Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, BS

Students in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) program study the analysis, design, fabrication, testing, and maintenance of electrical, electronic, and computer-based systems used in critical industry sectors. The ECET program is designed for students who would like to apply practical knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering technology to today's technical challenges. The program emphasizes the use of microcontrollers in automation, instrumentation, control system, and data communication applications. The program’s Project-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum focuses on developing problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills. ECET graduates contribute to technological advancements that benefit society while pursuing careers in industries such as energy, aerospace, transportation, communications, health care, and advanced manufacturing.

Liberal Studies Hours (42 hours)

Liberal Studies Program Requirements

*NOTE:

Three major courses (9 credits) also meet Liberal Studies requirements: ENGR 199, MATH 153, and PHYS 130. If these courses are not taken to meet Liberal Studies requirements, they will still need to be completed for the BS Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology degree.

Major Requirements

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology major requires 92 credits, 9 of which (ENGR 199, MATH 153, and PHYS 130) also meet the Liberal Studies requirements: 63 credits from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Core, 23 credits from the Mathematics and Science Core, and 6 credits from Technical Electives.

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: 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: 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: 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: set.wcu.edu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Core (63 hours)

The major requires 63 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 321 - Circuit Analysis II Credits: 4
ECET 332 - Microcontrollers Credits: 4
ECET 344 - Fundamentals of Energy Conversion Credits: 4
ECET 361 - Electronic Communication Fundamentals Credits: 4
ECET 431 - Microcontroller Interfacing Credits: 4
ECET 452 - Control Systems Credits: 4
ECET 461 - Digital Signal Processing Credits: 3
EE 221 - Logic Systems Design I Credits: 3
ENGR 123 - Engineering Programming 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

Technical Electives (6 hours)

Any 300-level or higher RAE course, 400-level EE course, or 400-level ECET course not required in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Core may be used as a technical elective. Other technical electives may be permitted with approval from the ECET Program Director. Students must meet the prerequisites for any course selected as an elective. Choice of electives may be limited by course capacity.

Additional Information

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

Accreditation

Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission(s) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Engineering Technology Program Criteria, and the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology Program Criteria.