Design Engineering Technology

Bachelor’s

DET Students 3D Scanning Part Inspection

100%

Graduate Placement

70k

average starting salary

Industry Sponsored

Design Projects

100%

faculty with industry experience

Expansive industry

NX, Solid Works, Creo, AutoCAD, FeatureCAM, DFMA

PAID

Co-Ops, Internships, and REUs

Make form functional with design engineering technology

The most beautifully designed product in the world is useless if it doesn’t work. At Trine University, our Bachelor of Science in Design Engineering Technology program empowers you to design products that are as functional as they are stunning.

Here, you’ll do more than learn — you’ll create, innovate, and bring ideas to life. Through hands-on projects and real-world experience, you’ll master the art of blending creativity with engineering precision.

Join a program recognized by industry leaders for producing talented, job-ready engineers who make an impact from day one. Whether you dream of designing the next breakthrough product or improving the technology we use every day, your engineering future starts at Trine.

The degree: Cutting-edge software, broad engineering base

Get hands-on with the tools professionals use every day. Trine University’s Bachelor of Science in Design Engineering Technology program puts industry-standard design software — including NX, Creo, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD — at the center of your learning experience.

You’ll build a strong foundation in design engineering, manufacturing, quality, and management systems, while customizing your studies with a minor in Plastics Engineering, Business, or Management.

Want to go further, faster? Students entering with transfer credit or Project Lead The Way (PLTW) credits can complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as four years, moving seamlessly into Trine’s Master of Science in Engineering Management or an MBA program.

Start designing your future — and graduate ready to lead it.

Experience Design Engineering Like Never Before with the latest technology

At Trine University, the Bachelor of Science in Design Engineering Technology program puts innovation in your hands. From day one, you’ll work with cutting-edge technology and apply engineering concepts through interactive labs, group projects, and real-world problem-solving.

Learn from expert faculty with industry experience who bring engineering to life through hands-on guidance and mentorship. You’ll have opportunities to grow your skills through internships and co-ops, gaining experience that sets you apart in the job market.

Train with the latest tools and facilities, including a Plastics Engineering and Processing Center, Plastics Testing Lab, Advanced Manufacturing and Machining Lab, Additive Manufacturing Lab, Reverse Engineering and Laser Scanning Lab, and state-of-the-art computer centers and classrooms.

Design. Build. Innovate. Your future in engineering starts here.

Launch Your Engineering Career with Real Results

Your future starts strong at Trine. With a 100% job placement rate for the past seven years and starting salaries averaging $70,000 — many nearing $90,000, our graduates see immediate returns on their investment.

The Design Engineering Technology program consistently prepares students to excel in dynamic industries like aerospace, automotive, plastics, and biomedical engineering. Whether you’re designing innovative products, improving manufacturing systems, or leading technical teams, you’ll graduate ready to make an impact from day one.

Internships

The Bachelor of Science in Design Engineering Technology program gives you the chance to apply what you learn in real industry settings through internships and co-operative (co-op) employment opportunities.

Students in the Co-operative Employment Program alternate semesters between working with partner companies and taking classes on campus, gaining valuable paid experience while earning their degree. By completing a minimum of three work assignments, you’ll graduate with an impressive résumé and real engineering accomplishments.

Early assignments may include updating engineering drawings, creating 3D models, or monitoring product quality, while later projects often involve designing new products or processes, developing test procedures, or implementing quality control systems.

Our students have worked with some of the most respected names in the industry — see a partial list of our Co-op and internship partners below.

Ariel Corporation
General Electric
General Motors
Honda
Keystone RV
Lawrence Livermore National Lab
Lippert Components
Metal Technologies, Inc.
Multimatic
Parker Hannifin
Rieke Corporation
Shambaugh & Sons
Subaru
Therma-Tru
Tippmann Group

Careers

With a Bachelor of Science in Design Engineering Technology from Trine University, your career possibilities are limitless. Graduates have launched successful careers in vehicle and chassis design, product development, process engineering, quality and manufacturing engineering, and technical sales — across companies of all sizes and industries.

Our graduates enjoy outstanding outcomes, with a 100% placement rate and average starting salaries of $70,000, many approaching $90,000. You’ll leave Trine ready to make an immediate impact in your field.

See just a few of the companies that have recently hired our DET graduates:

For additional information on career opportunities, contact the Trine University Career Services Office by calling 260.665.4143,
e-mail careerservices@trine.edu or visit Career Services online.

Three Year Full Throttle

This degree has a pathway for you to complete your undergraduate degree in three years. Learn more about the Three Year Full Throttle degree path.

Enrollment and graduation data

Design Engineering Technology enrollment and graduation data

Cost and Investment

Information about tuition can be found at Cost and Investment.

Project Lead The Way Students (PLTW)

Students in these programs can earn up to 15 credits hours that directly transfer into the program at no cost.

There is also a PLTW scholarship award available at the university for those who qualify.

Click here for additional information

Program Information

Degree

BS Design Engineering Technology

Program Feature

Lifetime Guarantee

Duration

122 hours

Level

Undergraduate

Campus Location

Angola, IN

School/College

Allen School of Engineering and Computing

Rolls-Royce's market share in the aviation industry sparked my curiosity, and asking about their manufacturing processes allowed me to discern whether I could apply myself in the company.

Matthew Jimenez

Design Engineering Technology Class of 2025

Trine music groups in concert on Oct. 26

October 6, 2025

The Trine University Department of Music will present its first concert of the 2025-2026 academic year, featuring the Trine University Choir and Chamber Orchestra, beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26.

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Trine Theatre announces cast for ‘Murder on the Orient Express’

September 29, 2025

Trine University Theatre has announced the cast and crew for its upcoming production of “Murder on the Orient Express,” by Agatha Christie.

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Trine engineering, computing camps draw more than 50 students

July 28, 2025

Trine University hosted more than 50 high school students at its 2025 Allen School of Engineering and Computing summer camps.

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Design Engineering Technology