Electrical Engineering Technology FAQs

1. Who might be interested in applying to this program?

Applied engineering technology is a large and rapidly developing technical field. Engineering technologists often provide the interface between engineering and production operations in modern industry. They are employed in fields such as product evaluation and testing, power switchgear installation and calibration, and microcomputer data acquisition and control systems. Activities may include research and development, production design, operation and maintenance, or applications and sales. Graduates of Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) programs quickly find employment in business and industrial positions as integral parts of the technical community. In addition, the BSET provides a sound basis for professional advancement by engineering technologists in their chosen field.

The two-year technical institute programs in North Carolina and in many other states provide an excellent foundation for four-year baccalaureate engineering technology curricula. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's program in Electrical Engineering Technology is specifically designed to provide graduates of two-year associate degree programs the opportunity to continue their education at the baccalaureate level. In order to accommodate students whose personal schedules prohibit their access to daytime, on-campus courses, beginning with the Fall 2000 semester, UNC Charlotte will offer the curricula leading to the BSET in Electrical Engineering Technology via Distance Education on-line on the Internet/World Wide Web. Students who begin the program and successfully complete the courses as scheduled in this part-time program can receive the BSET in four years. Students with time and place constraints who are interested in advancement in the electrical, electronics, or computer fields, and who prefer applying established techniques to solve current technical problems, should consider this program. This on-line, part-time program may also appeal to students who begin the ELET Program as on-campus, full-time students and subsequently discover that they cannot continue in that format

2. What does 2+2 Mean?

2+2 describes a Bachelor's Degree earned in two parts. The first part is the two-year Associate's Degree taken at a technical or community college. The second part is the additional 2 years of full-time study needed to complete a Bachelor's (or four-year) Degree. Because this particular program is offered at a less-demanding, part-time pace to accommodate the needs of students unable to participate in a full-time, on-campus program, this second part (completion of the Bachelor's Degree) will require a minimum participation period of four years.

3. What does "via Distance Education" mean?

Regular coursework will typically be taught at the rate of two courses per semester and will be delivered via the World Wide Web (Internet). Courses taught via the Internet will not require students to assemble as a group at a designated site. Instead, students will be able to participate individually and as members of "virtual" teams in the regular courses, most typically from their homes or from another location where they have access to the Internet. In addition to the on-line coursework, students are required to complete four all-day labs (typically scheduled as four eight-hour days during the summer semester) on the UNC Charlotte campus. Some examinations may require proctors. A Distance Education Program Manager will make individual test arrangements for students in consultation with the instructor and in cooperation with qualified, pre-approved proctor(s).

Every student must have extended, convenient access to the Internet to successfully participate in this distance education program. Some courses will utilize media in addition to the computer for the delivery of instruction, such as DVD, CD-ROM, videotape, audiotape, etc. A description of the specific technology requirements is included in the Interest Packet that is available upon request. The mix of media proposed for individual courses may be modified in future years to allow UNC Charlotte to take advantage of technological advances that will improve the delivery of instruction.

4. Will I be able to do ALL of my coursework from a computer in my home?

The location for regular coursework will be the place selected by you that affords the "extended, convenient access" to the Internet and to the computer technology described in the Interest Packet. Required laboratory courses will be scheduled on four Saturdays during the summer semesters, on the UNC Charlotte campus. Exams that require proctoring will be given at scheduled times. You and your pre-approved proctor in consultation with the Distance Education Program Manager will decide upon the location for exams. For more specific information, please use the attached card to request an Interest Packet.

5. When does the program begin? What if I can't start in Fall 2000?

Coursework will begin in Fall 2000. The first class day of the Fall 2000 semester is August 23, 2000 (at printing). A schedule of classes is available by request and will be included in the Interest Packet. This is a part-time program, so the classes will be delivered at the rate of one to two courses per semester. If you successfully complete the courses according to the schedule, you can complete your Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Technology in four years. Plans for the admission of students in subsequent years will be announced upon approval.

6. How much will it cost?

Resident tuition and fees for the Fall 2000 semester will be approximately $37.50 per credit hour (or $108.50 per 3-credit course). These estimates are based on the 1999-2000 Academic Year rates and are subject to change before the Fall 2000 semester (Academic Year 2000-01). Non-resident tuition and fees will be approximately $283.00 per credit hour (or $845.00 per 3-credit course). Students will have additional expenses for textbooks and other course materials.

7. What admission conditions and prerequisites do I have to meet?

The Engineering Technology Program at UNC Charlotte is limited to the junior and senior years. An Associate in Applied Science degree in an appropriate field is required for admission. Your overall grade point average upon admission to the university must be at least 2.2 (based on the 4.0 system) on all courses taken at the technical institute or community college. The total maximum transfer credit from a two-year college is 96-quarter hours or 64 semester hours.

For a more detailed list of prerequisites for admission and graduation requirements specific to the Distance Education Engineering Technology Program in Electrical Engineering Technology, please mail the attached card or call the Distance Education Office to request an Interest Packet, or visit UNC Charlotte's Department of Engineering Technology Website at www.coe.uncc.edu.

8. What kind of technology is required to take part in this program?

In order to participate in this distance education program, students will need "extended, convenient access" to a basic technology package. The basic minimum technology package will include computer hardware, software, and access/connection rate information. Upon receiving a request for more information about this program, the UNC Charlotte Distance Education Office will supply prospective students with this information.

9. What if I need technical assistance?

Technical assistance for this distance education program will be provided to you via the Internet and through a special toll-free telephone number. After you apply for and gain admission to the program you will be provided with instructions to configure your computer in order to access computerized UNC Charlotte resources.

10. How will I get my textbooks & other course materials?

You will take responsibility for obtaining required textbooks and supplemental materials through on-line textbook vendors or local bookstores. The student services coordinator in the Distance Education Office will provide titles, ISBN numbers, etc. You will be notified about and provided the means to obtain any special order materials.

11. When is orientation? Do I have to attend?

Learning individually, online, offers students who cannot come to campus a very unique opportunity to continue their education; however, it also presents challenges. In an effort to insure that each student is ready to meet the challenges of "learning at a distance," UNC Charlotte and the Engineering Technology Department of the William States Lee College of Engineering require that all students enrolled in the program attend an on-campus orientation to the Distance Education BSET-ELET program scheduled in late summer. You will have the opportunity to meet program faculty, college administrators, and the Distance Education staff. Detailed information about the orientation is included in the Interest Packet.

12. Will someone be available to help me understand the academic program and its requirements?

Once you are admitted to the ELET program, you will be assigned a faculty academic advisor who will work with you throughout the program. At this time, academic program questions may be directed to Madelyn Wilson in the Department of Electrical Engineering Technology at (704) 687-4197 or via e-mail at madwilso@uncc.edu. 

13. What kinds of academic assistance will be available to me?

You will have access to your instructors via email, toll-free telephone, or fax. You will also have access to academic support services such as electronic Supplementary Instruction (e-SI) on-line for selected courses, via email, toll-free telephone, fax, etc. Other student support services will be available through the same methods of access.

14. How will I use library resources?

You will have access to the Atkins Library on the UNC Charlotte campus through the Internet and electronic databases. You will also have access to community and technical colleges and to UNC System libraries as a community borrower. More specific information will be included in the Interest Packet.

15. How can I be admitted? What is the deadline for applications? And how do I register for courses?

You can receive the Interest Packet and the Application for Admission by calling, emailing, or writing the Distance Education Office. The contact information is listed in the Contact Information Section of this brochure. You will then complete the application and return it along with any required supporting documents and a check for the $35.00 processing fee (made payable to UNC Charlotte) to the ELET Program Manager, Distance Education Office, 201 King, UNC Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223. The application will be forwarded to the Undergraduate Admissions Office for evaluation and processing. The Undergraduate Admissions Office will notify you about your admissions status.

Class size is limited, and prospective students are urged to apply early. The deadline for applications is July 1st. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a "space available" basis.

Once you have been admitted by Undergraduate Admissions, the Distance Education Office will assign a Student Services Coordinator to work with you to complete necessary administrative tasks (for example, the course registration process) and to secure any additional assistance you need. The Student Services Coordinator will contact you shortly after you have been admitted to the University.

16. Who can I contact to get more information on the academic program?

For Academic Program information, contact:

Ms. Madelyn Wilson
Department of Engineering Technology
UNC Charlotte
9201 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
Phone: (704) 687-4197
Fax: (704) 687-6499
madwilso@uncc.edu

17. How can I get an Interest Packet, Application or Registration information?

For an Interest Packet, Application, and Registration information, contact:

Ms. Madelyn Wilson
Department of Engineering Technology
UNC Charlotte
9201 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
Phone: (704) 687-4197
Fax: (704) 687-6499
madwilso@uncc.edu

18. Are course schedules available online?

The University Catalog and current on-campus Schedule of Courses are available online at: http://www.uncc.edu/registrar

19. What courses are offered as part of the ELET Distance Education Program?

Courses Offered as part of the ELET Distance Education Program:

*Courses not required for emphasis. These courses may be selected as electives.

**Courses may be taken at UNC Charlotte or at any accredited four-year institution, either in residence or via distance education; however, all non-UNC Charlotte courses must be approved for transient study.