School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science

Engineering Technology is the profession in which knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences gained in higher education experience and practice is devoted primarily to the implementation and extension of existing technology for the benefit of humanity. Engineering Technology education focuses on the applications aspects of science and Engineering aimed at preparing graduates for practice in that portion of the technological spectrum closest to the product improvement, manufacturing, and Engineering operational functions.

The Engineering technology programs offer associate and baccalaureate degrees in a variety of technological fields. Associate degrees may be earned in architectural, civil, electrical, and mechanical Engineering technology. Graduates of these programs are trained for job entry at the technician level into industry, utilities, government, or Engineering, construction, and architectural firms.

Bachelor’s degrees may be earned in civil, electrical, mechanical and mining Engineering technology. Admission into the bachelor’s degrees in civil, electrical and mechanical Engineering technology require admission into an associate degree in the same degree program. Students wishing to complete a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology may complete courses simultaneously in both the A.S. and B.S. degree programs. Students must apply for graduation of an associate degree before they can apply for graduation of a bachelor’s degree.

Graduates are prepared for job entry as Engineering technologists into industry, government, utilities, or Engineering, construction, mechanical, and architectural firms. Graduates of accredited programs may, under regulations of the West Virginia Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, participate in the examinations and complete the service requirements for registration as Professional Engineers. Those students graduating with a B.S. in Computer Science are prepared for positions as programmers, systems analysts, software designers, and webmasters depending on the education path taken.

The following programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 415 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, telephone (410) 347-7700, http://www.abet.org.

Baccalaureate degree programs in

Civil Engineering Technology
Electrical Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Associate degree programs in

Civil Engineering Technology
Electrical Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Various classes of electives are required under the General Studies Requirements. These include a basic skills component and a course skills component. Technical electives are courses of a technical nature that support the student’s career interests, such as additional mathematics, basic sciences, Engineering technology courses in the student’s own or other disciplines, computer science, etc. Sound professional judgment is expected in the student-advisor role when choosing electives.

Computer Requirements for Engineering Technology and Computer Science

All students enrolled in Engineering Technology and Computer Science programs will be required to have access to a laptop/tablet computer and bring to SETC classes. The recommended requirements are listed below:

Portable computer such as laptop and/or tablet capable of running the second latest version of a Windows® operating system with a Solid State Hard Drive (SSD) and multi-core processor. Due to the constantly changing capability of computer systems, no exact computer specifications are given. However, a student should purchase a system that is within six months new of when the student starts their degree program. Computers that meet these specifications will be available through the Bluefield State College bookstore. The School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science will make every effort to ensure that a new system will be adequate for a student to complete four consecutive years without having to purchase a new machine before they graduate from their specified degree program.

Center for Applied Research and Technology, Inc. (CART)

The purpose of the Center for Applied Research and Technology Inc. (CART) at Bluefield State College is to provide leadership in applied Engineering research and development. Such leadership provides applied research, contract development, and administration services for the Bluefield State College School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science (SETC). The Center provides business management services for (SETC) as it conducts focused product development programs based on innovative research. It also provides technical assistance, continuing education, and economic development that enhance Bluefield State College’s competitive edge in technology development regionally and nationally.

The Center serves to:

Foster creative entrepreneurial activities within our School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science (SETC).
Generate research dollars for the Bluefield State College School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science.
Lease research equipment and facilities for CART projects.
Serve as prototyping agency for obtaining patents on inventions and for licensing, developing and commercializing technology products.
Continue the development, support and marketing for our intelligent ground vehicle robotics program and other promising applied research projects.
Provide the WVDO-West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) with assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs that improves the success rate for technology-based projects across West Virginia; and provide technology and Engineering roadmaps, concept refinement, systems Engineering and integration, and laboratory support designed to turn ideas or research interest into actual prototypes that lead to business development, improved capital access and increase quality employment opportunities for West Virginia citizens.
Support the Associate Dean for Applied Research in representing the School as an active member of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) Engineering Technology Council (ETC) and the Engineering Research Council (ERC), publishing applied research results and participating in the ASEE Annual Conference and the ASEE Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration (CIEC).

CART was chartered on 28 July 1998, as the Applied Research and Technology Center; a state chartered not-for-profit Corporation serving Bluefield State College as an approved cooperative organization and was approved as a separately incorporated affiliated corporation by the Bluefield State College Board of Governors on 23 April 2004 as CART, Inc. CART serves to enhance the competitive position of Bluefield State College for applied research opportunities in the current environment for research and development; help promote the general economic development of the region; expedite and simplify the acquisition and utilization of research contracts; improve technology transfer; and link applied scientific research and technological advancements to economic development of the State of West Virginia.

Programs

Associate of Science

Bachelor of Science