. The IAB reviews the program's Program Educational Objectives (PEOs), Student Outcomes (SOs), and curriculum to ensure that they align with industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies.
  3. They contribute to identifying areas for improvement, innovation, and collaboration. They share industry perspectives, employer expectations, and workforce needs.
  4. Student Engagement: The IAB also engages with students through guest lectures and industrial visits.

MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS

NAME SPECIALIZATION
Fahd Alam
Lead Design Engineer, Combustion Aero
GE Gas Power
Greenville, SC
  • Qualifications: Ph.D. (South Carolina), P.E. (California)
  • Specialization: Thermal and fluid power, EV batteries, and PEM fuel cells
Illary Archilla
President and CEO, Terravanta
  • Qualifications: MSME (CSULB), Six Sigma Green Belt
  • Specialization: Sustainability
Ann Carpenter
CEO, Braid Theory
  • Qualifications: BS Mathematics, University of Michigan - Dearborn 1981
  • Specialization: Sustainable Transportation
Sid A. Carter
VP, Finance
Charity + Power
  • Specialization: Sustainable Transportation
Angelo Diniz
Quality Engineer
Virgin Orbit, Mojave, CA
  • Qualifications: BSME (CSLA), EIT
  • Specialization: Quality Support for Engine Tests
Rebecca Wetzstein
Principal In Charge, Allied Bridge Energy Solutions, Inglewood, CA
  • Qualifications: BSME(CSUP), MBA(CSUF), Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer (P.E.) of California, Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
  • Specialization: Sustainable Energy

 

NAME SPECIALIZATION
James Allington
Allington Consulting
  • Qualifications: Ph.D. (UCI), P.E. (California)
  • Specialization: Mechanical Engineering
Gopal Mohanty
Vice President of Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Compliance at Clarix Imaging Corp.
  • Qualifications: M.S., Ph.D. (Wayne State University, Detroit, MI), ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Quality Engineer, Quality Manager, Quality Auditor, Reliability Engineer
  • Specialization: Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, Quality Management Systems, Lean Manufacturing, Operations Management in Automotive and Medical Device Manufacturing Industries.
John Hill
Mechanical Engineering Manager, Collins Aerospace
  • Qualifications: BSME (SLO), MBA (University of La Verne), P.E. (California)
  • Specialization: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
John Linares
Project Engineer
MEP Systems & Technology, AECOM
  • Qualifications: BSME (Cal State LA)
  • Specialization: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering
Luis Munoz
Operations Manager,
Honeywell Aerospace, Torrance, CA
  • Qualifications: BSME (University of Michigan), MSME (Cal State LA)
  • Specialization: Manufacturing
Maria Prito
Telemetry Engineer,
Honeywell
  • Qualifications: BSME (Cal State LA), MS Engineering Management (expected), Auburn University
  • Specialization: Mechanical Engineering (Telemetry)
Jovanny Santana
Associate Manufacturing Engineer, Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • Specialization: Manufacturing Engineering
Neha Vedavathi Ramachandran
Romeo Power Technology
  • Qualification: MS Aerospace Engineering (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)
  • Specialization: Aerospace Engineering

 

ET building, colorful spray paint

We are pleased to announce that we are seeking ABET accreditation this year, and if accredited will affirm that our program meets the standards of quality and excellence. For more information, visit ABET ACCREDITATION

The CSU Chancellor's office has approved our curriculum proposal for the B.S. Engineering Technology program. The new Engineering Technology program was approved to begin in the Fall of 2022. The new program will require MATH 2110 (Calculus 1) and PHYS 1560/1570 as prerequisite courses for some junior and senior-level ETEC courses. Once the Engineering Technology program is established and the first group of students graduates, we will seek ABET Accreditation per the ABET accreditation guidelines. Current Industrial Technology students will be able to complete their Industrial Technology degree, or some students may choose to switch to the new program if the Campus and Accreditation guidelines qualify them. The Technology Department has worked on major change guidelines from Industrial Technology to Engineering Technology. We have planned informational meetings for our current Industrial Technology majors as follows. We will arrange similar meetings for PRE- Industrial Technology majors later.

Information meeting scheduled for Industrial Technology majors: Date to be determined 
We will plan additional meetings as needed. (please note that these are not for Pre-Industrial Technology majors)

The following are some resource materials that will provide more details.

  1. Engineering Technology Curriculum sheet
  2. Engineering Technology Major Change Guidelines
  3. Allowed substitutions from ITEC curriculum to ETEC curriculum
  4. Four-Year Road Map for Engineering Technology curriculum
  5. Four-Year Flow-Chart Road Map
  6. Engineering Technology Flyer

If you have any questions, please contact Technology Department Chair Dr. Rupa Purasinghe.

Notice to Pre-Industrial Technology current Students – Meeting notice 

The CSU Chancellor's office has approved our curriculum proposal for the BS Engineering Technology program. The new Engineering Technology program was approved to begin in Fall 2022. The new program will require MATH 2110 (Calculus 1) and PHYS 1560/1570 as prerequisite courses for some junior and senior-level new ETEC courses. Once the Engineering Technology program is established and after the first cohort graduates, we will seek ABET Accreditation per the ABET accreditation guidelines. Current Industrial Technology students will be able to complete their Industrial Technology degree, or some students may choose to switch to the new program if the Campus and Accreditation guidelines qualify them. The Technology Department has worked on major change guidelines from Industrial Technology to Engineering Technology. We have planned information meetings for our current Pre-Industrial Technology majors as follows.

Information meeting scheduled for Pre-Industrial Technology majors: Date to be determined: We plan to add additional meetings depending on the need.  
(Note: This is only for Pre- Industrial Technology majors and not for Industrial Technology majors. Industrial Technology majors have a separate meeting.)

Here are some materials we will use during the information meeting. 

  1. Engineering Technology Curriculum sheet
  2. Engineering Technology Major Change Guidelines
  3. Allowed substitutions from ITEC curriculum to ETEC curriculum
  4. Four-Year Road Map for Engineering Technology curriculum
  5. Four-Year FlowChart Road Map
  6. Engineering Technology Flyer

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Lopez (glope170@calstatela.edu) or Technology Department Chair Rupa Purasinghe (rpurasi@calstatela.edu)

Reach Out

Rupa Purasinghe, Ph.D., P.E.
Engineering Technology Program, Department of Technology
Office: ET A337 | Phone: (323) 343-4550 | rpurasi@calstatela.edu