Choosing a course: Engineering vs Engineering Technology

Hands-on versus heads-in.

Students are often uncertain about the differences between engineering and engineering technology, and that's okay!

The information below is designed to help you select an engineering related course that is consistent with your interests, academic preparation and learning style.

Personality Type

This section is meant to be humorous so take it with a pinch of salt; just because you're a bookworm doesn't mean that you don't enjoy breaking apart mechanisms in your spare time. You do you.

Engineering student

These are usually the very academic-oriented student, who bury their heads  in a book at all times and can grasp abstract theories in their mind.

Engineering Technology student

These are usually the “hands-on” type of individual, who likes tinkering on their small machines or their parent's car on the weekends.

Secondary School requirements

We all know that engineering highly focuses on these two core subjects: Maths and Science. You need to get superb grades and awesome extra-curricular activities related to these topics.

Engineering student

Math: Algebra, Geometry and topics in Trigonometry and Pre-calculus

Science: Physics AND Chemistry

Engineering Technology student

Math: Algebra, Geometry and topics in Trigonometry; Pre-calculus recommended

Science: Chemistry OR Physics

Curricular Focus in University

You will look forward to studying these subjects the most, so do some research and find out if your interest lies there.

Engineering student

• Focus on theory and conceptual design.
• Typically require additional, higher-level mathematics, including multiple semesters of calculus and calculus-based theoretical science courses (focus: CALCULUS)

Engineering Technology student

• Focus on application and implementation.
• Typically focus on algebra, trigonometry, applied calculus, and other courses that are more practical than theoretical in nature (focus: ALGEBRA)

Career

After graduation, engineering and engineering technology graduates may pursue the same industry and end up working side-by-side together.

Engineering student

• Graduates are called engineers
• Often pursue entry-level work involving conceptual design or research and development
• Many continue on to graduate-level work in engineering
• May pursue MBAs and open their own consulting firms

Engineering Technology student

• Graduates of four-year programmes are called technologists, while graduates of two-year programmes are called technicians
• Most likely to enter positions in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, product design, testing, or technical services and sales
• May pursue further study in engineering, facilities management, or business administration.
• May spend their entire careers in design capacities.

Read more about the Engineering and Engineering Technology courses.

You may also be interested to find that Oil and Gas industries offer the same opportunities for both Engineering and Engineering Technology graduates!