FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

1. What is Industrial Technology?

Industrial Technology is a management-oriented technical degree that emphasizes productivity. Students take management as well as technical courses and learn to use an organization’s resources efficiently. Approximately 125 colleges in the United States offer degrees in Industrial Technology. The degree program at SIU specializes in the manufacturing setting, but has direct application in the service sector and office setting.

 

2. Is this an engineering degree?

No, but it is run by the school of engineering at SIU. The Industrial Technology program investigates the many different departmental entities that make up most manufacturing enterprises. This investigation is great in breadth, rather than the depth of most true engineering fields (chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical). It goes into the inner workings and management of these technical entities. SIU's IT degree program explores the true theoretical basis and practical application of each area covered.

 

3. What are my career choices in Industrial Technology?

Most graduates take jobs as Engineers or Managers. Many students have significant work experience, and they elevate their existing jobs to a higher level when they graduate. Others enter entirely new careers. Graduates have a broad array of career choices.  Recent graduates have started careers in manufacturing, retailing, communications, health, law enforcement, computers, and as military officers.  The list of career possibilities is endless. 

 

4. How long does it take to complete the Industrial Technology Program?

The weekend program consists of sixteen Industrial Technology courses. Completion requires approximately 2 years.

 

5. What else do I have to do to earn my degree?

In addition to the Industrial Technology courses, students need math, physics, technical electives, and typical general education courses required for any Bachelors degree.

 

6. What are the prerequisites?

Most high school graduates can qualify for the program.  College Algebra and Trigonometry are required before enrollment in IT307.

 

7. Where are the classes held?

Classes for the military programs are held on the bases. During national emergencies the classes may be moved to a nearby junior college. Civilians may attend the classes on military bases. Refer to the locations listing or call the office for the location nearest you.

 

8. When are the classes?

The off-campus classes are held every other weekend. Each course meets on Saturday and Sunday, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, for three weekends. Classes usually meet every other weekend, so a course normally lasts six weeks. Occasionally classes meet on consecutive weekends. One or two classes each semester will be an independent study class, having no actual class meetings.

 

9. When can new students begin?

New students may begin the program approximately every six weeks. Students do not have to start at the beginning of the semester. Consult the schedule or call for class dates.

 

10. What if I miss a weekend?

Students who miss a weekend of class usually make up the work and do not have to drop the class. Each weekend is one third of the course and students should avoid missing class time, if possible. Regardless, it is not uncommon, especially for military personnel, to miss a day or two of class due to TDY.

 

11. How much does it cost?

The tuition is $190 per credit hour for industrial sites. The tuition is $210 per credit hour for military sites.  There are sixteen courses. Books are approximately $50 to $100 each.

 

12. Is financial aid available?

Yes. Most students can receive some type of financial aid. Some students qualify for loans or grants. Military students usually qualify for Tuition Assistance, which pays 100% of the tuition up to $4500 per year, as of October of 2002. Most civilian students receive some reimbursement from their employers. VA benefits may be used for this program.

 

13. Can I transfer courses from other schools?

Yes. SIUC accepts credits from other accredited colleges. All of the courses you have taken may or may not apply to the Industrial Technology degree.

 

14. Can I get credit for work experience?

Yes. Certain military or civilian training and work experience may be accepted for technical electives and/or senior institution credit.

 

15. Is the off-campus program fully accredited?

Yes. SIU is a major state university and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The off-campus program is included in that accreditation. The National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) also accredits the Industrial Technology degree.  Graduates of SIU are automatically eligible to apply for a Certified Industrial Technologist certificate through NAIT.

 

16. What if I already have a bachelor’s degree?

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree usually will only need to take the Industrial Technology courses plus possibly math (Algebra & Trigonometry) and Physics courses.

 

17. Will my diploma or transcripts indicate that I attended off-campus classes?

No. Your diploma will look just like the diplomas of students who attended classes at our campus in Carbondale. The transcripts give the semester and grades of the courses, not the location.  Off campus courses are as rigorous, or more so, than the on campus program.

 

18. Do I have to attend full-time?

No. Students may take one, two, three, or four courses per semester. Part-time students will require more time to complete the program.

 

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