Computer Engineering Technology Major (B.S.)

Computer Engineering Technology Major (B.S.)
Computer Engineering Technology

Design, Develop and Innovate in the Digital World

Launch or advance your career in one of today’s fastest-growing fields with the computer engineering technology bachelor’s degree program at UNH Manchester. This program blends hardware and software expertise, preparing you to design, test and maintain cutting-edge computing systems. With hands-on experience and industry-aligned coursework, you’ll graduate ready to meet the demand for skilled computer engineers in fields like embedded systems, networking, digital signal processing and more.


What is Computer Engineering Technology?

Computer Engineering Technology (CET) is the fusion of hardware and software engineering, focusing on the design, development and testing of computing systems. Unlike traditional electrical engineering, CET emphasizes both programming and digital hardware, preparing graduates to work with microcontrollers, networking and system architecture. This discipline is essential in industries like telecommunications, automation and cybersecurity, where professionals bridge the gap between electronics and computing solutions.

Why Study Computer Engineering Technology at UNH Manchester?

The computer engineering technology program at UNH Manchester is designed to prepare students for the evolving demands of the tech industry. With an industry-driven curriculum, you’ll gain hands-on experience in embedded systems, digital design, networking and programming using cutting-edge technology. Our strong industry connections and focus on software-hardware integration provide seamless pathways to high-demand careers in fields like cybersecurity, telecommunications, automation and more. Small class sizes and expert faculty ensure a supportive, personalized learning environment, while our affordable and flexible options allow you to earn a UNH degree in a way that fits your goals.

Potential Careers

  • Computer Hardware Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Digital Systems Designer
  • Embedded Systems Engineer
  • IoT (Internet of Things) Developer
  • Network Systems Administrator
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Software-Hardware Integration Specialist
  • Systems Analyst
  • Telecommunications Engineer
Contact
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Phone: (603) 641-4322
Office: Applied Engineering & Sciences, 88 Commercial Street, RM 103, Manchester, NH 03101
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Explore Program Details

Computer Engineering Lab

The computer engineering lab provide hands-on experience in digital system design and embedded computing. Equipped with advanced FPGA development boards, the lab bridges the gap between theory and real-world application, allowing students to design, simulate and implement digital circuits using industry-standard hardware description languages in preparation for careers in hardware design, embedded systems and computing architecture.

Electrical Engineering Lab

The electrical engineering lab houses 10 uniform stations, each equipped with an oscilloscope, industry-standard CAD software and more to give you the hands-on experience that puts you ahead.

Machine Shop

Equipped with vertical and horizontal milling machines, a computer numerical controlled milling machine, a lathe, various saws and a disc sander, the machine shop gives students hands-on skills in mechanical fabrication and testing, better preparing them for high-demand manufacturing roles.

Capstone Lab

Equipped with electronic workspaces, soldering stations, 3D printers and more, the capstone lab offers creative space for seniors working on their culminating projects.

The Computer Engineering Technology program at UNH Manchester equips graduates with the skills needed to design, develop, and maintain computing hardware and software systems. With the increasing demand for professionals who specialize in embedded systems, networking, and cybersecurity, career opportunities in this field continue to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and hardware engineering-related fields is projected to grow steadily, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Engineering technology graduates consistently earn top starting salaries among STEM majors. In its annual salary survey, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that engineering technology graduates have some of the highest average starting salaries in the field. At UNH Manchester, our strong industry connections ensure students have direct pathways to employment, with many graduates securing positions within six months of graduation. Additionally, the program directly supports New Hampshire’s workforce needs, with the majority of graduates launching successful careers within the state

IAB meeting minutes

  • Barbara Bancroft, NCC
  • Shawn Banker, UNH Durham
  • JD Bell, EPE Corporation
  • Celine Bilodeau, Eversource
  • Alex Chretien, Jetboil intern
  • Adam Connolly, BAE Systems
  • Joseph Cunningham, NHTI
  • Oliver Holt, BAE Systems
  • Ken Jones, Previously BAE Sys.
  • Dave Lamprey, Osram Sylvania
  • Christopher Libby, Velcro
  • Dave Luneau, Classco Inc.
  • Frank Maliski, Kleenline LLC
  • Don Marcotte, NCC
  • Keith McBrien, GDS Associates
  • Jack Olson, Texas Instruments
  • Ed Piekiek, Mitre
  • Frank Polito, NHTI
  • Jeff Setrin, Safran 
  • Erich Whitney, Mitre
  • Olaf Zwickau, USA Balancing

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The Engineering Technology program objectives are the skills and abilities graduates are expected to demonstrate during the first few years of employment, which include:

  • Achieving employment in an engineering technology-related position with appropriate title and compensation.
  • Demonstrating engineering technology-related technical problem-solving skills.
  • Functioning effectively in diverse and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Adapting to changes in technology through continuous personal and professional development.
  • Being capable of assuming increasing professional responsibility.
  • Conducting all professional activities with integrity, and demonstrating a sense of social and environmental responsibility.

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY STUDENT OUTCOMES

Educational outcomes for students in the Engineering Technology program include, but are not limited to, the following learned capabilities:

  • An ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
  • An ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
  • An ability to select and apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline to broadly defined engineering technology activities.
  • An ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes.
  • An ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical team.
  • An ability to identify, analyze, and solve broadly defined engineering technology problems.
  • An ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
  • An understanding of the need for and an ability to engage in self-directed continuing professional development.
  • An understanding of and a commitment to address professional and ethical responsibilities including a respect for diversity.
  • A knowledge of the impact of engineering technology solutions in a societal and global context.
  • A commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.

COMPUTER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY STUDENT OUTCOMES

  • The application of engineering principles to analyze and solve technical challenges in computing and automation.
  • The ability to integrate hardware and software through development, testing and troubleshooting of computer firmware.
  • The ability to design and program microcontrollers, digital circuits and embedded devices for real-world applications.
  • The application of networking protocols, data communication and security principles to protect digital infrastructure.
  • The ability to create and optimize digital logic systems and evaluate and improve computing architectures for performance, efficiency and reliability.

Curriculum & Requirements

Computer Engineering Technology (CET) is the fusion of hardware and software engineering, focusing on the design, development and testing of computer firmware. Unlike traditional electrical engineering, CET emphasizes both programming and digital hardware, preparing graduates to work with microcontrollers, networking and system architecture. This discipline is essential in industries like telecommunications, automation and cybersecurity, where professionals bridge the gap between electronics and computing solutions.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
MATH 418 Analysis and Applications of Functions 4
ENGL 401 First-Year Writing 4
ET 431 Circuit Analysis I 4
COMP 424 Applied Computing 1: Foundations of Programming 4
 Credits16
Spring
MATH 425 Calculus I 4
ET 421 Digital Electronics I 4
ET 432 Circuit Analysis II 4
COMP 550 Networking Concepts 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
MATH 426 Calculus II 4
ET 522 Digital Electronics II 4
ET 541 Electronic Devices 4
COMP 525 Data Structures Fundamentals 4
 Credits16
Spring
ET 590 Embedded Microcontrollers 4
PHYS 407 General Physics I 4
COMP 530 Machine and Network Architecture 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Third Year
Fall
ET 680 Communications and Fields 4
ET 671 Digital Systems 4
COMP Elective 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
ET 625 Technical Communications 4
ET 660 FPGA Design with HDL 4
COMP 625 Data Structures and Algorithms 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Fourth Year
Fall
COMP 560 Ethics and the Law in the Digital Age 4
COMP 720 Database Systems and Technologies 4
ET 791 Electrical Engineering Technology Project 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
ECON 401 Principles of Economics (Macro) 4
ET 791 Electrical Engineering Technology Project 4
ET 788 Introduction to Digital Signal Processing 4
Discovery Course 4
 Credits16
 Total Credits128

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements
Foreign Language Requirement: No

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Courses required in the major must be completed with a minimum grade of C- and students must attain a minimum GPA in the major of 2.0.

Required Courses
COMP 424Applied Computing 1: Foundations of Programming4
COMP 525Data Structures Fundamentals4
COMP 530Machine and Network Architecture4
COMP 550Networking Concepts4
COMP 560Ethics and the Law in the Digital Age4
COMP 625Data Structures and Algorithms4
COMP 720Database Systems and Technologies4
ECN 411/411WIntroduction to Macroeconomic Principles4
or ECN 412/412W Introduction to Microeconomic Principles
ET 421Digital Electronics I4
ET 660FPGA Design with HDL4
ET 431Circuit Analysis I4
ET 432Circuit Analysis II4
ET 522Digital Electronics II4
ET 541Electronic Devices4
ET 590Embedded Microcontrollers4
ET 625Technical Communications4
ET 671Digital Systems4
ET 680Communications and Fields4
ET 788Introduction to Digital Signal Processing4
ET 791Electrical Engineering Technology Project8
MATH 425Calculus I4
MATH 426Calculus II4
PHYS 407General Physics I4
Elective
COMP Elective: Select any COMP course 500-level (or higher) not already required.4
Total Credits100

Program Learning Outcomes

General Engineering Technology

  • Problem Solving: an ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
  • System Design: an ability to design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline.
  • Communication Skills: an ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
  • Testing, Measurements, and Interpretation: an ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes.
  • Teamwork: an ability to function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.

Computer Engineering Technology

  • Application of electric circuits, computer programming, associated software applications, analog and digital electronics, microcontrollers, operating systems, local area networks, and engineering standards to the building, testing, operation, and maintenance of computer systems and associated software systems.
  • Application of natural sciences and mathematics at or above the level of algebra and trigonometry to the building, testing, operation, and maintenance of computer systems and associated software systems.
  • Analysis, design, and implementation of computer system hardware and software.
  • Application of project management techniques to computer systems.
  • Utilization of statistics/probability, transform methods, discrete mathematics, or applied differential equations in support of computer systems and networks.