College of Engineering Technology

Dean, Kate O’ Connor

The Ferris State University College of Engineering Technology stands as a national leader, ranked in the top 10% of engineering tech colleges in the country. Collegefactual.com recently ranked the College in the Top 10 out of 165 schools nationwide and #2 in Michigan, highlighting its exceptional reputation and impact.

The College is dedicated to preparing students for dynamic careers across the Built Environment, Design and Manufacturing, Engineering and Computer Networking, and Automotive and Heavy Equipment sectors. All programs are carefully designed to meet industry needs and are delivered by scholar- practitioner faculty who integrate real-world expertise into the classroom. The College’s educational philosophy centers on student-focused, theory-to-practice learning. Through extensive partnerships and a broad-based, career-oriented curriculum, Ferris State University equips graduates to excel in our rapidly evolving global economy and society.

Engineering Technology Degree

A degree in Engineering Technology centers on the practical application of engineering principles and techniques. Graduates often pursue roles in production, design, manufacturing, and operations, tackling challenges such as researching and implementing current and emerging technologies.

While there is some overlap with traditional Bachelor of Science in Engineering programs, Engineering Technology programs uniquely emphasize hands-on, applied learning.

Serving Michigan’s Industry for Over 50 Years

Ferris State’s commitment to supporting Michigan’s industries dates back to 1970, when it launched its first certificate and degree programs in Welding, Machine Tool, Drafting, Auto Body, Auto Machining, and Auto Service—followed by Manufacturing in 1977 and Product Design Engineering in 1988. Today, these programs continue to prepare students to design, build, test, manufacture, and maintain the products and services that drive economic growth across Michigan and beyond.

The Built Environment at Ferris

The built environment encompasses the interdisciplinary design, construction, management, and use of human-made spaces and systems—essentially, the world we create, from buildings and roads to parks and infrastructure. At Ferris, programs in Construction Management, Architecture, HVAC, Facilities Management, and Surveying Engineering are housed within the School of Built Environment, where students learn how to shape and steward the spaces that define modern life.

Recognition and Excellence

Ferris State’s College of Engineering Technology continues to achieve distinction:

The Heavy Equipment Technology program is one of only 40 programs in the state accredited by AEDF and is also ASE Master Certified through the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program ranks among the top 15 refrigeration technician programs nationally.
The Construction Management program’s Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Management Competition Team placed in the Top Ten at the 2025 ABC National Convention in Orlando, Florida.
Students in the Surveying Engineering program took first place at the National Society for Professional Surveyors 24th Annual Student Competition, held in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Associate professor of Welding, Mark Prosser, participated in the Fuller Moto FLEETWOOD 5-Day Builder Challenge with Bryan Fuller and Chip Foose. The team built a 19-foot Fleetwood vehicle powered by a custom V16 engine, using a fully 3D-printed chassis.
Professor Patrick English secured a $350,000 three-year National Science Foundation Advanced Technology Education grant award, with assistant professor Jeremy Themm as his co-principal investigator. The grant will be used to acquire testing equipment and develop an Associate of Applied Science degree in Sustainable Transportation Service Technology curriculum.

Through its rich history, strong industry connections, and commitment to applied, student-focused education, the College of Engineering Technology at Ferris State University prepares the next generation of builders, creators, designers, and innovators to launch their careers and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Education on the Cutting Edge

The College of Engineering Technology at Ferris State University prepares the next-generation of builders, creators, designers and innovators to accelerate their careers and make their mark on our world.

Our four academic schools - Automotive and Heavy Equipment, Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Technology, and Design and Manufacturing - put you side-by-side with experts in your field.

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