Computer Engineering Technology (BS)

The computer engineering technology program provides the knowledge and skills necessary for employment as technologists who are capable of installing, designing, supporting, and maintaining computer systems and networks. This is a hands-on, technically oriented program with a focus on computer system hardware and network infrastructure, but does include software development and operating systems work. The program is designed to prepare students for the rigorous professional certification examinations leading to certifications as CompTIA A+ and Network+, Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

The computer engineering technology, electromechanical engineering technology, and electrical engineering technology programs have a common first semester and only minor differences in the second semester. This was designed to allow students the flexibility to change majors should they choose. The first year of the computer engineering technology program provides students with a foundation of knowledge in digital and electronic circuits and math, as well as an introduction to computer systems and networking. Students can earn their A+ and Network+ certifications in this first year, providing them with a marketable employment credential. In the following years the program continues developing skills in computer hardware, operating systems and networking. During the second year of course work, three additional certification examinations will earn the student the Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) title. Additional examinations in the final two years of the program will earn the Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) titles.

In the fourth year of the program, students have the option of staying on campus and taking courses or applying for the internship program. The internship program provides real-world experience for students by having them work for an entire semester at a company. In order to qualify for the internship program, students must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 (out of a possible 4.0), and maintain an average GPA within this major concentration of 2.5.

Although the professional certifications and job titles listed overlap with information technology (IT) program descriptions, IT programs typically do not have the technical course content in the circuits, computer hardware, and network infrastructure areas that the computer technology program has. Instead, IT programs focus more on software application areas such as database and Web programming and support areas such as network administration and user support.

Students may enter the bachelor of science program in computer engineering technology as freshmen for an eight-semester sequence, or in the fifth semester as transfer students with the appropriate technical background. Typically, graduates of AAS electrical engineering technology programs can be articulated to complete the bachelor program in two years. Additionally, students entering the bachelor of science program in computer engineering technology as freshmen can apply for an AAS degree in computer engineering technology upon completion of the AAS requirements (typically at the end of the fourth semester). This, along with professional certifications earned, can enable the student to obtain meaningful summer or part-time employment opportunities while completing studies.

A laptop computer is required for students entering the computer engineering technology program. The College will provide a list of appropriate laptops and wireless modem cards in April to all students who have been accepted to attend Alfred State College. Some courses may require specialized tools and/or electronic components.

The BS in computer engineering technology program produces graduates who:

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics and science using critical thinking and creative skills to solve computer engineering problems;
2. Function professionally with effective communication and with ethical responsibility as individuals and as members of a multidisciplinary team;
3. Continuously improve and engage in life-long learning and adapt to a technologically advancing society;
4. Apply knowledge of contemporary issues and anticipate the impact of computer engineering solutions on industry and the general public;
5. Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary to support computer engineering practice;
6. Design computer engineering systems, components, or processes to meet industry needs;
7. Design computer engineering experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data to support the problem solving process and project design.