Electrical Engineering Technology, A.A.S.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5310
Curriculum Code: 699.EET
Engineering & Technologies Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations: Math I, Math II, Math III
Recommended H.S. Courses and/or Experiences: Physics, Computer Skills
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Electronics, Computers, Communications, Instrumentation, Automation and Power; or Transfer to a four-year college BTech or BS program in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field.

Program Description

The Electrical Engineering Technology Program has enjoyed more than 50 years of service to the local community. It is the only AAS degree-granting electronics program in Western New York that is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.  This program prepares students for entry-level skills as technicians in the fields of electronics, computers, communications, instrumentation, automation and power. It also provides the basis for transferring to a four-year engineering technology program.

Faculty meet the highest standard of academic excellence for technician education. Their credentials include graduate degrees in engineering or a related field, along with professional engineering experiences that enrich the classroom presentation. A close liaison between the faculty and their industrial advisory council ensures that the curriculum content prepares the graduate for entry into the local job market.

The objectives of the Electrical Engineering Technology Program are to:

• obtain employment as a technician in fields of engineering such as design, research, development, applications, testing, manufacturing, processing, safety, quality, and technical sales or service;
• achieve positions of increased responsibility (technical and/or supervisory) within an organization; and 
• progress through advanced degree or certificate programs or participate in continuing education in engineering, business, and/or other professionally related fields.

Students are presented a solid foundation in electrical and electronics theory along with hands-on laboratory experience. Computer simulation and applications are an integral part of the curriculum.

Although the program adheres to rigorous academic standards, students whose high school experience is deficient are offered remedial courses. Faculty consultation, tutoring and schedule adjustments are also available for students.

Graduates find employment in electronics, utility industries and other fields requiring electrical and electronics technicians. Our graduates may select from a variety of job types including electronic repair, prototyping, testing, field service, industrial sales, maintenance, customer support and technical writing. Many students also continue their education at a four-year school directly after graduation.

Accreditation

The Electrical Engineering Technology curriculum is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

Certifications

Graduates of the Electrical Engineering Technology Program may be ready to pursue certifications from a number of organizations depending on technical elective choices:

International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET): www.iscet.org

Electronics Technicians Association International: www.eta-i.org

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP): www.nabcep.org

International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics (iNARTE): www.narte.org

Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

• Commercial Radio Operator License: wireless.fcc.gov/commoperators/index.htm
• Amateur Radio Service: wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm

Scholarships

Departmental scholarships are awarded depending on the corporate and professional society grants that are received.

Licensure Compliance Statement

Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified. The Electrical Engineering Technology/AAS program at SUNY Erie Community College is registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State. Through a good faith effort, and for the purpose of complying with the federal regulation, we have determined that Electrical Engineering Technology/AAS program at SUNY Erie Community College does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in any other U.S. State.  However, it is important to note that SUNY Erie Community College is not the licensure/certification authority in any U.S. State and cannot assess whether an individual candidate will be issued a license/certificate in any U.S. State and instead it is incumbent on each individual candidate to contact the licensure/certification authority in the applicable U.S. State for any further guidance on the requirements for licensure/certification requirements and application processes.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, the graduate will be qualified in dealing with the following items and their associated tasks:   

1. apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve well-defined engineering problems such as building, testing, operation, and maintenance of electrical/electronic systems;
2. apply circuit analysis and design, computer programming, associated software, analog and digital electronics, microcomputers and engineering standards to the design and/or building, testing, operation, and maintenance of electrical/electronic(s) systems;
3. apply written, oral, and graphical communication in well-defined technical and non-technical environments; and identify and use appropriate technical literature;
4. demonstrate the ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results; and
5. function effectively as a member of a technical team.

Curriculum

Total Degree Credits: 64.0