Technology (TECH)

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Mission

The mission of the Department of Technology encompasses the transmission, expansion, and application of technological knowledge through teaching, research, and public service. The department prepares technically oriented professionals for leadership, management, and service positions in business, industry, education, and government. Instruction in the department seeks to improve productivity, safety, and the well being of society through combining scientific, engineering, and management knowledge with technical skills. The history of the Department of Technology reflects flexibility in the face of change and consistency in the pursuit of excellence to provide lifelong learning by recognized national and international leadership.

Abilities such as leadership, practical applications, problem solving, creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a positive attitude toward lifelong learning are skills that are fundamental to the modern industrial community served by the Department of Technology. These needs are met in harmony with the university, educating traditional and non-traditional students through career preparation and enhancement programs. The faculty accomplishes this task using a variety of flexible, innovative, interesting, and creative delivery systems.

Maintaining a high level of professionalism, the faculty remains flexible in the face of change while balancing theory and practice. Thus, individuals are prepared for making a seamless transition to employment becoming productive, contributing members of society.

Educational Objectives

The Department undergraduate programs seek to educate our graduates with skills that will allow them to immediately enter the technical workforce and excel. Graduates of the program will:

• Acquire a well-balanced knowledge in the theory and practice within the areas of technology.
• Utilize laboratory based skills and modern engineering equipment used in industry.
• Provide effective, responsible, and articulate leadership in our complex society.
• Understand the need for obtaining new knowledge, including technological advances, and be capable of self-renewal, and life-long learning.
• Seek and apply creative and analytical insight in the solution of engineering-type problems.
• Provide technical communications in both oral and written forms, using many presentation styles.
• Function as part of an interdisciplinary team and manage projects effectively.

Program Outcomes

The department’s undergraduate program is designed to provide graduates with the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; the ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data; the ability to design a system, component, or process to meet design needs; the ability to function on multidisciplinary teams; the ability to identify, formulate, and solve technical problems; an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; the ability to communicate effectively; a broad education necessary to understand the impact of technology in a global and social context; a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning; a knowledge of contemporary issues; and the ability to use the techniques, skills, and the modern engineering tools.

Department Requirement

All technology majors/minors who do not place into MATH 229 must obtain a grade of C or better in MATH 155.

Certificate of Undergraduate Study

The Department of Technology participates in the Homeland Security Certificate of Undergraduate Study.  See the section on Inter-College Interdisciplinary Certificates in this catalog for details or visit the Homeland Security website at http://www.niu.edu/HomelandSecurity/index.shtml.

Technology Faculty

Clifford R. Mirman, Ph.D., University of Illinois, Chicago, Presidential Engagement Professor, chair
Abul Azad, Ph.D., University of Sheffield (United Kingdom), assistant professor
Liping Guo, Ph.D., Auburn University, assistant professor
Earl E. Hansen, C.I.E., C.H.C.M., Ed.D., Oklahoma State University, associate professor
Theodore J. Hogan, Ph.D., C.I.H., University of Illinois, Chicago, assistant professor
Sarveswara (Rao) Kilaparti, Ph.D., Northwestern University, assistant professor
Shanthi Muthuswamy, Ph.D., University of New York, assistant professor
Andrew W. Otieno, Ph.D., University of Leeds (Britain), associate professor
Said Oucheriah, Ph.D., P.E., Cleveland State University, associate professor
David J. Schroeder, Ph.D., University of Illinois, assistant professor
Robert Tatara, Ph.D., Northwestern University, associate professor
Promod Vohra, Ed.D., P.E., Northern Illinois University, professor

Return to: College of Engineering and Engineering Technology