Program Description
Vermont State University’s Associate of Engineering in Electrical Engineering Technology program students begin training in their specific engineering field during the first semester. Core engineering training consists of technical math, calculus, and physics. Most field-specific courses consist of three hours of lecture and three hours in the laboratory each week. During the last semester of the associate degree program, students are required to create their own projects which they formally prepare and present. Students who pursue an AE in Electrical Engineering Technology have the option to continue their education at VTSU and pursue a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electromechanical Engineering Technology, or Business Technology & Management.
A similar but more complex project is required of students completing the bachelor’s degree program.
Electrical systems are everywhere, and all employ similar underlying principles. Electrical engineering technology applies these principles to the design of systems, installation and maintenance of electronics, and operation of such systems as computers, telecommunications, smart grids, and power supplies.
The impact and widespread use of electrical systems, with embedded software, in everyday life cannot be overstated. Systems as diverse as computers, cell phones, smart grids, and wind turbines are everywhere and employ similar underlying principles. Graduates in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) are well prepared to work on these systems and many others. These graduates will be key players in the development of sustainable technologies, transforming energy applications in the coming decades.
VTSU engineering students are guided from basic to advanced principles with equal parts classroom and laboratory training. Theory learned in the classroom is reinforced by laboratory exercises in EET classes. Laboratories are equipped with instruments, power supplies, and controllers used widely in the industry. There are analog and digital laboratories on both program’s campuses. Students are tasked with independent projects, exposed to local employers, and encouraged to pursue their own interests in student-run clubs. Students, in consultation with their advisors, may develop a sequence of courses that best meets their pace, experience, and needs while still satisfying all degree requirements, including minimum required credits, and required program courses. Providing a solid foundation in the principles of research, design, and development combined with hands-on laboratory work, a VTSU engineering degree positions graduates to improve and invent virtually any system or technology and positively influence society’s progress in the future. Close association with local employers and recent graduates keeps the program’s curriculum relevant and up to date.
Graduates of the EET program find work in any number of challenging positions. As engineering technicians, they may participate in such varied activities as research, development, design, production, or manufacturing of complex electrical, electronic, or electromechanical products. Testing, quality control, marketing, installation, and customer service are among the job opportunities available.
The program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Program Outcomes
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Apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve well-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline
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Design solutions for well-defined technical problems and assist with the engineering design of systems, components, or processes appropriate to the discipline
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Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in well-defined technical and nontechnical environments and identify and use appropriate technical literature
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Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments related to the discipline and analyze and interpret results
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Function effectively as a member of a technical team 6. Be aware of public health and safety considerations; local and global impacts of engineering solutions on individuals, organizations, and society; diversity and inclusion awareness; and the need for quality and continuous improvement and understand professional, ethical, and social responsibilities.
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