A new bachelor's degree to be offered at The Ohio State University at Newark will prepare graduates with skills needed for high-demand jobs in the state. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) offers students the technical, business and leadership skills necessary to start a career in today's advanced manufacturing industry.

Part of Ohio State's nationally ranked engineering college, engineering technology graduates are prepared for a manufacturing leadership role by knowing how to:

  • apply appropriate engineering technologies and 21st-century tools,
  • analyze problems using a systems approach,
  • bring the needs of people into the equation,
  • use strong interpersonal and communication skills,
  • employ effective business analysis of decisions in local and global contexts.

The BSET program is ideal for prospective students who like to find solutions to problems, are interested in leadership roles and want to learn how things work. Manufacturers worldwide are looking for employees with these characteristics and skills that integrate business and leadership principles with engineering processes and technical knowledge. The engineering technology program, which includes a concentration in manufacturing, was developed with input from global manufacturers.

On admission to Ohio State Newark, students may enroll directly into the four-year engineering technology program, which can be completed at Ohio State Newark. The degree is available only at Ohio State's regional campuses.

Career opportunities in engineering technology

Engineering technology graduates will be prepared for a career in a manufacturing plant, consulting firm or industrial and control and automation organization in diverse industries. Average salaries for engineering technology graduates range between $80,000 and $87,000 annually.

Sample career paths for an engineering technology graduate include:

  • process engineer
  • manufacturing engineer
  • operational excellence team member
  • operations supervisor
  • process improvement leader

Experiences to make students marketable upon graduation

In addition, Ohio State Newark will partner with regional manufacturers to offer immersive and applicable internship and senior capstone experiences.

In developing the degree, Ohio State engineering faculty conducted extensive research on the Ohio manufacturing industry, visiting plants and seeking engineers' input as they designed project-based coursework emphasizing hands-on skills and technological know-how in mechanical and electrical processes, industrial robotics and project and change management.

The Ohio Manufacturing Institute (OMI) at Ohio State also engaged industry focus groups across the state and analyzed federal data to determine the characteristics needed to become an engineering technologist in today's manufacturing environment, said OMI Executive Director Kathryn Kelley.

"Our conversations with manufacturers and the Ohio Manufacturers Association gravitated to a consensus," she said. "They want and need these graduates."

The degree program will expose students to various engineering technology fields and provide training in systems-based thinking and problem solving, proficiency in professional communication and business terminology, and continuous improvement.

In autumn 2021, Ohio State Newark opened the $32 million, 60,000-square-foot John and Mary Alford Center for Science and Technology to support the growing demand for STEM classes. The new facility will offer students enhanced research space, state-of-the-art classrooms, interactive technology and dedicated spaces designed to encourage collaboration.

To learn more about the BSET program, visit go.osu.edu/bsetnewark.

To visit Ohio State Newark, take a virtual campus tour or learn more, visit go.osu.edu/visitnewark. To apply to Ohio State Newark, visit apply.osu.edu and select freshman – regional.

The Ohio State University at Newark offers an academic environment that is inclusive of diversity, challenging but supportive with world-renowned professors and access to Ohio State's more than 200 majors. It's where learning comes to life. Research, study abroad and service-learning opportunities prepare students for their careers in ways they never expected.