Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, B.S.

Program Code: ECET_BS

Program Description

This major prepares graduates for careers in such varied areas as electronics, microprocessors, computer hardware and software, communications, instrumentation and control, and power. The major consists of two options, one in Electrical Engineering Technology, the other in Computer Engineering Technology. Both options provide education in applied mathematics, physics, electrical and electronic circuit analysis and design, microprocessors, instrumentation and quality control. The Electrical Engineering Technology option provides specialty education in control theory, communication systems, and power systems. The Computer Engineering Technology option provides specialty education in software development, embedded computer systems, and networking. Both options in the major culminate with a capstone design project involving an actual design or manufacturing problem, often sponsored by industry. Graduates may qualify as engineering technologists working side-by-side with engineers, scientists, and other skilled workers in these capacities. Occupations include electrical and electronic systems design, microprocessor applications, instrumentation and control, computer programming, electrical testing, plant engineering, quality control, management, and technical sales and service.

This program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

What is Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology?

The study of electrical and computer engineering technology (ECET) offers a strong education in electrical and electronic systems design, computer programming, microprocessor applications, automation, programmable logic controllers, instrumentation and control, and electrical testing. ECET is different from traditional theory-based electrical engineering degree programs, and also unlike skills-based programs that are focused on repair and maintenance. The applied nature of ECET offers not only working knowledge of the foundational theories of engineering, but also the hands-on laboratory focus that enables students to analyze, design, and implement the many uses of electrical and computer systems. The degree program is industry focused and emphasizes solving real-world problems in the workplace.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You’re fascinated by what’s inside electrical and computer systems.
  • You’re interested in knowing how electrical and computer systems work, how to design new systems, and how to test existing systems.
  • You’re looking for a hands-on applied engineering discipline.
  • You’re interested in both engineering and computing—and in the application of these two disciplines in solving real-world problems.

Entrance to Major

To be eligible for entrance to the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology major, a student must have:

  1. attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average;
  2. completed MATH 81 or MATH 26, and MATH 82 or MATH 22, and MATH 83 or MATH 140, and PHYS 250, and earned a grade of C or better in each of these courses.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, a minimum of 128 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Requirements for the Major 107

24 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 6 credits of GWS courses; and 3 credits of GS courses.

Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned.

Requirements for the Major

Each student must earn at least a grade of C in each 300- and 400-level course in the major field.

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
CAS 100Effective Speech3
CMPET 5Engineering Methods in Engineering Technology1
CMPET 120Digital Electronics Laboratory1
CMPET 211Embedded Processors and DSP3
EET 101Electrical Circuits I3
EET 109Electrical Circuits Laboratory I1
EET 212WOp Amp and Integrated Circuit Electronics4
EET 214Electric Machines and Energy Conversion3
EET 215Electric Machines and Energy Conversion Laboratory1
EET 280System Integration Project1
ENGL 202CEffective Writing: Technical Writing Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 210Calculus with Engineering Technology Applications Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 211Intermediate Calculus and Differential Equations with Applications Keystone/General Education Course3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPET 117Digital Electronics3
CMPET 301Algorithmic Processes for Electrical Systems3
CMPET 355Intermediate Microprocessors and Microcomputers3
EET 114Electrical Circuits II4
EET 118Electrical Circuits Laboratory1
EET 315Linear and Discrete System Analysis3
EET 341Measurements and Instrumentation3
EET 480Electrical and Computer Systems Senior Seminar1
EET 490WElectrical/Computer Senior Design Project3
MGMT 409Project Management for Engineers3
Additional Courses
ECON 102Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
or ECON 104 Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
EET 2Introduction to Engineering Technology1
or ET 2
EGT 101
EGT 102

and Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting
2
or EGT 119 Introduction to CAD for Electrical and Computer Engineering
Select one of the following sequences:10
Sequence A
Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course
Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course (requires a grade of C or better)
2 credits of science
Sequence B
Technical Physics I Keystone/General Education Course (requires a grade of C or better)
Technical Physics II Keystone/General Education Course (requires a grade of C or better)
4 credits of science
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Introduction to Programmable Logic Controls
EET 220 and 1 credit in 200 level or higher of technical electives from school-approved list
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
EET 4503
or QC 450 Quality Control and Quality Improvement
MATH 22College Algebra With Analytic Geometry and Applications II Keystone/General Education Course3
or MATH 82 Technical Mathematics II Keystone/General Education Course
MATH 26Plane Trigonometry and Applications of Trigonometry Keystone/General Education Course3
or MATH 81 Technical Mathematics I Keystone/General Education Course
MATH 83Technical Calculus Keystone/General Education Course4
or MATH 140 Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option18

Requirements for the Option

Electrical Engineering Technology Option (18 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
EET 330Wireless Communications Systems3
EET 416Fluid and Thermal Design in Electrical Systems3
EET 440Applied Feedback Controls3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of technical electives at the 300 or 400 level from school-approved list (students may apply 6 credits of ROTC)9
Computer Engineering Technology Option (18 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPET 333Computer Networking3
CMPET 456Advanced Microprocessors, High Level Interfacing3
CMPET 457Software Engineering3
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 9 credits of technical electives at the 300 or 400 level from school-approved list (students may apply 6 credits of ROTC)9

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Erie

David R. Loker
Program Chair, Associate Professor
250 Burke
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6478
drl3@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Computer Engineering Technology Option (CMPET): Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EET 2†11CMPET 51
EET 1013CMPET 117*3
EET 1091CMPET 1201
ENGL 15 or 30H‡†3EET 114*4
MATH 81*‡#†3EET 118*1
General Education Course3MATH 82*‡#†3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
 15.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100‡†3CHEM 1103
CMPET 2113CHEM 1111
EET 212W24EET 2753
EET 2143EET 2801
EET 2151EGT 1192
MATH 83*#†4MATH 2103
 PHYS 250*#†4
 18 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPET 301*3CMPET 333*3
EET 341*3CMPET 355*3
ENGL 202C‡†3ECON 102 or 1043
MATH 2113EET 315*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 15 16.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPET 456*3EET 490W*23
CMPET 457*3QC 450*3
EET 480*1Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3
MGMT 409*3General Education Course3
Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3General Education Course (GN)2
Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3 
 16 14
Total Credits 128
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

 Course will satisfy First-Year Seminar requirement.

2

 Course will satisfy Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • Only students who have gone through the entrance to major process and have been accepted into this major may register for junior and senior-level EET and CMPET courses. 
  • Permissible Math substitutions: MATH 26 instead of MATH 81, MATH 22 instead of MATH 82, MATH 140 instead of MATH 83.

Advising Notes:

If ENGL 15 is full, schedule an S/H/A, 2nd semester ENGL15, 3rd semester CAS 100, and 4th semester PHYS 250.

School-Approved Electives for Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

Electrical Engineering Technology Options:

  • CMPET 333 (3:2:2) – Computer Networking
  • CMPET 456 (3:2:2) – Advance Microprocessors, High Level Interfacing
  • CMPET 457 (3:2:2) – Software Engineering

Computer Engineering Technology Options:

  • EET 330 (3:2:2) – Wireless Communication Systems
  • EET 416 (3:2:2) – Fluid and Thermal Design in Electrical Systems
  • EET 440 (3:2:2) – Applied Feedback Controls 

Electrical or Computer Engineering Technology Options:

  • EET 395* (1-3) – Internship
  • EET 397* (1-3) – Special Topics
  • EET 461 (3:2:2) – Power Electronics
  • EET 475 (3:2:2) – Intermediate Programmable Logic Controllers
  • EET 495* (1-3) – Internship
  • EET 496* (1-3) – Independent Studies
  • EET 497* (1-3) – Special Topics

*Requires prior approval from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Department Chair 
Upon approval by the department chair, students may be allowed to select technical elective courses from other disciplines.

Electrical Engineering Technology Option (EET): Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EET 2†11CMPET 51
EET 1013CMPET 117*3
EET 1091CMPET 1201
ENGL 15 or 30H‡†3EET 114*4
MATH 223EET 118*1
General Education Course3MATH 414
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3
 15.5 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100‡†3CHEM 1103
CMPET 2113CHEM 1111
EET 212W24EET 2753
EET 2143EET 2801
EET 2151EGT 1192
MATH 83*#†4MATH 2103
 PHYS 250*#†4
 18 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPET 301*3CMPET 355*3
EET 341*3EET 315*3
ENGL 202C‡†3EET 330*3
MATH 2113ECON 102 or 1043
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 15 16.5
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EET 416*3EET 490W*23
EET 440*3QC 450*3
EET 480*1Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3
MGMT 409*3General Education Course3
Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3General Education Course (GN)2
Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3 
 16 14
Total Credits 129
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

 Course will satisfy First-Year Seminar requirement.

2

 Course will satisfy Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • Only students who have gone through the entrance to major process and have been accepted into this major may register for junior and senior-level EET and CMPET courses. 
  • Permissible Math substitutions: MATH 26 instead of MATH 81, MATH 22 instead of MATH 82, MATH 140 instead of MATH 83.

Advising Notes:

  • If ENGL 15 is full, schedule an S/H/A, 2nd semester ENGL15, 3rd semester CAS 100, and 4th semester PHYS 250.

School-Approved Electives for Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology

Electrical Engineering Technology Options:

  • CMPET 333 (3:2:2) – Computer Networking
  • CMPET 456 (3:2:2) – Advance Microprocessors, High Level Interfacing
  • CMPET 457 (3:2:2) – Software Engineering

Computer Engineering Technology Options:

  • EET 330 (3:2:2) – Wireless Communication Systems
  • EET 416 (3:2:2) – Fluid and Thermal Design in Electrical Systems
  • EET 440 (3:2:2) – Applied Feedback Controls 

Electrical or Computer Engineering Technology Options:

  • EET 395* (1-3) – Internship
  • EET 397* (1-3) – Special Topics
  • EET 461 (3:2:2) – Power Electronics
  • EET 475 (3:2:2) – Intermediate Programmable Logic Controllers
  • EET 495* (1-3) – Internship
  • EET 496* (1-3) – Independent Studies
  • EET 497* (1-3) – Special Topics

*Requires prior approval from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology Department Chair 
Upon approval by the department chair, students may be allowed to select technical elective courses from other disciplines.

Career Paths

Within the B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology there are two options for emphasis study: Electrical Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering Technology. You’ll chose the option that best fits your career aspirations. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond. Meet with your academic adviser often and take advantage of the services offered by the Academic and Career Planning Center beginning in your first semester.

Careers

Because of the breadth of experience with both electrical and computer systems, graduates can begin their careers in such areas as electrical and electronic systems design, embedded systems and microcontroller/software applications, automation and process control, field service and application engineering, system integration and testing, quality control, and technical sales and service. Employers of recent Behrend B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology graduates include Rovisys, Process and Data Automation, SKF Aeroengine, GE, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Eriez Magnetics, First Energy, FMC Technologies, Lutron, and Westinghouse.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Master’s degree programs in engineering or engineering technology are an option for graduates of the B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology. Advanced degree programs delve more deeply into areas of specialization such as embedded systems, automation and process control, software development, networking, and power systems. Or, you can use a master’s degree to learn management skills; Penn State Behrend offers a Master of Manufacturing Management (M.M.M) degree program for aspiring organizational leaders.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology at Penn State Behrend is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology Programs Criteria.

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Contact

Erie

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
242 Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center
5101 Jordan Road
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6153
engineering@psu.edu

https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-engineering