Career Paths

In spring of 1997, the first BSEMET class graduated from Penn State Altoona. Between spring of 1997 and spring of 2006, over 250 graduates completed the degree program. Graduates of the program have had great success securing employment with companies representing a wide variety of industries. Program graduates are currently working in the automotive and aeronautical industries, as well as industries related to electrical products and services, energy supply, electric power, electronic systems, integrated systems and solutions, and automation. In addition, graduates have also been hired by research and development organizations, consulting services, companies involved in Department of Defense test related applications, as well as several types of manufacturing facilities. Position titles vary widely, and include Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Industrial/Design Engineer, Development Engineer, and Project Engineer, among others.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers 2005 survey, starting salaries for baccalaureate degree graduates in Electrical Engineering averaged $51,888 annually, while Mechanical Engineers averaged $50,236 annually. The average starting salaries for graduates of the EMET program are consistent with these salaries for pure Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.