Ideas from the academic and scientific communities to explore advancements shaping the future of engineering.
The Path Forward: Strengthening Infrastructure
September 27, 2024 | By Tisha Crews Keller
The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently announced a $10 million grant aimed at increasing research capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
This initiative is part of an effort to address disparities in STEM education and research funding at these institutions, which have historically been underfunded despite producing a significant portion of the nation’s Black engineers and scientists. The grant will improve research infrastructure, promote collaborations with other research institutions, and increase participation in federal research funding. Inside Higher Ed’s Kathryn Palmer wrote a great piece about the grant and its impacts, which I’ve summarized in this post.
Addressing Historical Funding Disparities in STEM
The grant reflects an important step towards “building research infrastructure and expanding STEM education opportunities” at these institutions, which are crucial for fostering diversity in science and engineering. NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan emphasized the importance of investing in HBCUs to increase innovation and inclusivity in the STEM fields. The Ideas Lab will involve interdisciplinary teams of researchers from HBCUs working on projects related to emerging STEM areas, such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
HBCU leaders have praised the NSF’s efforts, highlighting how essential these investments are to their institutions’ long-term success. For example, the president of North Carolina A&T State University, Harold L. Martin Sr., called the initiative “transformative” for creating a more equitable research environment. This grant aligns with other federal programs like the White House’s commitment to advancing HBCU research excellence.
A Step Toward Future Innovation in STEM
This new NSF grant is poised to make a significant impact by giving HBCUs the resources to enhance their research output and compete more effectively on a national level. It represents a larger effort to correct historical imbalances in funding and bolster the role of HBCUs in the future of STEM innovation. You can read the full article, “Federal Agencies Aim to Boost Research at HBCUs,” from Inside Higher Ed here for more details.
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, a unique partnership between Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU), is a prime example of how collaborative models can benefit from such grants. Thanks to its dual-institution structure, the college has received numerous federal research grants designated for HBCUs. The collaboration combines the strengths of an HBCU and a predominantly white institution (PWI), allowing the college to leverage resources and expertise from both universities to conduct cutting-edge research across various engineering fields.
And to be clear, the joint model isn’t a matriculation agreement between FAMU and FSU. The college is actually a formal part of both institutions—unlike any other we know about—with faculty and staff joint appointed at both institutions and students matriculating through their home university while attending the college. Research dollars flow through both universities to staff and students, creating a vibrant and multi-dimensional system that is able to capture, and disperse to students, opportunities from both paradigms.
Recent Research Successes Reflect NSF Goals
Recent news from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering highlights some of these research efforts, which align with the goals of the NSF grant. For example, the college recently secured federal funding for projects to improve advanced manufacturing processes, quantum engineering, renewable energy solutions and robotics innovations. These projects reflect the broader objectives of the NSF grant to increase the visibility and impact of research at HBCUs while fostering diversity in STEM fields.
By continuing to secure and utilize federal research grants, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering demonstrates the value of collaborative academic models in addressing research disparities. As the college continues to grow and contribute to the scientific community, it stands as a testament to the potential of joint institutions in breaking down barriers and fostering innovation.
About the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
The Florida A&M University-Florida State University (FAMU-FSU) College of Engineering offers bachelor of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering. Advanced degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels are offered in these fields, as well as in materials science and engineering, systems engineering and engineering management.
Our engineering graduate degree options include master’s and PhD programs, along with robust online certificate and non-thesis master’s programs for busy professionals. Follow FAMU-FSU College of Engineering on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and X/Twitter for the latest news.
Engineering Technology vs. Engineering Degrees: Differences, Benefits and Accreditation Insights
August 20, 2024 | Tisha Crews Keller
Engineering and engineering technology degrees both prepare students for technical careers, but they differ significantly in focus and application.
We get this question often, especially from prospective engineering students (still in high school) and their parents. There are many higher ed institutions who have tackled this (sometimes sticky) subject (for instance, MTU, Florida Poly, DeVry, Kent State, UNC Charlotte and Kennesaw State), and even some in the professional world like Indeed and Bright Horizons.
One common theme emerges, though: Engineering programs are more suited to the math enthusiast, while Engineering Technology programs offer a more accessible route to engineering industry careers.
Here’s how Bright Horizons summarizes it:
Engineering programs often include more advanced levels of applied science and mathematics than are required in an Engineering Technology (ET) program. Students can expect to take classes in Statistics, Algebra, and multiple courses in Calculus including Differential Equations. With Engineering Technology, the academic priority is the hands-on application of skills and implementation. While math courses are required, it is to a lesser extent and is focused more on Algebra and Trigonometry than Calculus.
All of that theory is complicated and maybe even tedious, but getting through it to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree like those we offer pays off in the end with higher salaries, broader career options and the foundation for an advanced degree should you want a master’s or Ph.D. in the future.
One common theme emerges, though: Engineering programs are more suited to the math enthusiast, while Engineering Technology programs offer a more accessible route to engineering industry careers.
The Basic Difference in Engineering vs. Engineering Technology
Engineering degrees emphasize theory, innovation, and new technology development. These programs involve advanced coursework in mathematics, science, and conceptual design. Graduates often pursue roles in research, design and solving complex problems.
In contrast, engineering technology degrees focus on the practical application of engineering principles. These programs emphasize hands-on learning, preparing graduates to implement, operate, and troubleshoot existing technologies. Engineering technologists are equipped to take on roles that require immediate application of skills in industry settings, such as managing systems or overseeing production processes. In short, engineers are the designers, while technologists are the implementers.
The Importance of ABET Accreditation
One critical factor for students considering either degree is accreditation (you can see the details of ours here). The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the most recognized accrediting body for engineering and engineering technology programs. ABET accreditation ensures that a program meets the quality standards of the profession, offering credibility to the degree and equipping graduates with the skills needed for their careers.
Earning a degree from an ABET-accredited program offers significant advantages. Graduates are eligible to take licensure exams, such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is a step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Many employers prioritize candidates from ABET-accredited programs, and it can open doors for advanced education opportunities.
Career Paths and Salary Differences
Career trajectories for engineers and engineering technologists differ based on the scope of their work. Engineers typically pursue roles in design, development, and research, where they focus on creating new technologies. Engineering technologists, however, often work in applied fields such as equipment maintenance, production supervision or quality control.
Engineers tend to command higher salaries due to the theoretical and innovative nature of their work. According to Indeed, the national average salary for engineers is generally higher than that of technologists, although both career paths offer competitive salaries.
The Benefits of Advanced Degrees
An ABET-accredited engineering degree provides a strong foundation for pursuing advanced degrees, such as master’s or doctoral programs. These advanced degrees allow engineers to specialize in areas like civil, electrical or mechanical engineering and can lead to leadership roles or research opportunities.
While engineering technologists can also pursue advanced education, their opportunities tend to focus more on industry-specific applications rather than theoretical research.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path
Choosing between an engineering degree and an engineering technology degree (Florida A&M University has a fantastic engineering technology program) depends on a student’s career goals. Engineers focus on theoretical innovation, while technologists apply these innovations in real-world settings. Regardless of the path, earning a degree from an ABET-accredited program ensures a quality education and opens the door to certification, advanced studies and diverse career opportunities.
About the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
The Florida A&M University-Florida State University (FAMU-FSU) College of Engineering offers bachelor of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering. Advanced degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels are offered in these fields, as well as in materials science and engineering, systems engineering and engineering management.
Our engineering graduate degree options include master’s and PhD programs, along with robust online certificate and non-thesis master’s programs for busy professionals. Follow FAMU-FSU College of Engineering on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and X/Twitter for the latest news.