What is a Technical Institute?
A technical institute offers programs that teach students about technology systems and the technical aspects of a particular career through hands-on training. Academic courses are not taught at these institutions. Many technical institutes offer degree programs, and some degrees can be earned via distance learning.
Technical Institute Defined
A technical institute, sometimes called an institute of technology or a polytechnic institute, is a school that offers education focused on research and vocational training. Students taking courses at a technical institute prepare for careers that are based on practical applications and include on-the-job training. Programs might lead to careers in computer science, electronics, drafting, medical information technology, business and health sciences. Courses in these programs are specifically designed to prepare students for the workforce and often do not include academic classes in general education or the humanities.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Important Facts About Two Technical Institutes
| Atlanta Technical College | Southeast Technical Institute | |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Programs | More than 120 programs offered | More than 50 career path programs available |
| Degrees/Certificates | Associate of applied science degrees, diplomas, technical certificates and continuing education | Associate of applied science degrees, diplomas and technical certificates |
| Prerequisites | High school graduate or completed GED; approved Compass Placement Exam, SAT or ACT scores | High school graduate or completed GED; entrance exams may be required depending on program chosen |
| Online Availability | full online programs offered in accounting, business management, business/administrative technology and marketing management; hybrid programs also offered | 14 online degrees offered in business, computers, marketing, financial services and more |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $59,430 (Lodging Managers) | $57,910 (Computer Support Specialists) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 18% growth (Lodging Managers) | 6% growth (Computer Support Specialists) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Credential Levels at a Technical Institute
Technical institutes offer training at both at the high school and college levels. At a technical institute, a student can earn a degree, diploma or certificate of credit. College-level programs may lead to undergraduate degrees
Technical Institute Programs
A student can earn a business technologies degree in areas such as accounting, computer programming, networking specialization, database specialization and paralegal studies. A person interested in earning a technical certificate of credit can take programs in C++ programming, Linux/Unix administration, office accounting specialization, database administration, Java programming and more.
At Atlanta Technical College in Atlanta, Georgia, www.atlantatech.edu, programs of study include business, health and human services, information technology and media. At Southeast Technical Institute, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, www.southeasttech.edu, students can choose from degree programs in industrial technology, transportation technology, engineering technology and more.
