Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (Capital)

Program Code: EET_BS

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science graduate with a major in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) is an engineering technologist who can bridge the gap between scientific advancement and practical electrical devices and systems. Research in all fields of electrical engineering has produced an abundance of new knowledge in recent years. Many of these advanced scientific achievements have been unused due to the shortage of engineering technologists specifically educated to convert scientific information into practical devices and systems.

The EET major helps equip students with the various skills necessary to adapt new scientific knowledge to new products. Technical selections are offered in the senior year to provide some degree of specialization, but all graduates receive a well-rounded basic education in electrical and electronic design principles. The strengths of the program include: an applied hands-on program; extensive laboratory experience; promising job placement; and accreditation by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

EET graduates who wish to continue their professional development can take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in Pennsylvania, a prerequisite for taking the Professional Engineering examination.

Students are directed to https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/general-education/ for an explanation of the Penn State General Education requirements.

What is Electrical Engineering Technology?

Electrical engineering technology (EET) is an engineering technology field that implements and applies the principles of electrical engineering. Like electrical engineering, EET deals with the design, application, installation, manufacturing, operation or maintenance of electrical/electronic systems. However, EET is a specialized discipline that has more focus on application, theory, and applied design, and implementation, while electrical engineering may have more of a generalized emphasis on theory and conceptual design.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You enjoy problem-solving and math.
  • You prefer practical rather than theoretical solutions, and application and implementation over conceptual modeling.
  • You enjoy working on multidisciplinary teams on complex problems.
  • You want to acquire knowledge to get a good job in industry.
  • You want to pursue a career as a technologist in sectors such as manufacturing, product design, testing, or technical services and sales.

Entrance to Major

Entry to the Electrical Engineering Technology major requires a 2.00 or higher cumulative grade-point average.

Re-enrollment

Associate degree students should file a re-enrollment form during the final semester of their associate degree. Students re-enrolling from an associate's degree into the bachelor's degree should run a degree audit from LionPATH, using the EET major code, to determine their curriculum requirements. Similar considerations apply to students changing majors from programs in science or engineering.

Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or equivalent and have attempted at least 18 semester credits at a regionally accredited college or university with at least a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average (4.0 scale). The evaluation of prior college work is done on an individual basis by the Office of Enrollment Services at Penn State Harrisburg.

Degree Requirements

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

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 5-16
Requirements for the Major 85-96

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

Requirements for the Major

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
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
EET 419Project Proposal Preparation1
ENGL 202CEffective Writing: Technical Writing Keystone/General Education Course3
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
EET 312Electric Transients4
EET 331Electronic Design4
EET 420WElectrical Design Project3
Additional Courses
Select 2-3 credits of the following: 12-3
Cornerstone Engineering Design
EGT 101
EGT 102

and Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Programming Techniques Keystone/General Education Course
Programming for Engineers with C++ Keystone/General Education Course
Select 6-8 credits of the following: 16-8
Technical Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
and Technical Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
General Physics: Mechanics Keystone/General Education Course
and General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3-4 credits of the following:3-4
Calculus and Vector Analysis
Ordinary Differential Equations
Ordinary Differential Equations
Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course
Select 4 credits of the following: 14
Introduction to Digital Systems
and Digital Design Laboratory
Digital Electronics
and Digital Electronics Laboratory
Select 3-4 credits of the following: 13-4
Microprocessors
Embedded Processors and DSP
Select 3-4 credits of the following: 13-4
Electronic Circuit Design I
EET 205
& EET 210

and
Select 3-5 credits of the following: 13-5
Energy Systems and Conversion
Fundamentals of Electrical Machines Using Writing Skills
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 5-8 credits of the following: 15-8
Circuits and Devices
and Signals and Circuits II
Electrical Signals and Circuits with Lab
Alternating Current Circuits
and Electrical Circuits II 2
Requirements for the Option
Select an option26
1

Courses required by PSU 2 EET programs.

2

EET 114 does not require a grade of C or better.

Requirements for the Option

Computer Engineering Technology Option (26 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre

Prescribed Courses
CMPEN 431Introduction to Computer Architecture3
CMPET 401Data Communication and Networking3
CMPET 402Data Communication and Networking Laboratory1
CMPET 403Switching Circuit Design4
Additional Courses
2nd Programming Elective
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Intermediate Programming
CMPSC 402
Applications Elective
Select 4 credits of technical electives of the following:4
Microcomputers
Automation and Robotics
CMPET Technical Electives
Select 8 credits of the following:8
Semiconductor Device Principles
Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Technology
Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing
High-Frequency Circuit Design
Communication System Design
Optoelectronics
Biomedical Instrumentation
Advanced Electronic Design
Control System Analysis and Design
Digital Communication Systems
Independent Studies
General Electrical Engineering Technology Option (26 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre

Additional Courses
System Elective
Select 8 credits of technical electives of the following:8
Communication System Design
Power System Analysis I
Control System Analysis and Design
Electronics Elective
Select 4 credits of the following:4
High-Frequency Circuit Design
Advanced Electronic Design
GEET Technical Electives
Select 8 credits of GEET technical electives of the following:8
Introduction to Computer Architecture
Data Communication and Networking
Data Communication and Networking Laboratory
Switching Circuit Design
Microcomputers
Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Technology
Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing
Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision
Power System Analysis II
Optoelectronics
Biomedical Instrumentation
Automation and Robotics
Digital Communication Systems
Independent Studies
Select 6 credits from any previous elective list plus the following:6
CMPSC 452
Statics
Dynamics
Introduction to Thermal Science

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.)

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

Knowledge Domains

  • Arts (GA): 6 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 6 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits

Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)

  • Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 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

Harrisburg

AB Shafaye, M.S.
Program Chair
Olmsted Building, W256a
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6349
mes121@psu.edu

Wilkes-Barre

Timothy Sichler
Assistant Teaching Professor
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9135
tjs37@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2022-23 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).

General Option: Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. at Harrisburg 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
ENGL 15 or 30H3CMPSC 101, 121, or 2013
MATH 140‡†4MATH 1414
CHEM 1103EDSGN 100 or EGT 1012-3
CHEM 1111PHYS 151 or 2123-4
PHYS 150 or 2113-4General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15.5-16.5 15-17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 1003General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3ENGL 202C3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
CMPEN 271*3Electives6
CMPEN 275*1 
 16 16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EE 315*5EET 312*4
CMPEH 4724EET 331*4
MATH 230 (or MATH 250, MATH 408, MATH 430, MATH 444, MATH 446, STAT 200)4EE 3104
SET Elective3EE 4853
 16 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EET 4191EET 420W*3
Electronics Elective4GEET Technical Elective 4
GEET Technical Elective4SET Elective3
System Elective4Elective3
Elective4System Elective4
 17 17
Total Credits 128-131
*

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

 Electives: 

Electives are needed to meet minimum program requirements of 128 credits

EE 315 - Electrical Signals and Circuits with Lab, course only offered in Fall semester. 

EET 331 Electronic Design, course only offered in Spring semester

EE 485 Energy Systems and Conversion, course only offered in Spring semester. 

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University 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.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Program Notes:

  • Suggested eight semester plan for students starting at the first-year or re-enrolling from science or engineering programs. 
  • Students enrolling from 2EET programs will generally follow the requirements for the associate degree during the first-yer and second-year and then semesters 5 to 8.

NOTE: Following courses are offered only in semesters as listed below. 

  • Fall: EE 315, EET 311
  • Spring: EET 331, EE 485, CMPET 401, CMPET 402, CMPET 403

Students must complete a 3-credit course in "United States Cultures (US)" and a 3-credit course in "International Cultures (IL)."

A.S. to B.S. General Option: Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. at Harrisburg 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.

Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 1103EET 312*4
CHEM 1111EET 331*4
EET 311*4MATH 230 (or MATH 250, MATH 408, MATH 430, MATH 444, MATH 446, STAT 200)4
ENGL 202C3SET Elective3
MATH 141‡†4General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 16.5 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EET 4191EET 420W*3
Electronics Elective 4GEET Technical Elective4
GEET Technical Elective 4SET Elective3
System Elective 4General Education Course3
System Elective4General Education Course3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 17 17.5
Total Credits 69
*

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

 EET 311 Alternating Current Circuits, course only offered in Fall semester.

EET 331 Electronic Design, course only offered in Spring semester.

2

 General Education Courses

Depending on their prior coursework and academic progress, students may need to take additional General Education courses in the summer before or during the baccalaureate program. (GA, GH, GS, GHW).

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University 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.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Program Notes:

NOTE: Following courses are offered only in semester as listed below. 

  • Fall: EE 315, EET 311
  • Spring: EET 331, EE 485, CMPET 401, CMPET 402, CMPET 403

Students must complete a 3-credit course in "United States Cultures (US)" and a 3-credit course in "International Cultures (IL)."

Computer Engineering Technology Option: Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. at Harrisburg 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
ENGL 15 or 30H3CMPSC 101, 121, or 2013
MATH 140‡†4MATH 141‡†4
CHEM 1103EDSGN 1003
CHEM 1111PHYS 151 or 2123-4
PHYS 150 or 2113-4General Education Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15.5-16.5 16-17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 1003General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3ENGL 202C3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
CMPEN 2713Electives6
CMPEN 2751 
 16 16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EE 315*5EET 312*4
CMPEH 4724EET 331*4
MATH 230 (or MATH 250, MATH 408, MATH 430, MATH 444, MATH 446, STAT 200)4EE 3104
CMPSC 122 (or CMPSC 305, CMPSC 402, CMPSC 422)3CMPET 4034
 16 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
EET 4191EET 420W*3
CMPET Elective4CMPET 4013
CMPET Elective4CMPET 4021
Application Elective4EE 4853
Elective 4CMPEN 4313
 Elective3
 17 16
Total Credits 129-131
*

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

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University 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.

GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.

Program Notes:

The following courses are offered only in semesters as listed below.

  • Fall: PHYS 150, CMPEN 271, CMPEN 275, EE 315, CMPEH 472, MATH 230, MATH 430 EET 311
  • Spring: PHYS 151, MATH 250, EET 312, EET 331, EE 310, EE 485, CMPEN 431, CMPET 401, CMPET 402, CMPET 403

A.S. to B.S. Computer Engineering Technology Option: Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. at Harrisburg 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.

Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CHEM 1103CMPEN 4313General Education Courses
CHEM 1111EET 312*4 
EET 311*4EET 331*4 
ENGL 202C3MATH 230 (or MATH 250, MATH 408, MATH 430, MATH 444, MATH 446, STAT 200)4 
MATH 141‡†4General Education Course3 
General Education Course (GHW)1.5  
 16.5 18 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
EET 4191CMPET 4013 
General Education Course3CMPET 4021 
Application Elective 4CMPET 4034 
CMPET Elective4EET 420W*3 
CMPET Elective4General Education Course3 
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course3 
 17.5 17 
Total Credits 69

Program Notes:

NOTE: The following courses are offered only in semester as listed below.

  • Fall: EE 315, MATH 230, MATH 430 EET 311
  • Spring: EET 312, EET 331, EE 485, CMPEN 431, CMPET 401, CMPET 402, CMPET 403

Career Paths

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineering technologists work closely with electrical and electronics engineers and computer hardware engineers in the computer systems design services industry. Opportunities can be found in a variety of firms engaged in electronic manufacturing, industrial control, applications engineering, and in power utilities. EET graduates are encouraged to continue their professional development by taking the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination at the end of their senior year; the FE exam is a prerequisite for taking the Professional Engineering Examination.

Careers

  • Design, maintain, troubleshoot electronic circuits and systems. These range from power electronics, fiber optics, control systems, networking technologies, electronic systems, etc.
  • Strong focus on power generation and distribution.
  • Strong introduction to embedded systems.
  • Automation of facilities: From distribution centers to manufacturing plants.
  • Experience in the use of hardware used in instrumentation laboratories.
  • This program trains students in the same software as currently used by industry.

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Graduates of the EET program are eligible to pursue graduate studies in a variety of programs such as Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, etc.  In some cases prior to being accepted to these programs, graduates of the EET program may be required to take additional math courses.

Accreditation

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

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ABET ACCREDITATION

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

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY
Olmsted Building W256
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-4349
klb68@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/science-engineering-technology/electrical-engineering-technology-bs

Wilkes-Barre

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY AND COMMONWEALTH ENGINEERING
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9135
tjs37@psu.edu

https://wilkesbarre.psu.edu/academics/eet