Progress and Strategies of Engineering Technology Revamping Plan at PVAMU

Engineering Technology (ET) is the application of engineering principles and modern technology to help solve or prevent technical problems. The programs are designed to meet the growing need created by the technology revolution for college-educated problem solvers who can support the engineering process. Thus, ET program is featured with its emphasis on hands-on skills training, to enable ET students to solve production and system implementation problems and help them explain solutions. Therefore, in order to cater for the industry requirements in the job market, the need for updating the educational infrastructure along with technology trend is very much urgent in ET program. The Department of Engineering Technology (ET) at PVAMU is now offering the Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (ELET) program and Computer Engineering Technology (CPET) program. Both programs are accredited nationally by ABET. Particularly, African American students and female students constitute 93% and 18% of the ET department enrollment, respectively. In response to the recognition and support of federal agencies to make progress toward a diverse, competitive and globally engaged US workforce of scientists, engineers, technologists and well prepared citizens, as well as to better fulfill its departmental primary purpose to prepare students for a successful professional career in ET and related fields, authors are now collaborating on 4 external grants, including three from NSF and one from Dept of Education, to propel the curriculum development and laboratory enhancement. And this paper introduces the current progress and following implementation strategies on the revamp plan.