Do you enjoy working and playing with computer hardware, software or electronics? Do you like learning about math and science and figuring out why things work the way they do? Are mathematical and logical puzzles – and trying to solve complex problems – your idea of fun?
If so, a career in computer engineering technology might be right for you! The Technology Studies: Computer Engineering Technology Option degree program at MxCC prepares students for transfer to institutions with Bachelor’s Degree programs in Computer Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Networking Technology, or other related fields, or for entry into computer-based industry positions such as:
- IT Professional (including Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, Systems Analyst, Support Specialist)
- Programmer or Software Developer
- Computer Technologist or Engineer (Hardware/Software)
Our program helps students develop skills in the building, testing, operation, and maintenance of computer systems and associated software systems. To do this, students gain background knowledge in the application of electric circuits, computer programming, software applications, computer hardware, computer networking, and engineering.
At MxCC, students learn how to apply science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to solve computer engineering technology problems. Along the way, they develop abilities to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and non-technical environments, and to identify and use appropriate technical literature. They learn new concepts and techniques as required for continuing professional development, and fully prepare to take the industry-based certification exams.
Associate in Science Degree
This program prepares students for transfer to institutions with Bachelor’s Degree programs in Computer Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Networking Technology, or other related fields, or for entry into computer-based industry positions. The objectives of this hands-on, technically oriented program include:
- Provide students with a background in electric circuits, computer hardware and software, networking, and engineering standards to the building, testing, operation, and maintenance of computer systems and associated software systems.
- Provide students with the ability to apply science, engineering, and mathematical analysis in solving computer engineering technology problems.
- Prepare students to take the industry-based certification exams.
- Develop students’ ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and non-technical environments.
- Develop students’ ability to learn new concepts and techniques as required for continuing professional development.
The target audience for this program includes both full and part time students with an interest in pursuing a career as an IT Professional (including Network Administrator, Systems Administrator, Systems Analyst, Support Specialist), Programmer/Software Developer, or Computer Technologist or Engineer (Hardware/Software). This is a College of Technology Pathway Program with articulation agreements with four year institutions. Successful completion of the program allows students to enter their junior year in the Computer Engineering Technology Program at Central Connecticut State University. Consultation with the Program Coordinator is strongly recommended if students wish to transfer to other related programs or other institutions.
Graduation Checklist
Technology Studies: Computer Engineering Technology Option Degree – Graduation Checklist
A Graduation Checklist is a printable list of course requirements you will use when you meet with your academic advisor each semester. The checklist helps you keep track of your progress from when you first enter MxCC to when you are ready to graduate.
Technology Studies: Computer Engineering Option Degree Requirements by Semester
First Semester (Fall) | 17 Credits |
| Aesthetic Dimensions Elective | General Education Requirement:
Aesthetic Dimensions | 3 |
| Historical Knowledge Elective | General Education Requirement:
Historical Knowledge | 3 |
| CST*141, Computer Hardware | Program Requirement | 4 |
| ENG*101, Composition (or ENG*101E or ENG*101 ALP) | General Education Requirement:
Written Communication I | 3 |
MAT*254, Calculus I
Note: You may have to take prerequisite Math courses if you do not place into MAT*254 | Program Requirement | 4 |
Second Semester (Spring) | | 15 Credits |
| COM*173, Public Speaking | General Education Requirement:
Oral Communication in English | 3 |
| ECN*102, Microeconomics | General Education Requirement:
Social Phenomena (1 of 2) | 3 |
| ENG*202,Technical Writing | General Education Requirement:
Written Communication II | 3 |
| CSC*101, Intro to Computers | Program Requirement | 3 |
| MAT*167, Principles of Statistics | General Education Requirement:
Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
Third Semester (Fall) | | 16 Credits |
| CST*231, Data Communication and Networking | Program Requirement | 3 |
| CSC*105, Programming Logic | Program Requirement | 3 |
| EGR*111, Introduction to Engineering | General Education Requirement:
Scientific Knowledge & Understanding | 3 |
| PHY*121, General Physics I | General Education Requirement:
Scientific Reasoning | 4 |
| Philosophy (PHL*) Elective | Program Requirement | 3 |
Fourth Semester (Spring) | | 14 Credits |
| Social Phenomena Elective (2 of 2) | General Education Requirement:
Social Phenomena (2 of 2) | 3 |
| CSC*220, Object-Oriented Programming Using JAVA | Program Requirement | 3 |
| EGR*221, Introduction to Electric Circuit Analysis | Program Requirement | 4 |
| PHY*122, General Physics II | Program Requirement | 4 |
Total Program Credits: | | 62 |
TRANSFERABILITY
The Technology Studies: Computer Engineering Technology Option is a fully articulated College of Technology Pathway Program. Successful completion of the program allows students to enter their junior year in the Computer Engineering Technology Program at Central Connecticut State University. Consultation with the Program Coordinator is strongly recommended if students wish to transfer to other related programs or other institutions.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Computer engineering technology jobs are HOT! HOT! HOT!
Nationally, computers and networks continue to be among the leading technologies driving engineering job markets – especially as businesses and other organizations continue to integrate new technologies and streamline their computer systems. More computer engineers will be needed to implement technological changes as innovations become more sophisticated. Additionally, jobs will be created from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions, transfer to other occupations, or leave the labor force.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment for computer occupations will grow 22 percent between 2010 and 2020, faster than the average growth of 14.3 percent. Among computer occupations, software developers – systems software are projected to grow 32.4 percent. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, Computer Engineering and Engineering Technology were among highest-paid majors in 2012-13 with the starting salaries between $62,200 and $71,700.
In Connecticut, computer-related occupations are projected to be among the fastest growing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) occupations (over the ten-year period from 2008 to 2018). The top hot jobs in this sector are:
- Computer software engineers
- Computer systems analysts
- Network systems and data communications analysts
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