Fall 2025 Trine Course Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Design Engineering Technology (122 hrs.)

The Department of Engineering Technology offers the following degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science in Design Engineering Technology

Our program is specifically engineered to cultivate versatile, industry-ready professionals for roles such as Design Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, Process Engineers, Safety Engineers, Sales Engineers, and more. Graduates from our Design Engineering Technology (DET) program possess more than just technical design skills; they are equipped to lead complex manufacturing projects. This capability stems from a foundational understanding of manufacturing principles, material science, process engineering, solid modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), prototyping, and quality assurance, integrated with essential management and business techniques that are integrated into the curriculum.


A core objective of the curriculum is to produce engineers who can design a product that not only meets stringent quality standards but can also be efficiently manufactured and sold profitably. The concept of "First Time Capable Design" is a central focus. The curriculum is structured to provide a robust foundation in core mathematics and physical sciences, coupled with a critical understanding of the relevance and societal impact of engineering and technology. These foundational principles are reinforced through a balanced combination of rigorous classroom instruction and practical, hands-on laboratory experiences. The program emphasizes the development of essential professional communication skills, preparing graduates to articulate complex technical information effectively though the use of industry leading design software, including SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Creo Elements, and AutoCAD.


In addition to academic activities, field experience can be a significant factor in securing desirable employment after graduation. To enhance the educational experience and provide vital industry exposure, students are strongly encouraged to pursue Cooperative Education Programs (Co-ops) or summer internships. These optional programs offer invaluable opportunities to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings. Both the academic department and the university’s Career Services office provide dedicated assistance to all students seeking these industrial experiences.

Mission

In concert with the mission of Trine University and the Allen School of Engineering and Computing, the Department of Technology will provide an academic environment with an interactive educational climate which produces high quality graduates that are engaged, well-rounded, and technologically experienced.

Objectives

  1. To produce graduates who are prepared for careers in the areas associated with the analysis, applied design, development, implementation, and oversight of design projects and processes.
  2. Foster a desire for personal development to ensure a lifetime of professional advancement, success, and an appreciation for the ethical and social responsibilities of a design engineering technologist.
  3. Equip students with sufficient general education studies, including liberal arts, to permit the graduate to communicate effectively and to function as a responsible citizen.

Outcomes

Our program assures that students attain the following outcomes:

  1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
  2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
  4. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
  5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
  7. An ability to communicate effectively
  8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
  9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
  10. A knowledge of contemporary issues
  11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools, necessary for engineering practice.

Degree Requirements

The design engineering technology curriculum emphasizes many of the underlying principles of component design and the skills required to communicate with other engineers, scientists, and production personnel. Elective course offerings within the academic programs provide the student with the opportunity to minor in areas such as plastics engineering, business, management, marketing, and leadership.

A strong emphasis is placed on the application of skills needed in the modern engineering department. The program provides opportunities to learn the skills and knowledge needed to advance in industry into the upper levels of supervision. Knowledge of computers, management, computer FEA analysis, solid modeling and applied engineering design, and the application of engineering specifications are integrated in this program. This program is approved, strongly supported, and guided by and advisory board of engineers from various industries.

General Education Requirements - 39 hours

Communication – 9 hrs.

ENG 133Technical Communication

3

HUM 203Humanities Seminar

3

SP 203Effective Speaking

3

Humanities and Social Science – 9 hrs.

ECO 213Microeconomics

3

ECO 223Macroeconomics

3

Humanities Elective (3)

3

Mathematics and Science – 21 hrs.

MA 113College Algebra

3

MA 123Trigonometry

3

MA 134Calculus I

4

MA 253Statistics

3

PH 154College Physics I

4

PH 164College Physics II

4

Additional Requirements - 4 hours

Required

CH 144Chemistry - Ideas & Applications

4

Core Requirements - 79 hours

Design Engineering Technology – 67 hrs.

ETD 101Introduction to Engineering Technology

1

ETD 103Basic Technical Drawing

3

ETD 113Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing

3

ETD 123Manufacturing Materials & Processes

3

ETD 163Environmental Health & Safety

3

ETD 173Computer Aided 3-D Modeling

3

ETD 203Basic Mechanisms

3

ETD 2103Engineering Documentation and Presentation Tools

3

ETD 233Engineering & Manufacturing Systems

3

ETD 263Design, Analysis & Prototyping

3

ETD 273Electrical Fundamentals

3

ETD 32033D Surface Modeling Techniques

3

ETD 313Design for Manufacture & Assembly

3

ETD 333Statics & Strength of Materials

3

ETD 353Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer for Technology

3

ETD 363Elements Of Machines

3

ETD 383Reverse Engineering with 3D Scanning

3

ETD 433Computer Numerical Control Principles

3

ETD 463Senior Design Project I

3

ETD 473Senior Design Project II

3

GE 313SPC & Lean Manufacturing

3

PET 413Design for Additive Manufacturing

3

PET 223Polymer Structures, Properties & Applications

3

Additional Requirements – 9 hrs.

EGR 453Advanced Parametric Design

3

MGT 353Designing Operations

3

MGT 363Organizational Behavior

3

Electives – 3 hrs.

Department Approved Elective (3)

3

Total Credit Hours: 122