Mechanical engineering technicians help engineers design, develop, test and manufacture machinery, industrial robotics and other equipment.

Rhodes State College incorporates practical (hands-on) learning experience with typical, traditional principles and theories in its Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Program. Mechanical engineering technician students at Rhodes State not only study the fundamentals, but also participate in opportunities to construct actual working product models for which they then test, and record and analyze collected data.

Rhodes State’s MET program curriculum provides students a head start to accomplishing skills necessary to be a top-quality mechanical engineering technician. You can learn how to make CAD drawings, analyze forces, calculate the strengths of components, test the strength of components, record data, use computer programs to; tabulate data, analyze results and write informative reports.

The MET Department fosters the professional and intellectual growth of students by offering contemporary curricula that are taught by qualified faculty who provide a supportive environment intended to develop critical thinking, an appreciation of global diversity and the capacity for life-long learning. Further, the faculty of the MET department, understands the difficulties of being a college student, especially part-time, and strive to make the experience as stress free as possible while maintaining the academic integrity of the program.

The job market in recent years has favored engineering technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported engineering technicians held about 532,000 jobs in 2004. Past Rhodes State graduates have accepted positions as designer technicians, detailers, draftsmen, junior engineering technicians, lab technicians, metallurgical technicians, quality control technicians, troubleshooters, test technicians, service representatives and warehouse managers.

Opportunities are greatest for individuals who have completed a two-year program in engineering technology.

Rhodes State College has gained accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456 or www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. The majority of Rhodes State’s programs have received accreditation from professional associations (see specific program information under “Accreditation” tab on other program pages).

Candidates for the Associate of Applied Science Degree must meet all curriculum requirements as outlined in the curriculum models with a GPA of at least 2.00 and a minimum of 90 credit hours to a maximum of 110 credit hours completed in the program area. Credits transferred from other institutions will be subject to evaluation on a course-by-course basis. In some instances, students who have been absent from the College for more than one regular quarter (excluding summer) may have technical credits which will be re-evaluated on an individual basis. Each program is designed with required technical courses, in which, students must maintain a 2.00 average or better to progress to graduation. To obtain divisional certificates, students must earn a grade of “C” or better on all listed courses or receive authorization from program chair and division dean.