Many people assume that if you want a career in engineering, you need a four-year degree. That assumption could leave a lot of opportunity on the table.
At Idaho State University College of Technology, 11 programs across robotics, cybersecurity, nuclear, automation, and more get you there in as little as one to two years, with a 94-100 percent five-year placement rate to back it up:
If you’ve been wondering what engineering technology can do for you, here’s a program-by-program snapshot.
Engineering Technology vs. Engineering: What’s the Difference?
The distinction matters, and it’s worth getting right. Traditional engineering programs emphasize theory, design, and research. Engineering technology programs emphasize application, such as how systems are installed, operated, tested, and maintained in real industrial environments.
The ISU College of Technology’s programs award Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees and specialized certificates, typically completed in two years. Students aren’t at a community college; they’re on the ISU campus with access to career services, advising, campus housing, and the full Bengal community. The credential is acquired and technically taught in a four-year research university environment.
For Idaho residents, the Idaho LAUNCH program covers up to 80 percent of tuition and fees, up to $8,000, for in-demand programs. No GPA minimum. No financial need requirement. ISU has more Idaho LAUNCH-qualifying programs than any other Idaho university, and several engineering technology programs are eligible. Learn more at isu.edu/launch.
Compare Engineering Technology Programs
What Makes ISU College of Technology Different From a Community College?
It’s a fair question. ISU College of Technology is part of a four-year research university, where students have full access to career services, campus housing, advising, and the Bengal community.
Several of ISU College of Technology programs are genuinely one-of-a-kind nationally. Industrial Cybersecurity was the first hands-on degree of its kind in the country. Nuclear Operations is the only program in the nation combining a live reactor with gloveboxes and hot cell manipulators. These programs are the result of deep industry partnerships with organizations like INL, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and Micron.
Idaho LAUNCH makes several of these programs eligible for free or deeply subsidized tuition for Idaho residents. There are no GPA requirements and no financial need tests — just a pathway to an in-demand career.
Find the Program That Fits You
If you’re trying to figure out which direction is right for you, the best next step is to explore the full list of programs and request information from the College of Technology.
View all College of Technology programs →