Graduate Studies

Engineering Technology
2024-2025

Admission | Courses | Program | Requirements | Profile

Director:  Rafael Obregon
Graduate Committee Chairperson: G. David Hunter
Office:  Knoblauch Hall 135
Telephone: (309) 298-1091 Fax: (309) 298-1061
E-mail: engr-tech@wiu.edu
Website:  wiu.edu/cbt/set
Location of Program Offering: Macomb

Graduate Faculty

Professors

  • G. David Hunter, Ph.D., Purdue University
  • Rafael Obregon, M.S., Western Illinois University

Associate Graduate Faculty

Professors

  • Denise Gravitt, Ph.D., Indiana State University
  • Kevin Hall, Ed.D., Illinois State University
  • Seongchan Kim, Ph.D., Texas A&M University
  • Brent Payne, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University

Learning Outcomes

For student learning outcomes, please see wiu.edu/provost/learningoutcomes.

 Program Description

The School of Engineering and Technology offers a Master of Science degree in Engineering Technology. The program is designed to prepare leaders in a global economy. Students will learn about leadership that can be applied for continuous improvement of productivity and the management of people who are in charge of production processes and the production enterprise as a whole. Course work will emphasize those tools that allow the production enterprise to focus on lean thinking, a lot size of one, elimination of waste, determining the value stream for an organization, creating an environment of continuous improvement, and providing training that augments these philosophies. This program will help students develop the knowledge base and skills that will allow them to become leaders in production enterprises.

The program addresses principles of world-class organizations and restructuring of production practices, which include, but are not limited to: mission, vision, strategic planning, leadership for production planning, lean thinking, decision-making, operations management, research and development, and intellectual property protection. The program permits advanced course work for those persons having baccalaureate degrees in a variety of related technological fields (manufacturing, construction, graphic communication, engineering, business, and production are a few examples). For those persons actively engaged in manufacturing or production management positions, this program offers an opportunity to develop leadership skills for business, industry, and government services.

The program enables the University to assist individuals in industry who wish to advance into positions of increased leadership responsibility in engineering technology and the production enterprise. The program permits those in industry to keep abreast of changes in productivity tools and continuous improvement strategies enabling those with a technical-managerial background to gain experience at the graduate level prior to or while being employed full-time.

The Engineering Technology program helps students connect theories and principles learned in courses to real-world professional practice. The opportunity to participate in industrial work experiences (internships), to pursue independent studies, and to perform independent research provides a balanced program of studies that may be designed to meet the individual needs of the student. A significant portion of all course work within the department involves technical writing at required industry standards.

 Admission Requirements

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 OR 3.0 or higher GPA for the last two years (60 s.h.) of undergraduate work

  • A completed application packet for the Master of Science in Engineering Technology

  • A two- or three-page essay addressing the topic, “Why I want to be a leader in a technological world.”

  • Three letters of reference

  • Completed baccalaureate degree from an accredited university

  • Completed at least 15 s.h. of technology related course work.

  • Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is recommended but not required

The Engineering Technology degree program is open to graduates from the liberal arts, science, mathematics, business, education, and other fields. Students who have been awarded a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and who have had less than 15 s.h. of course work in the technical areas may enroll in a two-phase program. Phase One consists of obtaining a total of 15 s.h. of Engineering Technology courses as proposed by the student and advisor and approved by the Departmental Graduate Committee. Phase Two is the completion of the program as outlined below.

Students admitted on probationary status must complete nine semester hours with a B or better before being fully admitted.

 Degree Requirements

Students pursuing the Master of Science in Engineering Technology will select one of the following emphases: 1) General Engineering Technology Emphasis 2) Instructional Design Emphasis, or 3) Precision Agriculture Emphasis. All students must complete the general requirements and the additional requirements of one of the three exit options listed below. The capstone experiences, which culminate each exit option, include either a thesis or an expository paper, along with an oral presentation to the graduate faculty.

Students must file a degree plan after completion of nine semester hours in the program and satisfy any undergraduate deficiencies. Undergraduate deficiencies may be taken P/F, but must be completed before graduation.

I. Core Courses: 18 s.h.

ET 515 Engineering Technology: Research Design, Visualization, and Dissemination (3)
ET 525 Management of Engineering Technology (3)
ET 535 Engineering Technology Leadership (3)
ET 545 Information Measurement Theory (3)
DS 503 Business Statistics for Managerial Decision Making (3)
ET 548 Planning Techniques for Leaders (3)

Students will have an option to include (with prior ET graduate advisor approval) up to 12 semester hours of (500-level) courses from either the College of Business and Technology or Departments of Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics, and other pre‑selected courses. No more than one‑third of the degree plan may come from outside the School.

II. Select one of the areas of emphasis: 9 s.h.

A. General Engineering Technology Emphasis

ET 590 Research Techniques in Technical Areas (3)
or
MGT 540 Applied Business Research (3)
or
DS 533 Applied Business Forecasting and Planning (3)

Directed Electives from related field of study (6)

B. Instructional Design Emphasis

IDT 505 Foundations of Instructional Technology (3)
IDT 510 Principles of Instructional Design (3)

Select one course from the following (3):
IDT 433G, IDT 512, IDT 515, IDT 516, IDT 520, IDT 530, IDT 532, IDT 536, IDT 537, IDT 538, IDT 540, IDT 541, IDT 545, IDT 550, IDT 560, IDT 561, IDT 565

C. Precision Agriculture Emphasis

AGTM 471G Agricultural Remote Sensing (3)
AGTM 472G Agricultural Analysis & Decision Making (3)
ET 590 Research Techniques in Technical Areas (3)
or
MGT 540 Applied Business Research (3)
or
DS 533 Applied Business Forecasting and Planning (3)

III. Select one of the following exit options: 3 s.h.

A. Thesis Plan

ET 601 Research in Engineering Technology Leadership - Thesis (3)

B. Professional Internship Plan

ET 593 Professional Internship in Engineering Technology Leadership (3)
ET 603 Comprehensive Exam in Engineering Technology Leadership (0)

C. Independent Research Plan

ET 592 Independent Research (3)
ET 603 Comprehensive Exam in Engineering Technology Leaderhsip (0)

TOTAL PROGRAM: 30 s.h.

When registering for ET 601, work must be completed within the calendar year. Exceptions may only be granted prior to registration by the School Graduate Committee.

 Course Descriptions

Agricultural Technology Management (AGTM)

471G Agricultural Remote Sensing. (3) Course addresses concepts of remote sensing for precision agriculture. Some topics include: global positioning system (GPS) accuracy, differential GPS, vegetative spectral reflectance signatures, multispectral and hyperspectral imagery, indices, and various analysis techniques for agricultural datasets. Two hours lecture; two hours lab. Prerequisites: AGTM 207 or GEOG 209, or permission of the instructor.

472G Agricultural Analysis & Decision Making. (3) Course presents methods for analysis of agricultural data to facilitate data-driven decision making for precision agriculture. Some topics include: map scale and projection, coordinate systems, soil nutrient maps, yield maps, interpolation and analysis methods, and creation of prescription maps. Two hours lecture; two hours lab. Prerequisites: AGTM 207 or GIS 201, or permission of the instructor.

Decision Sciences (DS)

503 Business Statistics for Managerial Decision Making. (3) A survey of statistical methods useful for managerial decision making. Topics discussed include descriptive statistics, probability and probability distributions, statistical inference, analysis of variance, regression, contingency tables, and nonparametric statistics.

Engineering Technology (ET)

448G Industrial Safety. (3) A study of the Federal OSHA Act as it applied to both industry and construction. Beyond federal regulations, the course includes accident prevention plans, safety education and documentation preparation.

468G Computer Aided Manufacturing Machining. (3) The study and application of graphics and language based CAM systems for 2 1/2D machining and 3D surfacing on numerically controlled machines, including cellular production team projects. Laboratory charge for course. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisites: ET 207 and ET 367.

477G Programmable Control and Data Acquisition. (3) A study of programmable logic and data acquisition control systems used to monitor and update facilities, machines, and equipment. Topics include signal conditioning; A-D conversions; RLL, drum and stage processes. Laboratory charge for course. Prerequisites: ET 241.

481G Robotic Systems. (3) A comprehensive study of the mechanics, electronic, and computer technologies required to design and implement robotic systems. Laboratory charge for course. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: PHYS 114 or permission of the instructor.

482G (cross-listed with ENGR 482) Parametric Modeling. (3) The application of computer aided design techniques utilizing industrial software within a minicomputer and workstation environment. Not open to students with credit for ENGR 482. Laboratory charge for course. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: ET 207.

515 Engineering Technology: Research Design, Visualization, and Dissemination. (3) The development of a foundation and strategy for using digital and conventional applications for implementing research documentation and scholarly dissemination in engineering technology.

525 Management of Engineering Technology. (3) A comprehensive study of the fundamentals used to manage and lead the integration process for emerging and developing technologies for successful development and production of products, goods, and services in a global society.

535 Engineering Technology Leadership. (3) Teachings and practice of leadership skills, principles and theory related to modern day leadership for the engineering technology arena. Theoretical leadership styles applied to industry-related practices will allow students to define their leadership style. Case studies and guest lecturers. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

545 Information Measurement Theory. (3) The use of statistical quality control tools to include attribute and variable data to control, troubleshoot and improve manufacturing processes. Design of experiments will be included.

548 Planning Techniques for Leaders. (3) Leadership practices used in implementing change within production. Topics include process assessment, corrective action, planning techniques, rapid continuous improvement, visual management and daily accountability.

550 Industrial Workshop. (1–3)

580 Independent Study. (2–3, repeatable to 6) Topics include leadership, analytics, design, continuous improvement, graphic communication, engineering technology, or construction management. Students must submit a department study approval form/proposal to register. Prerequisite: Completion of 9 semester hours of graduate coursework, minimum of 3.0 GPA and approval of graduate advisor.

590 Research Techniques in Technical Areas. (3) Application of various research techniques in technical subjects. Practice in selection, and reporting of industrial research.

592 Independent Research. (3) Capstone research project focusing on individual’s major area of study. A written proposal must be obtained prior to registration. An oral and written presentation will be required upon completion. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: Completion of 9 semester hours of graduate coursework, minimum of 3.0 GPA and approval of graduate advisor.

593 Professional Internship in Engineering Technology Leadership. (3) Off-campus work experience in a pre‑approved business, manufacturing or research facility. The student will be able to apply learned strategies and techniques in real-life conditions. Students must complete an Intent to Register form prior to registration. Prerequisites: Completion of 9 semester hours of graduate coursework, minimum of 3.0 GPA and approval of graduate advisor.

601 Research in Engineering Technology Leadership-Thesis. (3, repeatable to 6) Independent research and study on a selected and approved problem. A written thesis will be presented to the Departmental Graduate Committee.

602 Professional Certification. (0) Students will present evidence of current professional engineers license or professional certification from SME/MECI, APIC or other department approved certification. Graded S/U.

603 Comprehensive Exam in Engineering Technology Leadership. (0) A comprehensive exam covering contemporary topics in Engineering Technology leadership. The exam will reflect course materials covered throughout the student’s master’s program. The exam will be graded S/U and offered once each term. The exam may be repeated. Prerequisites: Completion of engineering technology master's core courses and a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

Instructional Design and Technology (IDT)

433G Instructional 3D Modeling and Animation. (3) Instructional uses of three-dimensional modeling and animation are explored including basic modeling tools, virtual camera controls, materials, video production, and lighting. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor.

505 Foundations of Instructional Technology. (3) (On-line course only) Introductory survey of the field of Instructional Technology. Upon completion students will be able to: (1) communicate about the field’s terminology, history, accomplishments and issues; (2) describe the advantages, disadvantages, characteristics, and critical attributes of various instructional media; and (3) critically evaluate the foundations in instructional technology.

510 Principles of Instructional Design. (3) (On-line course only) Develop knowledge and skills in systematic analysis of the teaching‑learning process using an instructional design approach. Study and application of instructional design theories and models.

512 Instructional Development for Business and Training. (3) This course focuses on the development of highly interactive training programs for business and industry. The emphasis is on screencasting, software simulations, and video presentations for training and instruction.

515 E-Learning Design and Development. (3) (On-line course only) Focuses on the application of e-learning design principles and research-supported practices for designing and developing instruction for educational and training purposes. Students will create e-learning curriculum or training modules.

516 Internet Resources for Education and Training. (3) (On-line course only) Focuses on developing skills in finding, evaluating, and using internet resources for education and training. Collaboration tools, social media, and mobile applications are explored. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate use of these materials, including copyright compliance.

520 Learning Experience Design. (3) Focuses on application of Learner Experience Design principles and techniques in the instructional design process to develop instruction for educational and training purposes. Students will create modules that maximize the instructional value of the courses and improve the learner performance.

530 Graphics Applications in Education and Training. (3) Survey of imaging-related applications such as image editing, 3D modeling, movie editing and special effects software. Course materials cost required.

532 Fundamentals of Performance Technology for Instructional Designers and Technologists. (3) (On-line course only) This course surveys performance technology approaches and tools to improve the performance of individuals, work groups, and work processes. Students will collaboratively identify instructional and non-instructional performance problems, suggest interventions based upon data-driven needs analyses, and implement and evaluate programmatic solutions in cooperation with the clients.

536 Video Production for Multimedia. (3) (On-line course on rotating basis) Introduction to the production cycle for instructional design video. Students will develop instructional videos using digital video production techniques such as video camera handling, special effects, and desktop editing.

537 Instructional Video Production. (3) Project research, planning and budgeting, script-writing, and media design for instructional video. Course includes casting, lighting, audio, camera movement, angles and camera techniques. Course materials cost required.

538 Developing Graphics for Instruction and Training. (3) (On-line course on rotating basis) Introduction to methods for using digital technology to create and modify images for use in instructional materials. Students will follow a visual design process to create graphics for educational purposes, such as e-learning and computer-based instruction.

540 Interactive Multimedia Development. (3) Basic principles of design and development of interactive instructional computer applications. Students will complete several modules utilizing a representative multimedia authoring tool and will create prototype instructional software. Course materials cost required.

541 Instructional Usability Evaluation. (3) Implementation and evaluation for the development of instructional media and the application of analysis methods to deliver effective digital instruction through usability testing. Students will conduct a variety of evaluations for multimedia instructional products. Course materials cost required.

545 Instructional Web Development. (3) (On-line course on rotating basis) Development of web-based instruction and the application of current commercial products for web-based course delivery. Deals with HTML authoring and adapting graphics and movies for web-based delivery. Course materials cost required.

550 Advanced Instructional Design. (3) Design, develop, and evaluate an instructional system. Using the knowledge of instruction design, students will develop a mini-instructional system.

560 Visual Instructional Design Approaches and Practices. (3) (On-line course only) Review research on the application of visual design, visual media, and visual learning principles into the design and development of instructional material. Students will integrate visuals into instructional design projects across multiple learning environments.

561 Instructional Simulations and Gaming. (3) Focuses on the use of simulations and games for instruction and training. Provides opportunities to develop instructional simulations utilizing appropriate development software. Also focuses on the effective and efficient development of game-based instruction. Course materials cost required.

565 Management of Instructional Technology. (3) (On-line course only) Emphasis is given to project management, assessment of instructional needs, coordinating instructional design and production of instructional materials and projects, and identifying resource needs and allocation.