Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, BS

Total number of hours for the program: 126.

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.

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

Major Requirements

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology major requires 93 credits, 9 of which (ENGR 199, MATH 153, and PHYS 130) also meet the Liberal Studies requirements, 70 credits from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Core, and 23 credits from the Mathematics and Science Core.

The minimum cumulative GPA of 2.20 in all major courses is required to earn the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology degree.

Continuing Student Requirements

To continue in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology program, students should maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.20 for courses taken to date at Western Carolina University. Students should complete the following courses with a C or better: ECET 231, ECET 321, and MATH 153. ECET students in good standing, or with permission, may enroll in junior- and senior-level major courses.

Admission

An application is required for all prospective students. The application and admissions process are available on the School’s website: http://set.wcu.edu. Students who are not admitted to a program in the School of Engineering + Technology may be placed in Engineering Intended. Students cannot remain in the Engineering Intended major after completing more than 45 credit hours.

First Year Students:

The requirements for admission into the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology major include placement into Precalculus II (MATH 146) or above. Students accepted to the university but not admitted into the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology major may be placed in Engineering Intended. Placement in the Engineering Intended major does not guarantee admission into the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology program.

Refer to the school website for application details and deadlines: http://set.wcu.edu

Admission for Engineering Intended and Change-of-Major students already enrolled at WCU

The requirements for admission into the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology major include placement into Precalculus II (MATH 146) or above.

Refer to the school website for application details and deadlines: http://set.wcu.edu

Admission for Transfer Students

The requirements for admission into the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology major include placement into Precalculus II (MATH 146) or above.

Refer to the school website for application details and deadlines: http://set.wcu.edu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Core (70 hours)

The major requires 70 hours as follows (3 of which count 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

Mathematics and Science Core (23 hours)

The major requires 23 hours as follows (6 of which count as 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 eight-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/.