Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Engineering Graphics Technology?
Engineering Graphics Technology is a 2-year associate degree program producing trained CAD design technicians able to convert ideas and solutions into 2-D CAD drawings, 3-D CAD models and specifications using state-of-the-art tools such as AutoCAD, Solidworks and CATIA V5.
Back to top...2. What is the difference between EGT and MET?
EGT students focus on drafting, CAD and the skills of product design, industrial design, or mechanical design. In today’s market place, the job title of the EGT graduate is going to be “CAD designer”. The MET program is more broad based, working on technical projects in areas such as: technical sales, quality assurance, equipment maintenance, CNC programming, manufacturing scheduling & supervision, product design and machine design.
Back to top...3. What math score do I need to enter the EGT program?
The entry level course in the EGT program is EGT 110 – Technical Drawing I. In order to enter this course, the student must at least place into MAT 101 based on their ASSET & COMPASS test scores. If a student does not place into MAT 101, they can take remedial math in order to qualify for MAT 101.
Back to top...4. How much math will I have to take in the EGT curriculum?
The curriculum for the EGT3 associate degree requires MAT 110 and MAT 111. These courses cover algebra, trigonometry, and analytical geometry. These math courses stop just short of calculus. Being an engineering technology program accredited by TAC of ABET, the math content in the EGT program must include algebra, trigonometry, and an introduction to math above the level of algebra and trigonometry. Calculus is required only for baccalaureate programs.
Back to top...5. Can I take EGT at GTC and then transfer to a 4-year program?
Yes this can be done, depending on which 4-year program you are planning to transfer to. If you are planning to transfer to a 4-year bachelor of science program, then you would have to integrate all of the required University Transfer courses into your class schedule as you take your EGT courses. This can be done, but it is recommended that you work closely with a faculty advisor to make sure that the correct courses are taken. There are also 4-year programs in engineering technology that you can transfer to. Schools such as SC State, Western Carolina, UNC Charlotte, and now USC-Upstate are options to consider. Please contact your faculty advisor for more details.
Back to top...6. What types of degrees does GTC offer in the EGT program?
There is a 2-year associate degree for the EGT program, known as EGT3. There is a 1-year diploma for the EGT program, known as EGT1. There are 3 certificates in the EGT program. The first is called Drafting & CAD and is known as DCD7. The second is called Drafting & CAD Fundamentals and is known as DCF6. The third is called CATIA CAD and is known as CCD6. All three of the certificates and the diploma build upon each other, leading up to the associate degree.
Back to top...7. What is the Dual Credit program?
Dual Credit is a program offered by GTC in which high school students in the local school district can take EGT courses and get college credit for doing so prior to completing the 12th grade. This is accomplished by offering EGT 110 and EGT 151 at the local Career Centers and at the Charter High School at Greenville Tech. In this scenario, the high school student takes a class and gets both high school credit and college credit. The Career Centers involved at the present time are Bonds in Greer and Golden Strip in Mauldin.
Back to top...8. Can I get a Co-Op job while I am a student in the EGT program?
In a word, yes. It is very common for local employers to look to Greenville Tech for students to fill summer internships and co-op jobs. These type of employment opportunities are posted on the bulletin boards the EGT department by the faculty. Another place to inquire about co-op is to contact Susan Gasque at 250-8105, who is the Cooperative Education Coordinator at the college.
Back to top...9. What kinds of jobs do EGT graduates obtain?
The purpose of the EGT program at Greenville Technical College is to provide employers with qualified entry-level industrial CAD Designers. Depending on the employer, these positions can sometimes be called engineering technician or engineering assistant.
Back to top...10. What is the typical starting pay for entry level jobs in the EGT field?
This varies according to the local market conditions and the particular industry that is doing the hiring. Some industries pay more than others. However, in the year 2006, the range for EGT graduates in the Upstate of South Carolina is somewhere from a low of $14 per hour to a high of $20 per hour.
Back to top...11. Can I come to GTC and just take one EGT course, rather than pursue a degree?
In a word, yes. To do this you would still have to go to the Admissions and Registration Center ( ARC ) at McAlister Square and become a college student by completing the standard application process. If you are here to take one class, you should probably declare CAREER DEVELOPMENT as your major. In this case, you may be able to avoid taking the math placement test.
Back to top...12. What if I need to take a short course, rather than a full semester long course?
Short courses are offered in the EGT department as Continuing Educational classes. These courses can be customized for technical content and length. In this case you would register thru the Buck Mickell Center by calling Linda Gathings at 250-8194.
Back to top...13. I took Drafting and CAD a several years ago at another college. Do I still need to take those courses at GTC?
The first thing you must do is get your transcript from the other college sent to Greenville Tech. Once your transcript is in the hands of the Student Records office, it will be evaluated and credits will be listed in accordance with guidelines established by the college. It is at this point that an advisor or the EGT department faculty can review with the student how many previous courses can count for credit at Greenville Tech. Please understand that we cannot talk about existing credit until your transcript is received by Greenville Tech.
Back to top...14. I took Drafting & CAD in high school. Do I still need to take those courses at GTC?
In some cases yes, in some cases no. If you were enrolled in a Dual Credit program at a Career Center in Greenville County, then the answer is no. In that case, you were previously registered as a Greenville Tech student and you already have credit for the courses at GTC. If you took drafting & CAD in high school without Dual Credit, you can still challenge an EGT course by taking an exemption exam. In this case, the EGT faculty will allow you to take a final exam for either EGT 110 or EGT 151. If you pass the exam and pay the $125 fee to the college, you get credit for the course. Another option that many students elect to do is simply take the EGT course and get a good grade. If you have a background in drafting & CAD, then the entry level EGT courses at GTC should be an easy path to a good grade.
Back to top...15. I have never been a student at GTC. I want to take an EGT course. Where do I go to get started?
After reviewing the information on the EGT web site and perhaps speaking to the EGT faculty, your next step is to make a visit to the Admissions & Registration Center ( ARC ) at McAlister Square. Here, you should fill out a college application and take the appropriate entrance test. The COMPASS and ASSET tests help determine your existing level of math and English skills for placement into entry level courses. You will also be required to meet with an advisor in order to plot a course for academic success in the EGT program. Please feel free to contact a member of the EGT faculty before the scheduled first day of classes with any questions you might have.
Back to top...16. What happens if I move to another city before I complete my EGT degree? Do the EGT courses transfer to other colleges?
Because we are part of the 16 colleges in the South Carolina Technical College System, every course will transfer to any other tech college in the state of SC. Because the EGT program is accredited by TAC of ABET, most of the EGT courses will transfer to engineering technology programs across the USA. This would have to be done on a case by case basis with colleges outside the state of SC, but your chances are good, due to our accreditation.
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