Applied Engineering Technology
The Applied Engineering Technology curriculum prepares individuals to become engineering technicians who incorporate the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems in various types of industry.
The coursework emphasizes analytical and problem-solving skills. The curriculum includes courses in safety, math, physics, electricity, engineering technology, and technology-specific specialty areas.
Graduates should qualify for employment in a wide range of positions in research and development, manufacturing, sales, design, inspection, or maintenance. Employment opportunities exist in automation, computer, electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering fields where graduates will function as engineering technicians.
Specialties
- Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology
- Industrial Engineering
- Robotics, Automation, and Mechatronics Technology
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate and assess industrial work environments and practices to ensure compliance with relevant safety standards.
- Utilize mechanical drawings and CAD software to communicate technical information.
- Diagnose, repair, and maintain equipment and processes within their area of specialization.
Contact Information

Chair of Applied Engineering Technologies
Phone: 336-838-6551
sbtaylor965@wilkescc.edu
Pathways
See specialty areas for an exact semester pathway:
Course Requirements
- ATR 112 Introduction to Automation
This course introduces the basic principles of automated systems and describes the tasks that technicians perform on the job. Topics include the history, development, and current applications of robots and automated systems including their configuration, operation, components, and controls. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the basic concepts of automation and robotic systems.
- BPR 111 Print Reading
This course introduces the basic principles of print reading. Topics include line types, orthographic projections, dimensioning methods, and notes. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic prints and visualize the features of a part or system.
- DFT 119 Basic CAD
This course introduces computer-aided drafting software for specific technologies to non-drafting majors. Emphasis is placed on understanding the software command structure and drafting standards for specific technical fields. Upon completion, students should be able to create and plot basic drawings.
- ISC 110 Workplace Safety
This course introduces the basic concepts of workplace safety. Topics include fire, ladders, lifting, lock-out/tag-out, personal protective devices, and other workplace safety issues related to OSHA compliance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the components of a safe workplace.
- MAC 124 CNC Milling
This course introduces the manual programming, setup, and operation of CNC machining centers. Topics include programming formats, control functions, program editing, part production, and inspection. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture simple parts using CNC machining centers.
- MNT 131 Metalworking Processes
This course introduces the standard practices that are found in the metal workshop. Topics include the proper care/use of basic hand tools and precision measuring instruments and layout procedures/operation of lathes, drill presses, grinders, milling machines, and power saws. Upon completion, students should be able to work safely in the metal workshop and use basic metalworking equipment.
Course Requirements
- BPR 111 Print Reading
This course introduces the basic principles of print reading. Topics include line types, orthographic projections, dimensioning methods, and notes. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic prints and visualize the features of a part or system.
- EGR 125 Appl Software for Tech
This course introduces personal computer software and teaches students how to customize the software for technical applications. Emphasis is placed on the use of common office applications software programs such as spreadsheets, word processing, graphics, and internet access. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency in using applications software to solve technical problems and communicate the results in text and graphical formats.
- ELC 117 Motors and Controls
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of motors and motor controls. Topics include ladder diagrams, pilot devices, contactors, motor starters, motors, and other control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to properly select, connect, and troubleshoot motors and control circuits.
- ELC 131 Circuit Analysis I
This course introduces DC and AC electricity with an emphasis on circuit analysis, measurements, and operation of test equipment. Topics include DC and AC principles, circuit analysis laws and theorems, components, test equipment operation, circuit simulation, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret circuit schematics; design, construct, verify, and analyze DC/AC circuits; and properly use test equipment.
- ISC 110 Workplace Safety
This course introduces the basic concepts of workplace safety. Topics include fire, ladders, lifting, lock-out/tag-out, personal protective devices, and other workplace safety issues related to OSHA compliance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the components of a safe workplace.
Course Requirements
- BPR 111 Print Reading
This course introduces the basic principles of print reading. Topics include line types, orthographic projections, dimensioning methods, and notes. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic prints and visualize the features of a part or system.
- EGR 125 Appl Software for Tech
This course introduces personal computer software and teaches students how to customize the software for technical applications. Emphasis is placed on the use of common office applications software programs such as spreadsheets, word processing, graphics, and internet access. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competency in using applications software to solve technical problems and communicate the results in text and graphical formats.
- ELC 117 Motors and Controls
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of motors and motor controls. Topics include ladder diagrams, pilot devices, contactors, motor starters, motors, and other control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to properly select, connect, and troubleshoot motors and control circuits.
- ELC 131 Circuit Analysis I
This course introduces DC and AC electricity with an emphasis on circuit analysis, measurements, and operation of test equipment. Topics include DC and AC principles, circuit analysis laws and theorems, components, test equipment operation, circuit simulation, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret circuit schematics; design, construct, verify, and analyze DC/AC circuits; and properly use test equipment.
- ISC 110 Workplace Safety
This course introduces the basic concepts of workplace safety. Topics include fire, ladders, lifting, lock-out/tag-out, personal protective devices, and other workplace safety issues related to OSHA compliance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the components of a safe workplace.
Course Requirements
- ATR 112 Introduction to Automation
This course introduces the basic principles of automated systems and describes the tasks that technicians perform on the job. Topics include the history, development, and current applications of robots and automated systems including their configuration, operation, components, and controls. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the basic concepts of automation and robotic systems.
- BPR 111 Print Reading
This course introduces the basic principles of print reading. Topics include line types, orthographic projections, dimensioning methods, and notes. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic prints and visualize the features of a part or system.
- DFT 119 Basic CAD
This course introduces computer-aided drafting software for specific technologies to non-drafting majors. Emphasis is placed on understanding the software command structure and drafting standards for specific technical fields. Upon completion, students should be able to create and plot basic drawings.
- EGR 111 Engineering Compution and Careers
This course introduces principles, fields of study, computational tools and techniques used in engineering and engineering technology. Topics include use of word processors, spreadsheets, databases, math editors, graphics and CAD packages, simulators, symbolic and numerical math solvers, and other related application software. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize computer applications in an engineering career.
- ISC 112 Industrial Safety
This course introduces the principles of industrial safety. Emphasis is placed on industrial safety and OSHA regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of a safe working environment and OSHA compliance.
- MAC 121 Introduction to CNC
This course introduces the concepts and capabilities of computer numerical control machine tools. Topics include setup, operation, and basic applications. Upon completion, students should be able to explain operator safety, machine protection, data input, program preparation, and program storage.
- MEC 111 Machine Processes I
This course introduces shop safety, hand tools, machine processes, measuring instruments, and the operation of machine shop equipment. Topics include use and care of tools, safety, measuring tools, and the basic setup and operation of common machine tools. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture simple parts to specified tolerance.
Course Requirements
- ATR 112 Introduction to Automation
This course introduces the basic principles of automated systems and describes the tasks that technicians perform on the job. Topics include the history, development, and current applications of robots and automated systems including their configuration, operation, components, and controls. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the basic concepts of automation and robotic systems.
- DFT 119 Basic CAD
This course introduces computer-aided drafting software for specific technologies to non-drafting majors. Emphasis is placed on understanding the software command structure and drafting standards for specific technical fields. Upon completion, students should be able to create and plot basic drawings.
- ISC 112 Industrial Safety
This course introduces the principles of industrial safety. Emphasis is placed on industrial safety and OSHA regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of a safe working environment and OSHA compliance.
- MAC 121 Introduction to CNC
This course introduces the concepts and capabilities of computer numerical control machine tools. Topics include setup, operation, and basic applications. Upon completion, students should be able to explain operator safety, machine protection, data input, program preparation, and program storage.
- MEC 111 Machine Processes I
This course introduces shop safety, hand tools, machine processes, measuring instruments, and the operation of machine shop equipment. Topics include use and care of tools, safety, measuring tools, and the basic setup and operation of common machine tools. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture simple parts to specified tolerance.
Course Requirements
- BPR 111 Print Reading
This course introduces the basic principles of print reading. Topics include line types, orthographic projections, dimensioning methods, and notes. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic prints and visualize the features of a part or system.
- HYD 110 Hydraulics/Pneumatics I
This course introduces the basic components and functions of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Topics include standard symbols, pumps, control valves, control assemblies, actuators, FRL, maintenance procedures, and switching and control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the operation of a fluid power system, including design, application, and troubleshooting.
- ISC 110 Workplace Safety
This course introduces the basic concepts of workplace safety. Topics include fire, ladders, lifting, lock-out/tag-out, personal protective devices, and other workplace safety issues related to OSHA compliance. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the components of a safe workplace.
- MAC 122 CNC Turning
This course introduces the programming, setup, and operation of CNC turning centers. Topics include programming formats, control functions, program editing, part production, and inspection. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture simple parts using CNC turning centers.
- MAC 124 CNC Milling
This course introduces the manual programming, setup, and operation of CNC machining centers. Topics include programming formats, control functions, program editing, part production, and inspection. Upon completion, students should be able to manufacture simple parts using CNC machining centers.
- MNT 165 Mechanical Industrial Systems
This course covers mechanical components used in industrial machine operations. Emphasis is placed on mechanical drives, belts, gears, couplings, electrical drives, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of industrial machines and be able to maintain this equipment.