Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, BS

Students in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) Program study electronics and computers. The ECET program is designed for students who love computers and how they work and are interested in practical applications. Students in the program learn how to apply math, science, and engineering technology fundamentals to today’s technical challenges. The project-based learning (PBL) curriculum emphasizes the problem-solving, team-based learning, and communication skills needed to work in all industry sectors. ECET graduates contribute to technical advancements in society and pursue careers in industries such as transportation, communications, computer systems, electric power, renewable energy, electronics, aerospace, health care, media, and manufacturing.

The program emphasizes the application of microcomputers to the solution of industrial problems relating to automation, instrumentation, control of systems involving robotics, data communications, networks, and/or automated testing. In all cases, microcomputer hardware and software are used for data acquisition, transfer, and analysis.

Graduates of the program will:

Apply their technical knowledge as practicing professionals or engage in graduate education.
Work successfully in their chosen career individually and within a professional team environment.
Engage in professional development in their profession by adapting to new technology and career challenges.

Total number of credits for the program: 126.

Accreditation

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, BS program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org/.

Liberal Studies Hours (42 hours)

Liberal Studies Program Requirements

General Requirements

Freshman students who declare the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology major will be admitted to the program if they place into Precalculus (MATH 146) or above. Exceptions will be considered by the school on a case-by-case basis. Students may continue in the ECET program in good standing if they complete the following courses with a C or better: ECET 231, ECET 321, and MATH 153; students must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.2 or higher for courses taken to date at Western Carolina University. ECET students in good standing, or with permission, may enroll in the junior and senior level major courses. To graduate from the ECET major, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.2 or higher for all courses in the major taken at Western Carolina University.

The major requires 93 credit hours, 9 of which also meet the Liberal Studies requirements (ENGR 199, MATH 153, and PHYS 130).

Technical Course Requirements (70 hours)

The major requires 70 hours as follows (3 of which counts as Liberal Studies):

ECET 211 - Electronic Drafting and Fabrication Credits: 3
ECET 221 - Digital Integrated Circuits Laboratory Credits: 1
ECET 231 - Circuit Analysis I Credits: 4
ECET 242 - Electronic Circuits Credits: 4
ECET 290 - Computer Engineering Fundamentals Credits: 3
ECET 312 - Electronic Communication Fundamentals Credits: 4
ECET 321 - Circuit Analysis II Credits: 4
ECET 332 - Microcontrollers Credits: 4
ECET 341 - Advanced Circuit Analysis Credits: 3
ECET 431 - Microcontroller Interfacing Credits: 4
ECET 446 - Modern Power Systems Analysis Credits: 4
ECET 452 - Control Systems Credits: 4
ECET 461 - Digital Signal Processing Credits: 3
ECET 464 - Instrumentation Credits: 4
EE 200 - Computer Utilization Credits: 3
EE 221 - Logic Systems Design I Credits: 3
ENGR 199 - Introduction to Engineering Practices and Principles I Credits: 3
ENGR 200 - Engineering Practices and Principles II Credits: 3
ENGR 350 - Engineering Practices and Principles III Credits: 3
ENGR 400 - Engineering Capstone I Credits: 3
ENGR 450 - Engineering Capstone II Credits: 3

Math and Science Course Requirements (23 hours)

(6 of which count in Liberal Studies)

MATH 146 - Precalculus II Credits: 4
MATH 153 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MATH 255 - Calculus II Credits: 4
PHYS 130 - Introductory Physics I Credits: 4
PHYS 131 - Introductory Physics II Credits: 4
and MATH 170 - Applied Statistics Credits: 3 or
MATH 270 - Statistical Methods I Credits: 3

Additional Information

Visit the department’s website at set.wcu.edu to view the 8 semester curriculum plan.

Accreditation

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org/.