Benefits of a Degree from the Department of Applied Technology
Degrees of Success
Where do you want to be in five years? In 10? Do you see yourself in a management or leadership position? A bachelor's degree from FHSU affords more career flexibility than a two-year degree. It provides the professional skills, life skills and hands-on experience that employers seek.
World Ready Students
As a student here, you'll:
- Develop valuable life skills, including the ability to think critically and problem-solve
- Take responsibility for your learning and future success
- Pursue success through innovation and the application of current and emerging technologies
- Learn to manipulate materials, processes, and systems of instructional and industrial technology
Small Classes, Modern Labs
Many of our students say the small classes are one of the things they like the most about the department. Small class sizes mean you get to work closely with students and faculty. They encourage one-on-one attention and a safer working environment, especially in the labs. Our labs are well-equipped:
- Up-to-date CAD/CAM software (Autodesk, VCarve, MasterCAM)
- Industry and VEX robotics
- Canon Plotter
- Universal Laser Cutter
- CNC Techno Router
- CNC Haas Mill and Lathe
- Fully equipped Construction Trailer
Outstanding Faculty
What else do students like about the department? Our great faculty. We recruit the best available. We make sure they're broad-based and qualified in the specializations they teach. They serve as consultants for industries and schools, and many sit on advisory boards. They have the expertise to help you succeed.
Faculty Awards
Joe Chretien
2013 Nominated for the Navigator Award
Eric Deneault
2018 ITEEA Emerging Leader Award
2017 Fall Werth College of Science, Technology & Mathematics Outstanding Scholarly Activity Award
2017 Pilot Award Candidate
2014 COET Outstanding Teaching Award
Kris Munsch
2014 Pilot Award Candidate
2013 COET Outstanding Teaching Award
2013 University Outstanding Teaching Award
Duane Renfrow
2010 College of Education and Technology, Outstanding Teaching Award
2001 Elected to the Graduate Council, FHSU
1998 Epsilon Pi Tau, FHSU
1998 Elected to the Graduate Faculty
1986 Zeta Chapter Iota Lambda Sigma Fraternity, Oklahoma State University
1985 Lambda Chapter Kappa Delta Pi, Oklahoma State University
Kenny Rigler
2017 Werth STM College Service Award Winner (Spring)
2015 COET Outstanding Teaching Award
2014 Pilot Award Candidate
2012 COET Research Award
Kim Stewart
2016 Mike Neden STEM Champion Award
2014 Pilot Award Candidate
2012 Technology Education Collegiate Association Distinguished Advisor of the Year Award
2011 Pilot Award Candidate
2010 Pilot Award Candidate
2008 College of Education-Edmund Shearer Faculty Advisor of the Year
2007 College of Education Service Award
2005 Pilot Award Candidate
2003 Pilot Award Candidate
2003 FHSU's Nominee for the National Academic Advising Association
2002 FHSU Outstanding Faculty Advising Award
2002 FHSU COET Outstanding Faculty Advising Award
1999 Fall Outstanding Teacher Innovation Award
1998 Inducted to the Fort Hays State University Tiger Sports Hall of Fame
Creating Community
Students like to say we're a family over here. And we have a lot of fun. Our faculty care about their students-you'll realize right away you're more than just a face in the crowd. You'll get to participate in lots of activities outside the classroom, from departmental and social events to technology conferences to TEECA.
Partnerships
We forge partnerships with businesses and industries. These include technical education collaborations with two-year schools, corporate partnerships, and partnerships with the military. As industries expand and change, we improve our curriculum to meet industry standards.
Paid Internships
Imagine graduating with a semester of work experience, confident and ready to start your career. Students working toward a degree in Industrial Technology do just that. At the end of the program, you'll complete a semester-long paid internship (12 credit hours) in your area of specialization. And that internship could lead to a full-time job.
Training Teachers
We train quality teachers who understand technology as well as how students learn. That's why schools throughout the region often call us looking for teachers. As a Technology Education student, you'll learn to teach broad-based courses. You'll also develop the skills to teach in a specialized career and technology education program. We require one semester of student teaching [link to internships page that follows] (12 credit hours).