Department History

Black and White Image of a Man Inspecting a Plane

A Long, Illustrious Past

The Aviation and Technology Department has a rich history of educating and empowering students for over a century. Although Aviation and Technology are distinct fields in their own right, both departments share the core principle of rising to any occasion — whether that be adapting to rapidly changing technology or preparing for a World War. Discover our histories and how we came to join together in 2001.

The Aviation Program

It all began in the 1936-1937 academic year when a group of students formed a flying club at SJSU. Over time, this small club would become the foundation of the modern Aviation program.

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The Technology Program

Our origins at San José State University begin over 100 years ago when we were originally known as a teacher education program for Engineering Technology Education. Over the years, we have transformed into an innovation and education powerhouse.

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