photo Computer Engineering Technology faculty member Evren Koptur instructs students

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology

Become an expert in computer systems and critical thinking and you can solve the unsolvable. Explore hardware-software interface, analyze computer and networking industry challenges, and engineer software solutions. With industry certifications? Absolutely.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology provides students with the opportunity to study computer systems and software-hardware interface so that they are capable of analyzing the problems in the computer and networking industry and producing computer engineering, networking and software solutions. The major's curriculum includes materials necessary for students to be eligible for industry certifications (e.g., Cisco, Dell, Juniper Networks) for career advancement. This program is ATMAE accredited.

Computer engineering technologists focus on hardware or software issues. When companies need custom applications and network systems designed, they call the computer engineering technologist. In this age of heavy computer usage, with companies using computers for a large variety of functions, the computer engineering technologist is invaluable in keeping equipment running, updating software, maintaining connectivity and interfacing with users.

Computer engineering technologists typically work for large companies, installing, testing, operating and maintaining the computer networks. They may also find employment with companies that sell computers, at computer repair stores or at independent emergency repair facilities. Other common work locations include computer and peripheral manufacturing facilities, computer distribution facilities, computer research facilities and educational institutions.

View Overview (including Admission Requirements), Program Requirements, and Roadmap for the BS degree in Computer Engineering Technology

What is the difference between engineering and engineering technology?

The line between the two is becoming more blurred since responsibilities overlap more now than ever. In general, an engineer has a theoretical understanding of how something is happening. The curriculum for engineers includes high level math, theory and conceptual design. Whereas, the curriculum for engineering technology programs focus on the implementation of engineering principles to solve problems. Engineering technology tends to be more hands-on and application oriented, teaching students to operate, maintain, trouble-shoot, inspect and test systems. Graduates from these programs can speak intelligently about the technology to communicate with those on the plant floor, upper management, customers and users for sales purposes. It is possible that both engineers and engineer technologists may design a product to solve a problem, but the engineer would be more likely to discover a new technology, practice or principle. An engineering technologist would use the new technology created by the engineer and apply it to the product he or she is designing. The engineer develops the big picture while the engineering technologist works out the details. For more information, download "Is There An Engineer Inside You?" by Celeste Baine for free.

Student Outcomes:

Graduates of this program will be able to:

Apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
Design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;
Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes; and
Function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.