Experiential Learning

Introduction

The necessary elements of a satisfying and rewarding educational experience are cutting-edge academic programs. An outstanding and caring faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities—all of which you will find in the College of Engineering Technology. To successfully face the challenges that await you upon graduation, you must prove your ability to use critical thinking to tackle real-world problems and operate in real-world settings. Through varied experiential learning opportunities offered in our college, we support your success both in and out of the classroom.

Cooperative Education

People milling around an event in the Gordon field house

All our innovative academic programs challenge our students across multiple levels and prepare them to graduate as lifelong learners. Required cooperative education allows our students to continue to adapt, grow, and succeed as they immediately apply what they are learning in the classroom to the real world. Our students “hit the ground running” once they are employed given our commitment and dedication to experiential learning and academic excellence. Whether you work for a large industrial company, in a world-renowned engineering facility, or at a small consulting firm, you’ll get a good idea of what to expect in your career after graduation through our co-op program. 

Besides being a great way to gain professional experience, co-op also provides you with a salary – real income that you can apply toward tuition, books, and living expenses. Many students receive permanent job offers from their co-op employers. What’s more, no tuition is charged for the semesters you are employed as a co-op student.

Study Abroad

A photo of students holding the RIT flag infront HotelPalace in AbuDubai

To prepare you for success in today’s global society, RIT offers a range of exciting study abroad opportunities that will give you first-hand insight into innovative engineering and technology solutions being developed around the world. You can immerse yourself in another culture and gain professional skills that will set you apart in a globalized work environment through programs led by College of Engineering Technology faculty, at RIT’s global campuses in Dubai, Croatia or Kosovo, or through one of RIT’s affiliate partners.

Engineering Technology students who recently studied abroad:

  • Explored renewable and sustainable engineering practices in Ireland.
  • Toured auto manufacturing facilities in Germany to examine innovations in automotive electronics.
  • Created 3-D building designs in Croatia using Revit software.
  • Observed first-hand Dubai’s cutting edge technology and engineering solutions.
  • Completed core engineering courses in Scotland.

RIT has more than 600 study abroad programs in 60 countries for as short as one week to as long as a full year. Programs offer a variety of locations, course offerings and costs. Planning early, discussing your plans with your academic advisor and working with a study abroad advisor to find a good program fit will set you on the path to have a memorable experience while staying on track to graduation. Start exploring programs in the study abroad Compass

More about study abroad for Engineering Technology students

 

Beyond the Classroom

A racer in a small go-cart

Along with student organizations available at the university level, the College of Engineering Technology also offers a variety of student-focused clubs, organizations, and activities. Many of our student clubs allow you to apply directly what you learn in the classroom to projects and activities with your classmates in fun, relaxed settings. Some of the college’s student clubs are:

Women in Technology

Two students setting up equipment for an experiment

Women in Technology (WIT) offers women in science and technology-based majors at RIT a wide variety of opportunities and supportive resources.Administered through the College of Engineering Technology, you’ll cease in a supportive, exciting environment that values your perspective and enhances your experience. These values are attained whether you are studying engineering technology, environmental sustainability, packaging science, or media arts technology.WIT hosts both academic and social activities to connect outside the classroom through their shared passion for technology applications. With an engaging and dynamic alumnae network, WIT provides opportunities to network with supportive alumnae about co-op and permanent employment. WIT also reaches to students in K-12 to encourage young girls to explore the many exciting career options available in the science and engineering and technology fields through Girl Scout Technology Days. To learn more, go to www.rit.edu/wit.