Computer Engineering Technology Degree Outcomes

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Computer Engineering Technology program is to prepare computer engineering technicians to pursue careers in the design, fabrication, and maintenance of digital systems. The program focuses on the theory and application of computer hardware and software. Students in this program study electric/electronic circuit analysis, digital circuits design and analysis, programming in multiple computer languages, microprocessor/microcontroller interfacing, digital communication, and computer systems and networks. Graduates are employed in areas such as computer hardware/software development and testing, digital systems design and testing, computer network installation and maintenance, and computer systems installation and maintenance.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

The Computer Engineering Technology program at Southwest uses the following Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) to describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of successful completion:

PEO 1.              Graduates will attain successful and productive computer engineering technology or related careers with attention to ethical standards and effective communication.

PEO 2.              Graduates will engage in life-long learning activities, such as continued studies and/or professional workshops and conferences.

PEO 3.              Graduates will engage in professional service, such as participation in a professional society and/or community service.               

The Computer Engineering Technology program (CENT) at Southwest welcomes comments pertaining to the published Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) made accessible to the public that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of successful completion and award of a Computer Engineering Technology, A.A.S. credential. Individuals in any of the following key constituencies that wish to submit comments for inclusion in the next period review of PEOs conducted by program faculty and the CENT Advisory Committee are encouraged to do so by submitting comments via email to the CENT Program Coordinator, Janet Sykes, at engineering@southwest.tn.edu.

Key Constituencies invited to submit comments on PEOs:

• Current and Prospective Students
• Faculty, Teaching Assistants, Colleagues from Other Educational Institutions
• Employers Who Hire or Seek to Hire Southwest CENT graduates
• Representatives that Admit or Seek to Admit Southwest CENT graduates to Other Programs
• Members of Related Professional Programs or Professionally Affiliated Organizations

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the CENT program,

PLO 1.  Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve well-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline (aligned to ABET SO 1)

PLO 2.  Graduates will demonstrate the ability to design solutions for well-defined technical problems and assist with the engineering design of systems, components, or processes appropriate to the discipline (aligned to ABET SO 2)

PLO 3.  Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply written, oral, and graphical communication in well-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature (aligned to ABET SO 3)

PLO 4.  Graduates will demonstrate the ability to conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results (aligned to ABET SO 4)

PLO 5.  Graduates will demonstrate the ability to function effectively as a member of a technical team (aligned to ABET SO 5)

PLO 6.  Graduates will apply 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. (aligned to ABET CET Curriculum Criteria a)

PLO 7.  Graduates will apply 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. (aligned to ABET CET Curriculum Criteria b)

The Computer Engineering Technology program (CENT) at Southwest welcomes comments pertaining to the published Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) made accessible to the public that describe what graduates are expected to learn upon successful completion and award of a Computer Engineering Technology, A.A.S. credential. Individuals in any of the following key constituencies that wish to submit comments for inclusion in the next period review of PLOs conducted by program faculty and the CENT Advisory Committee are encouraged to do so by submitting comments via email to the CENT Program Coordinator, Janet Sykes, at engineering@southwest.tn.edu.

Key Constituencies invited to submit comments on PLOs:

• Current and Prospective Students
• Faculty, Teaching Assistants, Colleagues from Other Educational Institutions
• Employers Who Hire or Seek to Hire Southwest CENT graduates
• Representatives that Admit or Seek to Admit Southwest CENT graduates to Other Programs
• Members of Related Professional Programs or Professionally Affiliated Organizations

Last updated: July 11, 2026