Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) has announced its new associate of applied science engineering technology degree. This degree is designed for students who like the practical application of engineering, and who would benefit from a hands-on, rather than more theoretically inclined, program. It can lead to employment in as little as two years, or can provide a solid foundation for further studies in engineering and technology.

“Our engineering technology AAS (associate of applied science) degree has been designed for those students who really enjoy seeing the fruits of their labor – working with their hands, developing new designs, diagnosing and fixing problems” said Dr. Steve Addison, acting dean of new programs at LWIT. “Traditional engineering programs focus on theory with relatively little time available for practical work. We’ve designed our program to really emphasize the application of engineering principles to real-world problems. We’ve developed an innovative approach that directly relates math and computing to the problems that are being taught in engineering classes to ease obstacles to learning math. And, unlike larger institutions, our classes are small, and tailored to help each student stay motivated, and succeed.”

All students in the engineering technology program take a series of core engineering, math and computing classes that provides the fundamental knowledge all engineers require to be successful in the work force. To complete their degree, students then choose one of four focus areas: manufacturing, electronics, biomedical engineering, or renewable energy. Graduates can either enter the workforce immediately, or use the AAS degree as the foundation for a baccalaureate degree.