Spring 2022 Advising Sessions!

Get a head start by coming to one of the open advising sessions!

Reminder: Some instructors are even offering extra credit if you show you’ve signed up for Spring classes.

Dr. Harris will be available in room 4111 of the Advanced Technology Center building on Central Campus.

  • Monday November 1 from 11:00am until 3:00pm.
  • Wednesday November 3rd from 1:30pm until 3:00pm
  • Thursday November 4th from 1:30pm until 3:00pm

Come and ask all the questions you have!

We’ll plan out the remainder of your semesters here at Central Piedmont and get you on your way to a job or UNCC in no time flat!

Differences between Computer and Electrical Disciplines

We often get students who say “I want to work with Computers” or “I want to work with Electronics.” “Working with Computers”  is so broad that it could mean your day job consists of doing 100% and never touching anything other than a mouse and keyboard, or soldering microchips to circuit boards. This post will help differentiate the certificate and degree programs offered in each are here at Central Piedmont.

On the left side of the scale above we have Computer Information Technology also known as IT. We have an entire division devoted to different IT certificates and degrees. They include fields such as Business analysts, Database Development, Digital Forensics  (protect from hackers), Networking Administration, Full stack programming (front-end and back end web development) Software development, and Cloud technologies. Some classes even help you earn industry certifications CompTIA and Cisco. You can see all the different programs here. These 2-year Applied Associate of Arts (AAS) programs will be all computer coding and configuration with little to no hardware involved.

Next we have Computer Science, also known as Software Engineering depending on the university. These programs are 4-year transfer options only. Graduates of Central Piedmont’s transfer degree would expect to join a University program and earn a Bachelors of Software Engineering (B.SE) or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS). Many of Central Piedmont’s Associate of Science (AS) students transfer to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Computer Science department. With these degrees, typically the computer hardware is purchased and students are using and configuring it if any is used at all.

Then we have Computer Engineering and Computer Engineering Technology. These are two different fields fields (Please see our previous post on this.) These programs begin to introduce more circuit elements into the curriculum. Students may be soldering together different circuit boards as well as writing a lot of the software to control them. Engineering students will design processors while Engineering Technology students will design digital circuits and program processors among other techniques. Central Piedmont offers the Associates in Engineering (for computer engineering) and Computer Engineering Technology programs to train students in these fields.

Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Electronics Engineering Technology. These fields deal more with electrical circuitry and electrical power distribution. Topics may also include process and motor control systems. Again, please see our page describing how these programs differ from one another. Electrical Engineering students would be in the Associates in Engineering program. For students who want to work after 2 years AND transfer to a university to finish a Bachelors in Engineering Technology (BSET), we offer the Electronics Engineering Technology program. For student who would like to move into industry as fast as possible or are interested in the power industry and control systems (such as used in automation controls) we offer the Electrical Engineering Technology program. While students in these three program will still learn to program, much of the focus is on the design, implementation, maintenance and control of hardware. Building the circuits that power our world.

The Engineering Math Continuum (Difference between Engineering Technology and Engineering)

When someone says “I want to be an engineer”  it is important to know where their interests lie along a scale between application of technology, and the math required to develop new technologies.

Applications based programs are what the name implies. The focus of these fields are all about installing and maintaining systems. Since there isn’t any development, there’s not much high-level math required. Algebra is used with these jobs, but for the most part it isn’t incredibly advanced. At Central Piedmont, we have many programs that deal with application of technology. Since this blog is about the Computer, Electrical, and Electronics fields the program that best fits this is the Electrical Systems Technology program. The first required math class is MAT 110, Mathematical Measurement and Literacy and the highest level is MAT 171, Precalculus Algebra.

The next level is Engineering Technology. Hey, that’s me! These programs start with MAT 171 Precalculus as the first required math course and build up to calculus 1 or calculus 2 from there. We use the higher-level math with more advanced circuit analysis techniques starting with your first circuits course ELC-131 Circuits I in your first semester. These classes have a lot of hands on learning in the lab, but we also cover a bit of theory as well. Employers might expect you to be able to do a little design work as well as installing and maintain systems. We offer two degrees at this level that focus on electronics and it can be a bit confusing… Both of the Engineering Technology degrees described below can get you a job and transfer to a university if you’d like, we have different recommendations for each of those goals.

Students typically arrive with a goal of either finishing the 2-year degree (applied associates of arts or “AAS”) and getting a job in the industry, or transferring to university to complete 2 additional years and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology (BSET). The best option for workforce development (getting a job after the AAS) is the Electrical Engineering Technology program. Students in this program will either get an internship and spend time with a company, or they will earn the OSHA-30 occupational safety certificate. These experiences set students up to be valuable employees in the industry.

For students who want to transfer, the best option for students who would like to complete a 4-year degree is our Electronics Engineering Technology program. We’ve worked with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Electrical Engineering Technology (ELET) program to provide the smoothest transition possible for students. “Wait” I hear you say “Why does the Electronics AAS transfer to the Electrical bachelors degree?”  Well… It is because universities and community colleges are controlled by two different organizations and each has their own requirements. It turns out that the program with the most transferrable credits is our Electronics ET AAS degree. Check out our page on transferring Engineering Technology degrees here.

The next level in the scale is Engineering. And I can hear you saying “I thought we just covered that…”  But we haven’t. Traditional engineering is also called “Engineering Science” and is a separate discipline than Engineering Technology. Even at the university level, these are two completely different programs, often with different professors for each program. Engineering degrees require at least 4 years of instruction. You can earn the first 2 years of the Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) at Central Piedmont in the Associates of Engineering program which is a “transfer only” program. Engineering is a calculus-heavy program, regardless of whether it is Mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering focused. The first circuits class you’ll take in this program require Calculus 2 as a Pre-req! Other math requirements of the degree are Calc. 3 , differential equations and Linear algebra. In fact many Engineering students take just a few extra classes and earn a full Minor in Mathematics along the way. Since most of the classes are the math requirements of a BSEE degree, you don’t take many circuits classes in the first two years. You’ll then transfer to a university’s Computer or Electrical Engineering program. Most of our students go to UNCC, but we’ve had graduates accepted everywhere including high-ranking schools such as Clemson, Rose-Hulman, and MIT.  Graduates of these programs are designing and implementing solutions to all sorts of engineering problems all over the world.

The next stop on the scale is Physics, or  “Theoretical Engineering”. This is a very math-heavy degree and there’s very little manual application in the same sense of the previous three disciplines describe. Physicists will work closely alongside engineers in designing new systems, for example, nuclear reactors. Since so few physics students would be interested in this webpage, I’ll keep this section brief.

The final stop on the scale is Pure Mathematics. Mathematicians work alongside physicists, Engineers and Computer Scientists to help design and implement new systems and gain important new insights in a variety of fields. Again, fewer of these folks are in the program here so I’ll keep this section brief.

Quick takeaways and info:

  • At the 4-year degree level, “Engineering” Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) is different than Bachelors of science in “Engineering Technology” (BSET).
  • 2-year Applied Associates of Arts (AAS) engineering technology graduates are called “technicians”
  • 4-year Bachelors of science in Engineering Technology graduates are called “technologists”
  • After a 4 year degree and once in the workforce, the pay difference for ET versus engineering is similar.
  • Depending on the state, ET graduates can take the Fundamental of Engineering and Professional Engineering exam. North Carolina board of Examiners for Engineers will allow ET students to become “Engineer in Training” and (EIT) “Professional Engineers” (PE)

Fall 2020 (and beyond) Scholarship Opportunities

There are a lot of great scholarship opportunities for Technical students that you should check out right now. It will be worth your time to take a look and apply for each of these:

Additional support of different types that we’d like to make you aware of:

First Annual Engineering Technology Career Fair March 25, 2020

Lots of great companies are coming on campus to the Advanced Technology Center building specifically to meet and hire you! (A list of some of the companies is below the image).

Be sure to come early, dress nicely, and make a good impression.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you plan to meet with the FBI, they would like you to bring a resume (email and set up an appointment with your advisor with help creating a resume) and this background check permission form and they will interview you that day.

Engineering Technologies Division Featured Employer Showcase Who: Attention Students! This event is for you! What: 20+ Local Employers discussing career options in the ATC! When: March 25th 2020 from 3:00pm – 6:00pm Where: Advanced Technology Center (All floors) Why: Network, ask questions, see your future up close! Discussion Topics: • Company culture • Career pathways • Skills desired • Tuition reimbursement options • Desired degree’s • Location, travel opportunities, work shifts If you are in one of the below programs you should attend! Associate in Engineering Biomedical Equipment Technology Civil Engineering Technology Computer Engineering Technology Computer Integrated Machining Technology Electrical Engineering Technology Electronics Engineering Technology Geomatics Technology Mechanical Engineering Technology Mechatronics Engineering Technology

Here are some of the companies joining

  • Occupancy Heroes Incorporated
  • Universal Engineering Sciences
  • The FBI. Job Description 1, Job Description 2, Background check permission form
  • Piedmont Machine & Manufacturing
  • REI Engineers
  • Oerlikon  Job description
  • Maser Consulting
  • GTA Associates
  • Genpak
  • Porta North America
  • Campbells Snacks
  • SUMMIT Engineering, Laboratory & Testing
  • Piedmont Polymers & Fabrication
  • Weeks Marine Inc.
  • Frito-Lay, Inc.
  • Plastiflex
  • Hyper Networks, Inc
  • Czech-Mate Enterprises, LLC
  • Structure Medical

Gas and Electric Bill Assistance

Mecklenburg County department of social services is offering to help students by providing funds to help pay utility bills.

Call 704-330-6435 or stop by for more information:
Central Campus  March 18, 2020 11am-3pm in Central high room 113 or

Harris Campus March 17, 2020 4:30pm-6pm Harris 1 Room 2240

Gas and electric bill assistance

Fall 2019 Advising Sessions

Registration for Spring 2020 classes begins soon. Be sure you know what courses to sign up for by coming to our open advising sessions. See the schedule below, All will be held in room 4103. If you cannot make it to these sessions, check who your advisor is in mycollege and email them for an appointment. Depending on the catalog year of the program you are in, your classes might be different than the flyers posted below.

Check out our Program Flowcharts page to see the flowchart of recommended classes and which semester to take them in:

Did you also know that if you are in Computer, Electrical or Electronics ET that you will take all the classes required to earn the certificate in Electrical ETYou MUST request to have this certificate added to your profile by an advisor otherwise it won’t appear on your transcript!  Your advisor might also need to submit a course substitution for the math if you have taken a high level than MAT 121.

If these times don’t work for you (for instance, you work full time and can only meet after 5pm) please reach out to your advisor listed in your myCollege, or email any of the advisors on the Faculty and Staff page to see their schedule and set up an appointment. All faculty advisors are teaching night classes this semester and would be happy to assist you.

(Mrs Davis) Tuesday 9am-11am (Oct 29 and Nov 5th) (Dr. Harris) Wednesday 9-11am (Oct 30 and Nov 6) (Dr. Harris) Thursday 2-4pm (Oct 31 and Nov 7th)

 

Program Changes and Registration

Registration for Fall classes has already begun.Be sure to meet with an advisor in the Computer, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering Technology department. You can see them all under the heading “Full-time Instructors and Advisors” on the Faculty and Staff Page.

We are offering both technical courses we recommend for your first semester over summer for the first time! ELC 131 Circuits 1 and ELN 133 Digital Logic are both scheduled over summer so new entrants to the programs can get a head start on their technical courses. Check them out now on Schedule Builder!

We will be offering a new course for the 2019-2020 catalog year Electronics ET and Computer ET programs called EGR 110 Intro to Engineering Technology. This course is needed if you transfer to UNCC before getting your AAS degree. It will be similar to our famous EGR 150 Intro to Engineering course in the Associates of Engineering (AE) degree program and promises to be a lot of fun. It is an overview of Engineering Technology disciplines as well as introducing study skills, metacognition, and engineering ethics concepts. This is only a requirement of the 2019-202 catalog year Computer and Electronics ET programs (see below for more details on this).

Each of our degree programs have recently undergone heavy changes. Unless you are a new student, nothing will change with your current curriculum plan. Don’t Worry! These changes only affect those who are joining the programs in Fall 2019 and beyond, or those students who update their catalog years. The total number of required credit hours for each of the programs has dropped. It may benefit you to update your catalog year and graduate sooner!  Meet with an advisor to see if this is a possibility. While all three programs are designed for workforce development. For a quick review of what has changed:

  • Electronics Engineering Technology
    • Dropped from 71 credit hours to only 68 credit hours
    • The focus of this degree is now to prepare students for university transfer into a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (BSET).
    • Includes EGR 110 Intro to Engineering Technology
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
    • Dropped from 75 credit hours to only 69 credit hours
    • Focus is now on Workforce Development, with built-in Co-op or Industrial Safety OSHA 30 certification opportunities
  • Computer Engineering Technology
    • Dropped to 71 Credit hours for the entire degree
    • Includes the opportunities for CompTIA  A+, CCENT, and LabVIEW Industry certifications.
    • Includes EGR 110 Intro to Engineering Technology

Advising Session Workshops

Though advising is not required at CPCC, students who advise in with someone in the CEEET department have a fat higher chance of successfully meeting their goals and completing their degrees. Even if you have already signed up for classes for Spring semester, you can benefit from advising, especially if you plan to graduate soon or transfer to UNCC any time in the next few years. We can help you plan your entire time in our program at CPCC until your graduation date! We will be holding advising multiple advising sessions over the next two weeks.

(Click image for full flyer)

 

If you cannot make it to these sessions, there’s still help available as always from our Full-time staff and advisors listed on our Faculty and Staff page. Simply drop by their office hours or email to set up an appointment with them.