What is the difference between mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology?
Sometimes the distinction between a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology (like the ones we offer at K-State at Salina) and the traditional bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering is not very obvious. Similar math, science, and communications courses appear in both types of degree programs. Also, even though the technical specialty courses in mechanical engineering technology may seem similar to mechanical engineering courses, mechanical engineering technology courses usually emphasize application of the technical concepts rather than theoretical development of those concepts. Although the technical courses in mechanical engineering technology are often less math-intensive, they also include a much higher concentration of laboratory work. Graduates of mechanical engineering programs apply scientific concepts to develop solutions to real world problems. Their jobs are more theoretical, involving the design of new products or concepts. Mechanical engineering technolo
