FAQ - Mechanical Engineering Technology

The answers to questions frequently asked by current mechanical engineering technology students can be found below.

  • The primary academic difference is that MET classes are typically more “hands-on” and more application focused than mechanical engineering classes. Most MET classes will have labs associated with them, in which students apply the concepts learned in class to an actual application. Examples of classes that are offered in MET, that are not found in mechanical engineering, Machining and Welding, Metrology & CNC, Instruments & Controls, and Engineering Design Graphics II. Mechanical engineering classes are typically more math intensive and theory based than MET classes. A smaller percentage of mechanical engineering classes will have lab components. Some examples of classes that are found in the mechanical engineering program, but not in MET, are Calculus III, Probability & Statistics, Machine Dynamics & Vibrations, and Dynamic Systems & Control Theory. Another difference is the MET program has a series of five elective courses allowing students to focus on a specific concentration. The MET program currently has concentrations in Manufacturing, Engineering Design Graphics, and Thermo Energy.

    The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has a great website explaining the differences between MET and MET at asme.org.

  • Registration as a professional engineer is required for engineers making final decisions that can have an impact on the health and welfare of the general public. A large majority of the mechanical engineers across the country are not licensed professional engineers. It is most common in the civil engineering disciplines.

    Engineers working in the building design and consulting fields often find it beneficial to be licensed. In Georgia the process to become licensed is: 

    1. Graduate from an accredited engineering or engineering technology program,
    2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam,
    3. Work in industry for a minimum of 4 years for an engineering degree and 7 years for an engineering technology degree - under the guidance of a professional engineer,
    4. Pass the Practice of Engineering Exam.

    Most states allow graduates from 4-year engineering technology programs to obtain their Professional Engineer’s license.

  • Most graduates with a degree in MET from KSU are hired as engineers.  Some of the job titles are listed below.

    • Mechanical Engineer
    • Production Engineer
    • Application Engineer
    • Project Engineer
    • Group Manager of Operations
    • Chief Operating Engineer
    • Estimator
    • Product Design Engineer Technical Engineer
    • Sheet Metal Design Engineer
    • Product Engineer
    • Associate Control Systems Engineer
    • Tire Engineer

  • Below is a list of some of the companies who have recently hired MET graduates.

    • Lockheed-Martin
    • Shaw Industries
    • Anheuser-Busch
    • Panoz
    • Nor-Ral Plastics
    • Marietta NDT
    • Seasons 4
    • CB Richard Ellis
    • Emcon Services
    • Dickow Pump Company
    • AERO Systems Engineering
    • Pond and Company
    • Ridge Environmental Solutions, Inc.
    • Toyo Tires
    • Chart Industries
    • Omni International
    • Hopewell Designs, Inc.
    • Worx Machinery
    • Blount Construction Co., Inc.
    • Gulfstream Aerospace
    • A&J Manufacturing
    • Marel Stork Poultry Processing
    • Bio-Flo Service Co.

  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for MET graduates is $56,390.  The average starting salary for KSU MET graduates over the last few years is over $60,000.

  • The MET department and Career Services work closely with industry to provide internships and coops, to ensure students gain valuable industry experience. Many companies end up hiring students who have worked as interns or in the co-op program when they graduate. For more information visit the Department of Career Planning and Development.

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