ECSU plans Engineering Technology Degree
Kesha Williams
July 13, 2005In response to labor market projections for more professionals in engineering and technology, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is planning a new degree in Engineering Technology. This program will prepare students for jobs in high-tech industries, government, businesses and education. ECSU’s Department of Technology intends to offer a B.S. degree in Engineering Technology with two concentrations– Computer and Information Technology Mechanical and Automation. This program is designed to prepare graduates with technical knowledge, hands-on experience and managerial skills to enter careers in the design, application, installation and operation of computer based systems. The state and nation needs more professionals who can design and maintain computer network systems. The curriculum includes courses in electronics, electrical systems, network design, and management, network security, network and database administration, hardware and software programming, design, mechanical systems, machine elements, control and automation. The objective is to alleviate the shortage of engineering technology professionals. The engineering technology program is unique for northeastern North Carolina since no other institution in the region offers it. According to Dr. Akbar Eslami, chairperson of the ECSU Department of Technology, graduates from the program will find their skills in high demand. "More engineering technology workers with a concentration in computer and information technology are needed to design and maintain computer and network systems in businesses, industries, government and educational institutions." "We would like to launch this program August 2006. We have 90 percent of the equipment in the department to train the students. Most of the faculty in the Industrial Technology program have a related engineering degree and can teach the engineering technology classes," Dr. Eslami said. The ECSU Board of Trustees approved the intent to plan the new program and a request to the UNC Board of Governors will soon follow. That body grants each of the 16 public universities approval to offer degree programs.