This major is designed to prepare women and men for a variety of career opportunities in the area of robotics, industrial process control, and automation systems. A core of fundamental courses and laboratory experiences equip students with basic knowledge of electronic circuits and devices, digital/microprocessor systems, computers and networks, and programming/software tools. This curriculum is complemented by a series of courses and laboratory experiences in programmable logic controllers, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and vision and motion control, which will enhance employment opportunities in industrial automation systems, robotics, and associated fields.
Graduates have a diverse set of skills and abilities that could prepare them for employment in the natural gas industry.
Program Specs
- Application/Major Code: RO – view in catalog
- School: Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies
- Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
- Total Credits: 69
About the curriculum
Classes
View the classes you will be attending in the College Catalog.
After Graduation
Continue Education
Graduates of the RO major can continue their education and expand their job skills in the electronics and computer engineering industry. The first two years of both the RO associate’s degree major and the BEE bachelor’s degree major share many of the same courses, allowing for easy transfer into the four-year BEE degree of credits.
Career Opportunities
Industrial and process control-specific positions, such as automation controls technician, project engineer, programmer, drive controls engineer, instrumentation/calibration mechanic.
Graduates from our programs are in high demand to fill industry positions such as engineering technician, field service engineer, test engineer, application engineer, senior technician, associate engineer, project engineer and systems software engineer. In addition there is a strong demand for graduates who study in the Robotics and Automation emphasis.
Earnings
According to our most recent graduate survey the average starting salary for Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology: Robotics & Automation Emphasis graduates range from approximately $35,000 to $40,000.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electrical and electronics engineering technicians was $63,660 in May 2017. The top 10 percent earned more than $93,810.
Industries with the highest published employment for this occupation are:
| Industry | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 19,440 | $30.83 | $64,130 |
| Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing | 16,690 | $29.20 | $60,740 |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | 8,800 | $28.48 | $59,240 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | 7,520 | $40.36 | $83,950 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 7,150 | $32.20 | $66,970 |
Statistics reported in May 2017
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College. Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
The four-year BEE major provides a unique opportunity for students enrolled in the two-year RO associate’s degree program to continue their education and expand job skills in the electronics and computer engineering industry. The first two years of the RO associate’s degree and BEE bachelor’s degree majors share many of the same courses, allowing for easy transfer of credits.
Tools, Uniforms & Supplies
Tool List
Students are advised not to purchase new tools before meeting with faculty on the first day of classes.
It is suggested that students have at least the recommended tools. Instructors will help identify what tools are needed during the first day of class. Free lockers are located in the laboratory area.
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology Tools
Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.
Clubs & Activities
Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
SkillsUSA Champions at Work
View the entire student organizations listing or Greek Life listing.
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology Advisory Committee
- Mr. John C Browne Jr., '05, Electrical Engineer, Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
- Mr. Timothy R Conrad, PE, '82, Principle Engineer, LSI Corporation
- Mr. Nicholas A Hetrick, '05, Senior Network Engineer, PA State System of Higher Education
- Mr. Eli Hughes, '01, Research Engineer III, Penn State Applied Research Lab
- Mr. Sean P Kelly, '17, Systems Application Engineer, Tyco Electronics
- Mr. Michael D McLaughlin, Director of Automation, Andritz Automation, Inc.
- Mr. Tod Neidig, '91, Test Engineering Manager, Primus Technologies Corporation
- Mr. Jonathan S Schall, '95, '99, Controls Engineering Manager, First Quality Products
- Mr. Gregory C Stanek, Technical Services Supervisor, Lutron Electronics Company, Inc.
- Mr. Thomas J VanSant, Jr., '86, Measurements Engineer, Corning, Inc.
Advisory committees, which act as recommending bodies to the faculty and administration, consist of in-field professionals who act as partners in the development of curriculum. Their curricular and equipment advice as well as their industry connections and internship opportunities are invaluable to our students and to the growth of our institution.
