Fujio Cho Department of Engineering Technology B.S. Computer Engineering Technology

This program is offered at the Lexington and Paducah Campus.

This program is a 2-plus-2 arrangement that allows students to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) from a Bluegrass Community and Technical College (Lexington) or West Kentucky Community and Technical College (Paducah) during their first two years. Students will work towards their Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology degree at the University of Kentucky during the second two years. Please consult with our student advisor, Kelsey Carew, to learn more about the pathway options.
 

CPT Curriculum

CPT Paducah Curriculum
 

What do Computer Engineering Technologists Do?

Computer Engineering Technologists work in various roles, including computer Systems Analyst, Computer Hardware Engineers embedded software technologists, computer support specialists, networking support specialists, automation engineers, applications engineers, telecommunications engineers, network support technical engineers, and network administrators. They are employed across different sectors, including both manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries, non-governmental organizations, and government laboratories, where they focus on manufacturing processes and analysis.

Where Do They Work?

• Aerospace: Embedded systems engineer, avionics technician.
• Manufacturing: Automation engineer, system integrator.
• Industrial equipment design: Hardware engineer, robotics designer.
• Consulting firms: Technology consultant, IT strategist.
• Government agencies: Cybersecurity specialist, network analyst.
• Energy/environmental solutions: Systems designer, IoT engineer.
• Aviation: Communications systems engineer.
• Automotive: Automotive systems engineer, diagnostics developer.

For more information on the latest job market outlook and sample career fields, please check out Engineering Technology – Career and Co-op Office |Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering.

How Much Do They Earn?

As of Winter 2024, the median annual wage for a Computer Systems Analyst was $75,379. Employment opportunities for Computer Engineering Technologists, are expected to grow by 10 to 15 percent from 2019 to 2028. Job prospects are expected to be best for those who stay updated on the latest technological advancements.

*Source: Data was collected from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

What skills do they learn?  

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology (CPT) provides expertise in hardware and software design, development, and maintenance. Students complete the program at either the UK Pigman College of Engineering campus in Lexington or Paducah.

• Training in industry-standard practices for software development and advanced problem-solving.
• State-of-the-art problem-solving techniques for developing application code and firmware, including networking/web operations.
• Hardware focused on digital systems design, low-level gate design, microprocessors, and contemporary CAN bus standards.
• Hands-on laboratory and classroom experiences for practical learning.

Key curriculum features:

• Strong foundation in hardware and software design, development, and maintenance.
• Focus on modern programming languages and industry-standard software development practices.
• Emphasis on networking, web operations, and application code/firmware creation.
• Training in digital systems design, from low-level gate design to advanced microprocessors.

Why CPT?

The Computer Engineering Technology program offered through the University of Kentucky is the only program of its kind in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Through hands-on experiences and industrial collaboration, students will be equipped with the technical knowledge and skills to thrive in an advanced manufacturing setting in both software and hardware development. 

Students will learn in-depth design and analysis of combinational logic, sequential logic & state machines, and microcontroller systems. The CPT program focuses on team project-based learning with exposure to real-world team dynamics, problem-solving, and scheduling. With the generous support from Toyota, students will have access to our Automotive Computing Laboratory for their projects and undergraduate research.

The Computer Engineering Technology Program will be eligible for accreditation by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

What else do I need to know?

In their first two years, students will earn an Associate in Science Degree in Computer Engineering Technology (CET) through the Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) or West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) 

The  AAS in Computer Engineering Technology (CET) is the design & maintenance of digital systems. It also covers network development and testing, and basic database programming and maintenance.  Students have the opportunity to earn the following certificates:

•  A+ Prep
• Net+ Prep
• Computer Tech Basic
• Informatics Programming
• Computer Maintenance Technician
• Industrial Electrician Level I

The AAS in CET is the feeder program into the B.S. in Computer Engineering Technology.

If you are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Engineering Technology, you should apply for the Associate in Science in Computer Engineering Technology through the BCTC or WKCTC application. BCTC or WKCTC will be your home institution until you complete all the requirements for an AAS degree.  Once you fulfill the requirements for the AAS degree and meet the admission criteria established by the UK College of Engineering and Computer Engineering Technology program, you will need to apply to UK as a transfer student or any other applicable status type.

Courses in the CPT program are primarily offered in-person with limited online options. For additional information, please contact ET@uky.edu.