Institute of technology

Institute of technology (also: university of technology, polytechnic university, technikon, and technical college) is a designation employed for a wide range of learning institutions awarding different types of degrees and operating often at variable levels of the educational system. It may be an institution of higher education and advanced engineering and scientific research or professional vocational education, specializing in science, engineering, and technology or different sorts of technical subjects. It may also refer to a secondary education school focused in vocational training. The term institute of technology is often abbreviated IT and is not to be confused with information technology.

The English term polytechnic appeared in the early 19th century, from the French École Polytechnique, an engineering school founded in 1794 in Paris. The French term comes from the Greek πολÏ? (polú or polý) meaning "many" and τεχνικός (tekhnikós) meaning "arts".

While the terms "institute of technology" and "polytechnic" are synonymous, the preference concerning which one is the preferred term varies from country to country.

Institute of Technology (United States)

Polytechnic Institutes are technological universities many dating back to the mid 19th century. A handful of American universities include the phrases Institute of Technology, Polytechnic Institute, Polytechnic University, University of Technology or similar phrasing in their names; these are generally research-intensive universities with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

In the lists below, an asterisk (*) denotes research-intensive universities that offer up to PhD or DSc degrees.

Institutes of technology

Current

Institute of Technology (California/Oregon)

Institute of Technology is a vocational school operating in California and Oregon. Several career training programs are offered at its four campus locations at Clovis, Modesto, Redding, and Salem, Oregon.

History

Institute of Technology started as Fresno Institute of Technology. Later the name was shortened to the Institute of Technology. The school now operates three California campuses (Clovis, Modesto, Redding) and one in Salem, Oregon. The institute is operated by Denver-based BrightStar Education Group.

Training programs

Four main program fields are taught: Culinary, Technical, Medical, and Business fields. Within each field, students are given the opportunity to specialize in specific areas. For example, they have the opportunity to become a Culinary Arts Specialist, Network Support Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Licensed Vocational Nurse, or Human Resource Administrator.

Accreditation

Institute of Technology is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).