Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, Major in Mechanical Engineering Technology with Emphasis in Automation

at Pittsburg State University USA

The PSU School of Construction's mission is to provide a quality construction education and develop professional leaders for the construction industry through extensive recruitment, real-world education and successful placement. We strive to improve the community through service, economic development and applied research.

Our vision is to be an innovative leader in an effective, people-centered, collaborative, accessible learning environment maximizing the potential of construction students, faculty and industry constituents.

We have undergraduate programs covering the range of modern biology including: pre-health (pre-med, pre-dentistry, pre-vet, pre-optometry, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant), medical technology, cell and molecular biology, wildlife biology, fisheries and aquatic sciences, botany, ecology, and secondary education.

There are almost 400 students in the undergraduate program and about 20 in the graduate division. The Department of Biology has 13 full-time faculty with a wide range of interests. The faculty are dedicated and committed to Pittsburg State University and the department, but most importantly, to students. Most faculty are actively engaged in research activities, national professional organizations, and professional service.

Botany - Emphasis
How do plants grow and develop? What role do plants play in biodiversity? How do plants impact our physical environment? Students in the Botany emphasis will answer these questions and many more. Aimed at expanding current knowledge of plants and their importance in our world, the botany track helps students and graduates address major issues in the fields of agriculture, ecology, and horticulture.

The Botany emphasis is grounded in the basic sciences (general biology, chemistry, math, and physics) needed to understand the latest research in plant biology.

The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers a Masters of Science Degree with a Major in School Counseling.

The School Counseling program prepares candidates for careers as professional school counselors in Pre K-12 settings. Candidates interested in pursuing this program are strongly encouraged to complete an undergraduate degree in education. While two years of teaching experience is no longer required for candidates planning to secure employment as school counselors in the state of Kansas, it is still recommended. Candidates without a degree in education or teaching experience will be required to complete additional coursework and other requirements. In addition to completing the 48 hour program of study in School Counseling, a passing score on the PRAXIS II specialty test for Professional School Counselor is required.

Options available for the degree include:

Option I: Thesis
This option is designed to prepare students for a doctoral program, for advanced professional careers, or for students wanting to complete an in-depth research experience.

Option II: Research Problem
This option is designed to provide a research experience that can include a specific problem, creative and aesthetic efforts such as performances, exhibits, or creative programs, or an internship.

Option III: Coursework
This option requires completion of coursework that demonstrates evidence of advanced coursework in an area of concentration. Departments will require evidence of competency through activities such as research papers, portfolios, practice, internships, comprehensive exams, or other individual work. Students should check with their major department for specific requirements for the coursework.

The Department of Physics offers a Master of Science Degree with a Major in Physics. Students in this degree program will work one-on-one with an advisor to design a program of study that matches their individual career goals. Elective courses, subject to approval of the department, are usually selected from physics, chemistry, mathematics, and/or biology. Incoming students are required to take a diagnostic examination on undergraduate physics during the first semester.

The Department of English and Modern Languages offers baccalaureate degrees and a master’s degree program. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs are offered in English and in Modern Languages. A Bachelor of Science in Education and a master’s program are also offered in English. The department offers minors in English, English Teaching, Creative Writing, French, Professional Writing, and Spanish.

Creative Writing - Emphasis
There are few things in life as personally fulfilling as writing a story or poem others want to read. The best authors understand how to use the tools of their craft to convey emotion and move people to action.

With the Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with an Emphasis in Creative Writing, students have two avenues to choose from in the emphasis: Poetry or Fiction. Whichever path students decide to take, they will be guided by our experienced and encouraging staff. Students will be guided through classes such as Intro to Creative Writing, Multi-Genre Writing, and The Craft of Fiction/Poetry. Students will grow and learn to express themselves in a nurturing environment while they strive for their career goals.

The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation (HHPR) is located in the new Student Recreation Center. The HHPR faculty possess a wide array of specializations. The department offers undergraduate degree programs in Exercise Science, Recreation Services, Sport and Hospitality Management, and Physical Education, five minors and certificates in Dance, Coaching, and Hospitality Management, as well as a graduate program in HHPR. Within each of the degree programs, there are emphases/concentration areas from which students select the professional paths that best fit their needs.

Community and Worksite Wellness -  Emphasis
An emphasis in Community and Worksite Wellness prepares students to advocate and create a culture of wellness both in a community setting as well as the workplace. Wellness coordinators often focus on healthy eating, physical activity, reduction in tobacco use, stress management, fitness programs, use of preventive screenings, programs and services, and improved physical environments, such as walking paths, healthy food choices, and nutritional information provided on site.

The job outlook for Health Educators and Community Health Workers is expected to grow much faster than average (16% from 2016-2026) as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. Department of Labor).

The Department of Family & Consumer Sciences offers baccalaureate degrees and a cooperative master’s degree program. B.S. programs are offered in Nutrition and Wellness, Community and Family Services, and two tracks in Child Development. A B.S.E. program is offered in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. The department has an Early Childhood Unified: Birth - Kindergarten program. The department offers minors in Child Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Ecology, Nutrition and Wellness, and Youth and Adolescent Development. The department also contributes to minors in Women’s Studies and Public Health. 

Nutrition and Wellness - Emphasis
The Nutrition and Wellness concentration appeals to students who want to work in settings where they would apply knowledge about nutrition in the community setting. (This is not a dietetics program.) This concentration builds upon the Family and Consumer Sciences focus, which is the application of the sciences to the betterment of individuals, families, and communities.

Pittsburg State University's Department of Chemistry prepares students for careers in science, chemical engineering, pharmacy, chemistry teaching, pre-engineering, and other university programs that require rigorous training in chemistry. It offers eight Bachelor of Science Degrees, two Master of Science Degrees, and one minor.

Polymer Chemistry
Pittsburg State University’s Department of Chemistry, together with the Plastics Engineering Technology Program, and the Kansas Polymer Research Center, provides unprecedented bachelor and master’s degree options for students in the midwest and beyond that enable students to enter the workforce as working polymer chemists in as little as four years.

The key to our program's success lies in its qualified faculty and small class size (average class size of 15), which ensures hands-on support and guidance. Our graduates enjoy a nearly 100% placement rate in groundbreaking careers or advanced degree programs.

The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation (HHPR) is located in the new Student Recreation Center. The HHPR faculty possess a wide array of specializations. The department offers undergraduate degree programs in Exercise Science, Recreation Services, Sport and Hospitality Management, and Physical Education, five minors and certificates in Dance, Coaching, and Hospitality Management, as well as a graduate program in HHPR. Within each of the degree programs, there are emphases/concentration areas from which students select the professional paths that best fit their needs.

Therapeutic Recreation - Emphasis
The Therapeutic Recreation emphasis prepares students for supervisory and leadership positions in various hospital, private and community-based organizations delivering care as recreation therapists to individuals with various disabilities and ability levels.  Recreational therapists work with a variety of individuals requiring health services such as: physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatrics, geriatrics, mental and behavioral health, addictions, veterans and developmental disabilities.  Students completing the Therapeutic Recreation emphasis allows them to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Exam.

The PSU School of Construction's mission is to provide a quality construction education and develop professional leaders for the construction industry through extensive recruitment, real-world education and successful placement. We strive to improve the community through service, economic development and applied research.

Our vision is to be an innovative leader in an effective, people-centered, collaborative, accessible learning environment maximizing the potential of construction students, faculty and industry constituents.