Oct 07, 2024  
2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Engineering Technology (ETA) (A.T.)


The associate of technology degree options in engineering technology emphasize the application of scientific and engineering principles. These options allow students to specialize in construction engineering technology, digital media technology, mechanical engineering technology, electronic and computer engineering technology, computer systems technology, and web development technology. Each program gives students a strong foundation in mathematics, communications, and computer applications, plus option-specific technical courses and electives prepare graduates for many diverse occupations in business and industry. The significant amount of laboratory work assures that students will be immediately productive upon graduation.

Associate Degree Options:

Construction engineering technology (ETA-CN)


The construction engineering technology curriculum focuses on both general building construction and heavy highway construction. The option emphasizes the application of technology and engineering principles in the construction industry. This knowledge is based on a foundation of mathematics, physical science, communications, and personnel  relations.

The construction engineering technology curriculum provides a hands-on learning environment emphasizing labs and field work that utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and software. Facilities include well-equipped computer laboratories for computer-aided design and drafting (CAD), estimating, and project planning. Modern electronic surveying equipment gives students experience in site layout for construction projects. Other construction laboratory facilities are devoted to soil, aggregate, and concrete testing, electrical and mechanical systems equipment, and materials strength testing equipment.

Graduates of the construction engineering technology option perform a variety of job functions, including materials testing, site surveying, cost estimating, project coordination, and many other management functions on both building and highway construction projects.

The associate degree program in construction engineering technology is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012. Telephone: (410) 347-7700. Website: www.abet.org.

Associate degree requirements (64 credit hours)


Freshman year


Sophomore year


Computer systems technology (ETA-CP)


The computer systems technology curriculum places strong emphasis on the areas of programming, networking, computer hardware, and commercial software. The curriculum’s technical elective block provides the opportunity to select courses in a wide range of computer technology topics. The curriculum emphasizes program design skills to develop fundamental problem solving in multiple computer programming languages. Practical computer applications are developed using structured design and programming methodologies. Networking and related classes emphasize application and implementation of current technology. Class assignments and a significant amount of laboratory work prepare students for real-life projects.

Associate degree requirements (66 credit hours)


Freshman year


Sophomore year


Fall semester (18 credit hours)


  • Level 2 programming language elective Credits: (3)
  • Computer systems technology elective  Credits: (3)
  • Computer systems technology elective Credits: (3)
  • Humanities/social science/business elective Credits: (3)

Spring semester (16 credit hours)


  • Level 2 programming language elective Credits: (3)
  • Computer systems technology elective Credits: (3)
  • Humanities/social science/business elective Credits: (3)
  • Science elective/lab Credits: (4)

Level 2 programming language electives


Select level 2 programming language electives from the following list. Other programming electives may be used, if approved by the ETA-CP program coordinator.

Computer systems technology electives


Select computer systems technology electives from the following list. Other electives may be used, if approved by the ETA-CP program coordinator.

Digital media technology (ETA-DM)


The digital media technology curriculum prepares students to become effective users of digital media technology for communicating with a 21st century global audience. It includes courses in visual literacy, computer graphics software applications, multimedia technologies such as digital video and audio, digital photography, computer programming, hardware administration in which you assemble computers and install software, and networking technology.

Associate degree requirements (66 credit hours)


Freshman year


Sophomore year


Fall semester (18 credit hours)


  • Computer systems technology elective Credits: (3)
  • Humanities/social science elective Credits: (3)

Spring semester (16 credit hours)


  • Computer systems technology elective Credits: (3)
  • Comptuer systems technology elective Credits: (3)
  • Science elective with lab Credits: (4)

Electronic and computer engineering technology (ETA-EC)


The electronic and computer engineering technology curriculum emphasizes the theory and application of electronic circuits, instrumentation, and systems. Numerous laboratory experiences reinforce the concepts taught in the classroom. Course work in this curriculum includes a strong foundation in basic circuit theory, semiconductor applications, digital systems, microprocessor programming and interfacing, plus essential concepts in mathematics, science, and interpersonal communications.

Electronic and computer engineering technicians work in all areas of the electronics industry, including industrial control electronics, communications, and digital systems. These individuals work closely with electronic engineering technologists, electrical engineers, computer scientists, and other professionals in the design, development, marketing, and maintenance of electronic products and systems.

The associate degree program in electronic and computer engineering technology is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012. Telephone: (410) 347-7700. Website: www.abet.org.

Associate degree requirements (68 credit hours)


Freshman year


Sophomore year


Spring semester (18 credit hours)


  • Humanities/social science elective Credits: (3)

Mechanical engineering technology (ETA-MT)


The mechanical engineering technology program prepares graduates for applied mechanical and manufacturing engineering-related careers with a hands-on, practical approach. The program emphasizes understanding how engineering principles are applied in practice, rather than purely the mathematical methods used.

The mechanical engineering technology program is built upon a strong foundation of science, mathematics, and applied technical courses designed to meet the diverse needs of the industrial workforce. Mechanical engineering technology concepts are used in all types of industry and are directly applied to product design and manufacturing. Courses in technical graphics with CAD, manufacturing processes, materials, material strength and testing, computer numerical control, automated manufacturing systems, machine design, quality control, and economics provide the student with a broad range of expertise for a career in mechanical engineering technology.

Graduates of the mechanical engineering technology program work within engineering teams in applied design, project management, product development, testing, manufacturing, plant operations, maintenance, or technical sales. Associate degree graduates accept jobs as engineering technicians, engineering aides, plant operation and maintenance staff, layout staff, production assistants, and technical sales staff.

The associate degree program in mechanical engineering technology is accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012. Telephone: (410) 347-7700. Website: www.abet.org.

Associate degree requirements (68 credit hours)


Freshman year


Sophomore year


Web development technology (ETA-WD)


The web development technology program builds a foundation in computer science and applies these concepts to the world of e-commerce and website development. All students take introductory classes in operating systems and program design. The program also includes courses in programming and network administration.

Students interested in programming-oriented careers will find the curriculum challenging and rewarding. Students obtain experience with client-side programming, server-side programming, video and audio streaming, as well as database integration and other ways to make the web an effective tool for business.

Students also learn project management and the use of timetables and other organizational techniques. Software tools including Flash, DreamWeaver, and Javascript are utilized, but the main curriculum emphasis is on programming solutions to actual problems.

Associate degree requirements (66 credit hours)


Freshman year


Sophomore year


Fall semester (18 credit hours)


  • Humanities/social science/business elective Credits: (3)
  • Level 2 programming language elective Credits: (3)
    see list under ETA-CP heading

Spring semester (16 credit hours)


  • Humanities/social science elective Credits: (3)
  • Science elective/lab Credits: (4)
  • Level 2 programming language elective Credits: (3)
    see list under ETA-CP heading