What Is MET And How Is It Different From The Traditional ME Program

By Col. Stephen H. Robinette

The field of Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) is mainly concerned with the empirical application of engineering knowledge to support engineering activities. Working in such a technological field helps a MET to gain expertise in this field. MET is responsible for making engineering space in the form of products, tools, systems, and devices. This program emphasizes the application of scientific and engineering principles. The emphasis of the program is the application of scientific and engineering principles. MET requires the exercise of independent engineering judgment for manufacturing firms. Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates have the skills to improve student's lives.

The main focus of ME is the process while MET focuses more on the functioning of the processes. MET attempt to polish the skills of the students by giving them essential training and education so they can provide advanced industrial support to a variety of industrial, commercial, consulting, and governmental organizations. It not only contributes to making an engineering career but also serves as an important basis for leadership. MET helps in giving out professional information which is essential for converting engineering activities into valuable products and services. This program includes courses that are directed at both computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided design and drafting.

MET can open the door for various career possibilities in engineering. The work of mechanical engineering technologists varies by industry and function and can be found within manufacturing plants, engineering and business service companies, and federal, state, and local government. MET tend to work in manufacturing in which their responsibility includes the development and evaluation of machines, design of mechanical systems, facilitating operation and management, quality control, and supervision of workers. These positions can be found in consumer products, transportation equipment, automobile, aircraft, and industrial machinery industries. MET graduates also have the opportunity to work as a researcher in which they can build or set up equipment, complete experiments, and design prototype mechanical systems.

Other opportunities for MET graduates are consulting, technical sales, production operations, and administration. The MET graduate is prepared to immediately begin technical assignments since technology programs stress current industrial practices and design procedures.

According to the National Society of Professional Engineers, engineering technologist positions apply engineering and scientific knowledge and technical skills to support engineering designs. Mechanical engineering technologists use current engineering techniques and methods in industry, while mechanical engineers develop new methods and techniques. METs can move into industrial supervisory positions, unlike Mechanical Engineering (ME) graduates. A Mechanical Engineering Technology degree is achieved by studying the current manufacturing and engineering practices in use. ME is based more on theory whereas MET is more practical.  A person holding a MET degree can join a job straight away after completing it because they have already learned about current technology whereas a ME graduate might have to intern in order to apply what he has learned in school to real-world applications. The technologist only needs to know about the basic problem, not necessarily the total physics underlying the process.

About the Author:

Col. Stephen H. Robinette is the Associate Vice President- International Programs at Missouri State University, USA.