Engineering Technology Specialized Associate Degree Program
Earn your specialized associate degree in Engineering Technology at our State College, Pennsylvania, campus
Take the First Step!
Complete this form to request more information about South Hills School of Business & Technology’s specialized associate degree programs and classes!
Enrolling for Fall of 2025
Engineering Technology Specialized Associate Degree Program
Earn your specialized associate degree in Engineering Technology at our State College, Pennsylvania, campus
- Earn your specialized degree in just 2 years
- Accredited by ACCSC
- Licensed by the PA Department of Education, Department of Private Licensed Schools
What You Need to Know About Our Engineering Technology AST Degree
Engineering is what has built so much of our modern society — from our homes to our office buildings to our roads and bridges. None of it is possible without the design and planning of architectural, civil, industrial, and mechanical engineers, and none of those teams work without the engineering technologists and technicians who provide vital support. From data to design, engineering technicians make it possible for projects to go from concept to reality. At South Hills School of Business & Technology, we can prepare you to step into this in-demand field in just two years with our Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Engineering Technology.
South Hills recognizes the value of practical application and experience, which is why we use real-world examples and training in the technical skills you will need to succeed.
Our experienced instructors cover topics like:
- Designing using computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Exhibiting competence in applying industry standards and codes
- Accurately measuring using a variety of precision measuring instruments in the architectural, civil, and mechanical engineering fields
- Creating technical documents, estimates, and proposals
- Identifying, analyzing, and solving broadly defined engineering technology problems
- Conferring with supervising engineers in the preparing and finalizing of plans
- Understanding different materials and the science behind their usage
The AST degree program at South Hills is designed to help apply your new skills to entry-level engineering technician or technologist in a wide variety of engineering areas, including:
- Mechanical, which focuses on the designing, development, building, and testing of mechanical devices
- Civil, which focuses on the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects
- Architectural, which focuses on the planning and designing of houses, factories, buildings, and more
Internship:
We include a 12-week internship with one of our partner employers as part of your program, so you’ll have the opportunity to put what you’ve learned to work. Previous ET internship locations have included:
A successful ET student…
- Is technologically inclined
- Has strong math skills
- Has strong science skills
Why You Should Choose South Hills?
South Hills School of Business & Technology has been in the business of helping our students gain the specialized career skills they need for over 50 years. We know that we can help you, too, as you prepare for your future career. Here are just a few reasons why:
Small Class
Sizes
Internship and Networking Opportunities
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Experienced Instructors and Mentors
The Outlook for Engineering Technology Jobs and Careers
The Engineering Technology program at South Hills is designed to prepare you for entry-level jobs like:
- Civil CAD Drafter
- CNC Programmer
- Materials Technician
- Estimator
- Field Surveying Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Architectural Drafter
The field of engineering technology is expected to see steady growth throughout the next decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, although the exact amount of varies depending which area of engineering you’re interested in. Job opportunities for civil, architectural, and mechanical engineering techs are expected to grow about 4-6% through 2030 and add thousands of jobs.
With a specialized associate degree in engineering technology, you lay the foundation to increase your opportunities for success.
A Closer Look at Our Engineering Technology Classes
The Associate of Specialized Technology Degree in Engineering Technology at South Hills is an on-campus program that features small class sizes and more opportunities for individualized attention.
Credits:
This AST degree program consists of 132 credits that can be completed in just 2 years. It includes courses like: Materials Science, Mechanical CAD, Building Codes, Architectural CAD 1, Civil Design & more....
You can see the full breakdown of the courses you will take, including descriptions, in our course catalog.
Hear From Our Alumni
Explore the impact of our programs through the experiences and accomplishments of our esteemed alumni. Check out our Alumni Testimonials page for more.
South Hills met my criteria for a school because it was close to my home, it enabled me to attain a degree in a short period of time, and offered a quality degree that would put me in position to get a good job. I enjoyed my time at South Hills very much. The skills I learned led me to getting the job that I have and enjoy today. I found most of my teachers to be very engaging, knowledgeable, and helpful, and the lasting friendships that I have made and the skills learned that gained me my current job are many. South Hills School of Business & Technology has put together a curriculum in Engineering Technology that builds students into employees that are respected and sought after by businesses. With hard work and a positive attitude, a degree in Engineering Technology from South Hills guarantees success.
Over the 2 years I attended South Hills I made countless new connections and friendships I couldn’t see myself not having in my life. Everything from going on class trips to different locations to having lunch with different professors, South Hills was an amazing experience. After finishing my schooling, I was placed into an internship which I absolutely love! I can not recommend enough that people, whether starting their post-secondary education or looking for a new career path, choose South Hills.
Meet the Faculty
Gary Powers
Program Coordinator
State College Main Campus
Gary Powers has been teaching at South Hills School of Business & Technology since 1998. He spent 20 years as an instructor in the Engineering Technology program. Gary earned his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and served our country for 11 years in the Navy, in both operations and engineering.
Following his Naval experience, Gary worked in production and engineering with Corning, Inc. He inspires his students, instilling them with leadership and critical thinking skills, and stays up to date on the “state-of-the-art” in engineering developments and innovations. In 2009, Gary was named Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators (PAPSA).
John Henry
Instructor
State College Main Campus
John Henry has been a Computer Aided Drafting instructor at South Hills School of Business & Technology since 1998. After graduating from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering, John started his career at Grove Manufacturing in Shady Grove, PA. He then moved back to Centre County and has worked at Chemcut and Scientific Systems. He is currently employed at Supelco and has been there for the past 17 years.
John brings his diverse manufacturing background and real world examples into the classroom to help his students become successful in their future careers.
Todd Rhodes
Instructor
State College Main Campus
Douglas Snyder
Instructor
State College Main Campus
Mike Shamalla
Instructor
State College Main Campus
