The Electrical Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical/Electronic(s) Engineering Technology Program Criteria. It offers courses at the senior level specializing in computer engineering technology, communications systems technology, embedded systems technology, mechatronics systems technology, and power systems technology.
Students in this program take common courses in areas such as DC and AC circuits, electronic devices and circuits, digital electronics, linear electronics, microprocessors, and programming. Supporting laboratories provide experience in instrumentation, testing and troubleshooting, and design and implementation.
The B.S. degree program in Electrical Engineering Technology offers a high-quality degree program that meets national standards of excellence. It is a significant component of the University's commitment to science, engineering, and technology, particularly in fields of major importance to the region.
Through the University's Distance Learning program, the Electrical Engineering Technology program provides opportunities for technical personnel throughout the state and elsewhere to enhance their education and pursue baccalaureate-level studies.
Simultaneously, the program supports the general education components that yield a well-rounded graduate who is aware of societal needs and issues.
Upper-division courses in Principles of Communication Systems, Wireless Communications, Computer Networks and Smart Grids, prepare students for careers in communication systems and networking related jobs.
These courses address the needs of students interested in the design and operation of computer and web-based systems. The skills for career success in designing, building, and installing computer systems of all descriptions including hardware, software, and networking/web operations. Senior electives in this area prepare students for careers as network managers, computer system engineers, and network designers.
Advanced elective courses within this field equip students with expertise relevant to the development and production of microprocessors and microcontrollers. Taking electives related to the field of embedded systems will equip graduates with qualifications suitable for roles such as embedded systems software engineers or similar positions, as the convergence of hardware and software in a wide range of applications continues to grow.
Senior electives in this area prepare students to work with engineering technology systems such as PLCs, microcontrollers/microprocessors, and both power and communication systems. Graduates may pursue positions in mechatronics-related jobs, manufacturing, electronic and electrical product design, development, operation and maintenance.
Senior electives in this area prepare students to work with engineering technology systems such as power systems and machinery (including laboratory), alternative energies and smart grids. Graduates may pursue positions in power systems, machinery and power transmission-related jobs.
Upper-division courses in Principles of Communication Systems, Wireless Communications, Computer Networks and Smart Grids, prepare students for careers in communication systems and networking related jobs.
These courses address the needs of students interested in the design and operation of computer and web-based systems. The skills for career success in designing, building, and installing computer systems of all descriptions including hardware, software, and networking/web operations. Senior electives in this area prepare students for careers as network managers, computer system engineers, and network designers.
Advanced elective courses within this field equip students with expertise relevant to the development and production of microprocessors and microcontrollers. Taking electives related to the field of embedded systems will equip graduates with qualifications suitable for roles such as embedded systems software engineers or similar positions, as the convergence of hardware and software in a wide range of applications continues to grow.
Senior electives in this area prepare students to work with engineering technology systems such as PLCs, microcontrollers/microprocessors, and both power and communication systems. Graduates may pursue positions in mechatronics-related jobs, manufacturing, electronic and electrical product design, development, operation and maintenance.
Senior electives in this area prepare students to work with engineering technology systems such as power systems and machinery (including laboratory), alternative energies and smart grids. Graduates may pursue positions in power systems, machinery and power transmission-related jobs.
EET program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical/Electronic(s) Engineering Technology Program Criteria.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) program is to sustain a high quality undergraduate program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree. It is a significant component of the University's commitment to science, engineering and technology, particularly in fields of major importance to the region. Through the University's distance learning program, the electrical engineering technology program provides opportunities for technical personnel throughout the state and elsewhere to enhance their education and pursue baccalaureate level studies. Simultaneously, the program supports the general education components that yield a well-rounded graduate who is aware of societal needs and issues.
The objective of the electrical engineering technology program is to prepare graduates to establish themselves as successful professionals in electrical systems technology, computer engineering technology, or related areas during the first few years of their careers by having demonstrated their ability to:
- Identify and solve increasingly complex technical problems, both theoretically and practically, as raised by continually evolving technologies and industry needs and practices.
- Make educated, responsible, and ethical decisions in response to the needs of the profession and society, with these decisions solidly grounded in science and engineering fundamentals.
- Work effectively as a member or leader of technical teams and clearly communicate ideas leading to successful team outcomes.
The electrical engineering technology program has adopted, after deliberations by its constituents, outcomes for the Bachelor of Science program in electrical engineering technology. These outcomes are listed below:
- An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
- An ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
- An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;
- An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes;
- An ability to function effectively as a member or leader on a technical teams.
Message from the Program Director
The Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) Program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical/Electronic(s) Engineering Technology Program Criteria. It provides the broad skill set required for entry-level success and long term progression in the dynamic and broad career areas in electrical engineering technology.
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination in Virginia and many other states. This exam is the first step to obtaining a professional engineer (PE) license.
Students receive a core education in basic electrical circuits, computer-oriented hardware including electronics, microprocessors and digital systems, and electrical power and machinery, and wuth junior and senior courses in communications, digital circuits and systems, advanced PLCs, control systems, smart grids, alternative energies, microcomputer-based design, and local area networks. At course level students are also exposed to current cyber-security issues related to various systems they study. The program culminates with a senior project that integrates course work with a practical project assignment in the student's area of interest.
To satisfy the upper-division general education requirements, students must complete a minor in Engineering, Science or Cybersecurity. Through the University's distance learning program, the Electrical Engineering Technology program provides opportunities for technical personnel throughout the state and elsewhere to enhance their education and pursue baccalaureate level studies.
