Mar 28, 2024  
2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Engineering Technology (ETA) (A.T.)


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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’s degree options:

Construction engineering technology option (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 option (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)


Programming language electives (6 credit hours)


Choose two courses from:

Computer systems technology electives (9 credit hours)


Choose three courses from:

Other requirements (27 credit hours)


Digital media technology option (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)


Computer systems technology electives (9 credit hours)


Choose three courses from:

Other requirements (24 credit hours)


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

Notes


These program requirements are under review and will be modified slightly to accommodate the new K-State 8 general education program. Please contact the department office for additional information.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Students who first enroll in Summer 2011 or later must meet the requirements of the K-State 8 General Education Program.

Students who began their programs of study in earlier terms under the University General Education (UGE) program may complete their degrees with UGE requirements or may choose to move to the K-State 8. Students should check with their academic advisors to determine which choice would be better. To switch, students must consult with their academic advisors.

Students who are readmitted in Summer 2011 and later will be designated as meeting the K-State 8 by the Office of Admissions. Deans’ offices can make an exception for the readmitted student who has completed UGE or who would prefer to complete UGE requirements.

K-State 8 policy for associate degree programs

A sound general education foundation is required of every K-State student, regardless of the major or the level of degree the student is seeking.  Students in K-State associate degree programs are required to meet a subset of the K-State 8 requirements that apply to bachelor’s degree programs. Specifically,

  • Each associate degree student’s plan of study will include courses that collectively are tagged with at least four of the K-State 8 areas.
  • The four K-State 8 areas may be chosen at the discretion of the student, in consultation with the student’s advisor.  Students are encouraged to enroll in a sufficient variety of courses to offer them a genuine breadth of experience.
  • At least two different course prefixes (MATH, PPIL, etc.) must be represented in the fulfillment of the K-State 8 requirements.
  • Students transferring into a K-State associate degree program from another institution are required to adhere to the rules stated above.

For additional information about the University General Education program, check the requirements specified by the College of Technology and Aviation. Please see the Registrar’s Office website for a current list of approved UGE courses. An Annotated UGE Course list provides brief catalog course descriptions.

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