Degree Overview: Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree in Industrial Engineering Technology
Majors Overview December 8, 2013The role of an industrial engineering technician is to help engineers find a way to be more cost efficient and productive. Although opportunities are usually found by those that have obtained a bachelor’s degree, various schools still offer Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree programs in this field.
A.A. Programs in Industrial Engineering Technology
Students enrolled in Associate’s Degree Programs in Industrial Engineering Technology can become adept at efficiently utilizing machines, personnel and materials in workplace settings. They are taught the basics of engineering principles including process management, ergonomics and OSHA regulations. They can also expect to become adept at saving cost on products even as they help maintain high quality standards. Technical schools and community colleges are among those that commonly offer these two-year programs. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold GED certificates or high school diplomas.
Coursework
Coursework can sometimes be split into independent studies and classroom studies, with some classes offered in an online format. Some programs require the participation of students in cooperative education programs, wherein they are imparted hands-on training related to work involving machine tool operations. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Work measurement
•Communication circuits
•Manufacturing processes
•Production planning and control
•Industrial safety
•Computer-aided design
•Industrial automation
•Industrial leadership
•Mobile robots
Career Choices
Graduates of the program can seek entry-level jobs in various work environments such as facilities management, manufacturing, quality insurance and industrial engineering technology. Commonly, graduates can aspire for career titles such as:
•Industrial engineering technician
•Time study technician
•Assistant industrial engineer
•Methods technician
Continuing Education Choices
Those who successfully complete an associate’s degree program may seek to join the workforce immediately or may opt for continued education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology that emphasizes manufacturing or engineering technologies. Once they complete these programs, graduates may find work as managers in administration or production, as quality engineers or as senior engineering technicians.
These professionals can also volunteer for Certification to showcase their skills and knowledge in the industry and thereby enhance their job opportunities. There are several organizations that offer certifications for industrial engineering technology graduates; these include the Association for Operations Management, Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the American Society for Quality.
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