Computer technology is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the United States, according to U.S. Labor Department statistics, a good indication of a strong job market for graduates of this program. Some career opportunities include sales, service, programming, and manufacturing of computer-based systems.
Associate's degree Computer Engineering Technology students develop an understanding and working knowledge of both computer hardware and software. With a command of the total environment, a computer technician is able to relate to both programmers and hardware engineers.
The theory developed in the classroom is reinforced with laboratory work, which allows students to develop confidence and skill in their newly-acquired knowledge and to accurately report the results of their observations. Along with two networked computer labs, students use the facilities available in three additional instrumented electronics labs.
Computer Engineering Technology students share many common first-semester courses with the Electrical Engineering Technology students. This semester provides students with a firm base in fundamental principles. Subsequent semesters' offerings stress a systems approach, with students investigating computer-based applications from both a hardware and a software perspective. Interfacing computers with their peripherals and network applications are emphasized. Graduates are well prepared for admission to Vermont Tech's Bachelor of Science program in Computer Engineering Technology.
With an extra year's work, students may pursue a dual associate's degree with Electrical Engineering Technology. Contact the Office of Admissions for details on these opportunities.
The program is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012, telephone (410) 347-7700.
A graduate of Vermont Tech's Computer Engineering Technology associate's degree program should be able to:
- Analyze, debug, and modify small- to medium-sized programs written in C or C++
- Understand the basic concepts of object-oriented programming and other current programming techniques
- Analyze, debug, and modify small programs written in the assembly language of a commercially important processor, as well as understand the software aspects of basic hardware control (port access, interrupt service routines, timing issues)
- Analyze, design, implement, and troubleshoot both combinational and sequential digital circuits using basic tools and techniques such as truth tables, Karnaugh maps, state diagrams, state tables, logic probe, and digital storage oscilloscope
- Interface simple analog or digital hardware to a computer or micro-controller and program the interface in both assembly language and a high-level language
- Install a commercially important operating system and be able to manage the system's resources, as well as interpret the output of monitoring tools and make recommendations on how to improve system performance
- Apply his or her working knowledge of network protocols from the physical layer through the transport layer to analyze and troubleshoot TCP/IP network problems
- Clearly communicate technical information in both oral and written form to peers and supervisors
- Understand the Computer Engineering Technology profession and its related ethical and social issues
- Function effectively on teams
- Demonstrate a commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement
The minimum number of credits required for a degree is 69.
Curriculum: