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High School Students

Welcome to our Department and to our page - we are excited that you are interested in our programs. This page was designed for you and will give you an inside look at our programs and the kind of jobs you can get when you graduate.

What is Industrial Technology?

IT in our department is Industrial Technology, which is a field of study that is technology-based, but covers a broad range of courses (inter-disciplinary) so that students are prepared for a wide range of exciting careers in such jobs as manufacturing engineering, operations or product management, sales engineering or sales management, logistics and warehouse management, to name a few. You can even become a technology teacher in our department, or take a few courses to develop a specialty in the new field of biotechnology manufacturing to go along with a different degree.  We offer three different degree programs, Industrial Technology, Industrial Distribution and Technology Education.

Industrial Technology

The “Industrial Technology” (IT) degree program is primarily involved with the management, operation, and maintenance of complex technological systems. By pursuing a degree in the Industrial Technology program, you will position yourself to work in a broad range of technical and/or managerial positions in technical manufacturing or commercial environments. Industrial technology students are exposed to a wide variety of manufacturing and operations coursework, providing students with a unique blend of courses in industrial technology, manufacturing technology and quality and plant supervision.  This degree provides a high degree of flexibility for students desiring to add a specialization to their degree with elective coursework.

Industrial Distribution

“Industrial Distribution” (ID) is a technology and business degree program that prepares students for a career that requires technology know-how, business savvy, data processing, great communication skills, and leadership. The day-to-day challenges faced in the distribution of technological products by the manufacturer, the industrial distributor, or the manufacturer’s representative requires a high degree of professionalism with business and technical talent. The ID curriculum provides students with a valuable blend of courses in industrial technology, distribution operations and management, and business management. Our program is designed to produce technical problem solvers with business and supply chain knowledge tailored specifically for the movement of industrial products. Our graduates work effectively in all aspects of distribution and in a wide variety of industries.

IT / ID Double Major

It is common for students to combine the Industrial Technology and Industrial Distribution degree programs to get a double major in IT/ID that is highly valued by employers.  The Industrial Distribution industry consists of manufacturers and distributor partners that produce and distribute industrial/technical products for sale to industrial, commercial and construction enterprises.  The majority of manufacturers market their products through wholesale distribution partners, and the knowledge of manufacturing and distribution concepts provides valuable expertise in this market.  Likewise, wholesale distributors of industrial products sell to industrial manufacturers, and the technical knowledge of how products are manufactured, in addition to the distribution concepts they need to manage operations, are highly prized by them as well.  Some of the highest salaries paid by our employers are for our double majors.

Technology Education

“Technology Education,” (TE) perhaps easier understood as technology teacher education, allows a student to combine the desire to teach with an enthusiasm for engineering technology. Purdue University’s TE program prepares graduates to teach in middle school and high school technology education classrooms. There is currently a shortage of technology education teachers across the nation; Purdue’s program places 100% of its graduates. TE teachers instruct both middle-level and secondary courses in the areas of design technology, drafting (CAD), construction technology, electricity/electronics, manufacturing technology, power and energy, and transportation technology. Purdue’s Technology Education Program was rated Outstanding Program for 2006 by Association for Career and Technical Education.

What is involved in the degrees?

Each degree has its own requirements; at Purdue we call this a Plan of Study. A student in their first semester typically takes about 15 credit hours (each class is usually 3 credit hours). A number of different classes are required early in the program, and then students have an opportunity to take other classes that are most interesting to them. These can be fairly random in nature, or more organized that will enable you to add some specialization in a particular subject such as computer technology, quality management, or manufacturing technology.

Here is a guide of the types of courses that are found in our department, most are available in both the IT and ID programs:

• English and Communication courses – speech and writing, which have been highly rated by alumni for general business and communication skills
• Computing – including Introductory courses in Computer Technology, and Visual Programming
• Technical Courses (non-IT courses) – electricity, materials science, fluid power, manufacturing processes and automation in manufacturing,
• Physics and pre-Calculus
• Economics and Physics
• Manufacturing
• IT courses – including Lean Manufacturing, Facilities Planning, Statistical Quality, Industrial Ergonomics, Production Planning, Production Cost Analysis, Industrial Safety, Total Productive Maintenance, Facility Design, Six Sigma and Quality
• ID courses – including Industrial Supply Chain Management, Industrial Sales and Sales Management, Global Transportation and Logistics Management, Purchasing, Inventory and Warehouse Management, Introduction to Market Analysis, Accounting Principles, Financial Transactions in Distribution, Strategic Distribution Management

Can I transfer AP credit in from High School?

Yes, you can transfer AP (Advanced Placement) credit from High School - if you would like to find out more information, please contact our Head Academic Advisor - Mr. Craig Mallett.

What is a lab activity?

Some of our classes come with a lab activity in addition to the lectures. The purpose of these labs is to provide hands on experiences with either equipment or software. Many times, the lab supplements the material covered in the main lectures, and gives students another opportunity to ask questions or see concepts that were taught in class put into action. Lab activities are taught by faculty and teaching assistants (depending on the course). Each semester, students who take our courses rate both faculty and teaching assistants - both in our department are highly ranked. Many of our teaching assistants (like our faculty) have won teaching awards.

What are the classes like?

Classes at Purdue are offered either three times per week (50 mins Monday, Wednesday, Friday), or twice a week for a power-hour (1 hour and 15 minutes). The labs usually meet one time per week for two hours.

Classes at all universities are typically managed in the same way. The instructor will hand out a syllabus which will have their contact information - office, email etc, and the procedures for the class. This also includes attendance, policies, and grading and the topics that are going to be covered over the semester.

Some of the courses are also supported by on-line materials or activities. This is typically done through a piece of web-software called WebCT.  Many Purdue faculty use this for their classes - not just in this department. Depending on the faculty member, quizzes, assignments, and information about the class (sometimes PowerPoint lecture slides) are posted on the website - although this is up to the individual faculty member.

To give you an example of a syllabus, one is posted here.

What are the Professors like?

It is the goal of our department to make sure that their students are successful in college. The IT Department is known to have very approachable faculty.  Some of the material that is presented is challenging, and when students have problems understanding it, they can work with their professor to get assistance - their contact information can be found on the course syllabus or on the department’s webpage.   Professors will work to the best of their ability to help students succeed.  The faculty members in the IT Department are world-class teachers, many of whom have been recognized by teaching awards.   

Who else is in the Department?

People in the Department that are here to help you. Mr. Craig Mallett is our Academic Advisor. He helps students register for classes and goes through the plan of study with them. Each semester, students need to register for classes (it’s not automatic), and meet with him to complete this. Ms. Betty Cottrell is our Job Coordinator. She meets with companies so they are aware of our graduates, and will send out emails to students to notify them of job opportunities. She also notifies students of internship and co-op placement opportunities.

Some of faculty also have administrative roles - Dr. Don Buskirk is the College of Technology’s International Programs Officer - so for students interested in study abroad, he is the first point of contact. He is able to tell students about the options they have. Many of the faculty have traveled all over the world, so they are ready for students with questions!

Where will I work, and how much will I make?

Although it’s probably hard to think about graduation and jobs when you've not even started your freshman year – it’s good to know that when you do leave, you will have a competitive salary. Our graduates in Industrial Technology and Industrial Distribution will make in the mid 40K's on average - those in Technology Education a little less. Who could you work for? Well, our students work all over the United States and around the world. Some also stay in Indiana. They work for companies such as Boeing, Daimler Crysler, Accenture, GE, GM, General Mills, Grainger, Fastenal, Ratheon, as well as the Government. It’s hard to predict the economy, but our degree programs are broad enough that many different sectors of the economy employ our graduates. We have a high success in job placement, over the past 5 years we have placed over 96% of our students (on average) in the first 6 months of graduation.

Degree / School	Average Starting Salary	Source / reporting date
Industrial Technology	$51,700	2006-2007 – IT data
Consumer Family Sciences	$32,000	2005 – PU website
All disciplines in Engineering	$48,350	2002 – PU website
Business / Krannert	$43,373	2007 – Business Week

If you are interested in asking questions about career opportunities, please contact us.

What's the atmosphere like?

The atmosphere in the IT Department is like that of a family – they are committed to making sure that students have the very best opportunities for their studies and for jobs upon graduation.  Faculty and staff are friendly and approachable. Students also get to work with many students (through class projects) who will also become part of a large social network. The department sponsors activities and pizza nights - and invited guest speakers from industry to come and talk about their companies, and career paths. This is a great opportunity for students to meet and network. Some students also visit trade shows and network with executives in their respective industries.

Are there any clubs or social activities in the Department?

We have three student groups in our Department, which are active on campus. TECA is an organization for Technology Education majors. It provides opportunities for professional development, meeting peers within the major, and volunteering within the community. Purdue's Technology Department was ranked Number One in the Nation in 2004. To match this prestigious distinction Purdue TECA continues to involve itself in Purdue Grand Prix, and philanthropic events for the Community. The Professional Association for Industrial Distribution (PAID) provides a forum for the association of students, faculty, former students, and people involved in the practice of Industrial Distribution. PAID was first organized at Purdue University in 1995 as a way for students to get involved with the faculty and industry personnel. Each year, it organizes social events, field trips, and meeting with industrial personnel to provide an environment outside of the classroom to meet your professors, fellow students and industry representatives.  (NAIT) the National Association of Industrial Technology is recognized as the premiere professional association responsible for the promotion of industrial technology in business, industry, education, and government; the accreditation of industrial technology programs in colleges, universities, and technical institutes; and the certification of industrial technologists and the recognition of their continued professional development. NAIT also hosts, social events, field trips, and meetings students and faculty.

Can I talk to a current student, or ask them questions online?

If you would like to talk with a student, we are organizing a list of student ambassadors for the new academic year. Here is what a couple of students are saying about the program. In the meantime, send us an email and we'll answer your question.

Can I visit?

Sure! We would like to show you and your family around the department and introduce you to some of the faculty and staff. To make an appointment, please call 7654941088and speak to Ms. Betty Cottrell. Our department is housed in the Knoy Hall of Technology, on the corner of Grant St and Northwestern Ave. Click here for a campus map (we're in cell H6).

What are the next steps

To find out more about our department or to schedule a meeting, please complete the form or call us at 765 494 1088. We'd be happy to hear from you, and answer any of your questions.