Computer Engineering Technology

Program Overview

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Computer Engineering Technology

Diploma

School of Computing and Digital Innovation

If you’re fascinated by what makes computers tick, both inside (hardware) and out (software), becoming a computer engineering technologist has great possibilities. Work in information technology roles, network security, embedded systems, robotics, and automated systems. The future is still unfolding, and your career could go in many directions.

Start Date and Length

• Start date: August
• Length: 76 weeks

Locations

• Moose Jaw

Length and Location Notes

There are five academic semesters and three mandatory four-month paid Co-operative Education work terms. Semesters and co-op work term time patterns are listed in Courses below.

The Computer Engineering Technology program is a three-year, nationally recognized, diploma offered full time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Moose Jaw campus. You’ll get an exceptional hands-on learning experience during five semesters of classroom study and three Co-operative Education work terms.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is unique in our emphasis on both hardware and software. You’ll learn how to:

• Analyze, test and design analog and digital circuits
• Design, fabricate and populate printed circuit boards
• Program personal computers and microcontrollers using various programming languages
• Design and test interfaces between computers and peripherals
• Design, install and administer networks
• Design and test various digital data transmission systems
• Install, configure and maintain workstations and servers in various operating system environments

A capstone research project gives you an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned to the development of an original design, from concept through to prototype.

The Co-op Work Term Advantage

Co-operative work terms are paid, so you'll earn while you learn. Saskatchewan Polytechnic arranges your interviews; it's up to you to shine. It's also a chance to develop important "soft skills" in job interviewing, professional attitude, interpersonal communication and more.

Many of our co-op employers require both a valid Saskatchewan Driver's License and a clean Driver's Abstract. For international students, it can take up to 12 months to obtain a Driver's license; therefore, it is to your advantage to come with a Driver's License from your home country if possible.

Diploma to Degree

Diploma graduates are eligible to take the Bachelor of Applied Management degree right here at Saskatchewan Polytechnic with only two years of additional study. Remote classes and part-time options are available.

The diploma can also be used to ladder into an engineering degree at Lakehead University or a technology degree at Memorial University in Newfoundland.

Learning Environment

• 24 students are accepted each year.
• Students will hands-on lab and project work, lectures and co-operative work terms.
• Class hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Students are expected to complete 30-40 hours of homework each week outside of class time.
• There are many group projects that require coordination.
• It is very important that students take initiative and manage their work time effectively.

Get a Global Learning Experience

As a student in this program, you can sharpen your intercultural skills. You may have an opportunity to study and learn abroad. Learn more about global learning experiences at Sask Polytech.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Graduates work as network administrators, systems coordinators and systems analysts in IT training and support, research and development and customer sales and service. You can also pursue your dream career in gaming and multimedia development, graphical user interface development, IT security, web-based applications and more.

Potential Careers

• Computer network technician: Computer network & web technicians (22220)
• Network administrator: Computer network & web technicians (22220)
• Computer/information systems analyst: Information systems specialists (21222)

Admissions

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 with a minimum of 60% in Pre-Calculus 30
• English Language Requirement

• Minimum of 60% in Math B30 and C30

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.

ACCUPLACER

• 250 Arithmetic
• 240 Advanced Algebra and Functions
• 256 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
• 250 Reading
• 245 Writing

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

Academic Year

• Year 1: $10,400
• Year 2: $9,060
• Year 3: $4,540

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

The program follows this academic and co-operative education schedule. Courses are outlined below by semester.

Sept - Dec	Jan - Apr	May - Aug
Year 1	Semester 1	Semester 2	Work term 1
Year 2	Semester 3	Work term 2	Semester 4
Year 3	Work term 3	Semester 5

Semester information only pertains to full-time/on-campus students, and part-time/online students should view course prerequisites when scheduling courses.

Year 1 - Semester 1

• CAD-100: Computer Aided Design (3 credits)
• COMP-112: Introduction to Computer Programming (3 credits)
• ENGE-120: Basic Electricity (4 credits)
• INDG-100: Introduction to Indigenous Studies (1 credit)
• LABS-120: Basic Electricity Lab (4 credits)
• MAT-110: Mathematics for Engineering Technologies (4 credits)
• SEM-101: Technology Seminars (1 credit)
• STAT-200: Statistics for Technology (2 credits)
• TCOM-102: Workplace Communication (3 credits)

Total semester credits: 25

Year 1 - Semester 2

• COHS-220: Networking Computers (3 credits)
• DGTL-110: Digital Logic (2 credits)
• DGTL-111: Digital Logic Laboratory (3 credits)
• ENGE-107: Semiconductor Electronics (4 credits)
• ENGE-200: Alternating Current (AC) Basic Electricity (4 credits)
• INST-223: Basic Instruments (3 credits)
• MAT-112: Differential Calculus for Engineering Technologies (3 credits)
• TCOM-103: Technical Communication (3 credits)

Total semester credits: 25

Co-operative Work Term 1

• COOP-101: Co-operative Work Term (0 credits)

Year 2 - Semester 3

• CIRC-220: Analog Integrated Circuits (4 credits)
• CLTR-200: Culture and Diversity (2 credits)
• COAP-222: Computer Programming (4 credits)
• COMP-221: Computer Hardware Fundamentals (4 credits)
• COMP-222: Microcontroller Programming (4 credits)
• ENGE-221: Robotics and Embedded Systems (4 credits)
• MAT-210: Integral Calculus for Engineering Technologies (3 credits)

Total semester credits: 25

Co-operative Work Term 2

• COOP-201: Co-operative Work Term (0 credits)

Year 2 - Semester 4

• CNST-220: Construction Techniques (3 credits)
• COMP-207: Computer Interfacing (2 credits)
• COMP-217: Computer Interfacing Laboratory (3 credits)
• COMP-219: Cloud Computing (2 credits)
• DGTL-207: FPGA Programming and Applications (3 credits)
• MAT-211: Advanced Mathematics for Engineering Technologies (3 credits)
• PHYS-105: Physics (3 credits)
• PROJ-287: Project Management (2 credits)

Total semester credits: 21

Co-operative Work Term 3

• COOP-301: Co-operative Work Term (0 credits)

Year 3 - Semester 5

• COAP-300: Artificial Intelligence (2 credits)
• COAP-301: Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (3 credits)
• COMP-227: Process Control Systems (4 credits)
• COMP-303: Mobile Application Development (2 credits)
• COMP-304: Mobile Application Development Laboratory (3 credits)
• CSEC-300: Cybersecurity (4 credits)
• PROJ-222: Capstone Research Project (4 credits)
• TCOM-104: Applied Research in Technology (2 credits)

Total semester credits: 24

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

• Candidate Guide
• More about PLAR

All students can apply to write a challenge exam to receive credit for MAT 110. For more information, please contact the Department Head of Arts & Sciences.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

• Athabasca University: Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer of 60 credit units into the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program or 30 credit units toward BSc (PD) with Majors in Applied Mathematics, Computing Information Systems and/or Human Science.
• Lakehead University: Graduates of this program may obtain advanced standing toward a degree in engineering.
• Memorial University: Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer into Bachelor of Technology Degree with 39 credit hours (13 courses) to be completed, including a technical project and report.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits the program at the Technologist level.

TAC is a bold, world class accreditation organization, delivering accreditation services for the engineering technology and applied science profession in Canada.

Professional Registration Technology Professionals Saskatchewan

Technology Professionals Saskatchewan is the provincial regulatory body for graduates of this Saskatchewan Polytechnic program. As a graduate of an accredited program recognized by Technology Professionals Saskatchewan, your academic training places you on an expedited path towards obtaining professional registration as a professional technologist (P.Tech.) or certified technician (C.Tech.). For more information, visit tpsk.ca

Related Programs

• Computer Networking Technician
• Computer Systems Technology
• Electrical Engineering Technology
• Electronic Systems Engineering Technology

Additional Information

Naser Jaradat

Program head

Computer Engineering Technology

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 Territories and the homeland of the Métis.

Learning takes place at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The Computer Engineering Technology program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic is a three-year diploma program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to become computer engineering technologists. The program emphasizes both hardware and software, giving students a comprehensive understanding of computer systems. Graduates of the program are qualified to work in a variety of roles, including network administrators, systems analysts, and computer programmers.

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Objectives:

The program aims to provide students with:

• The ability to design, develop, and implement computer systems.
• The ability to troubleshoot and repair computer systems.
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• The skills to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

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Outline:

The program consists of five semesters of classroom instruction and three semesters of co-operative education work terms. Students will take courses in a variety of subjects, including:

• Digital logic
• Microcontrollers
• Computer programming
• Computer networking
• Electronics
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Communication
• Project management

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Assessment:

Students are assessed in a variety of ways, including exams, assignments, and projects. The co-operative education work terms are also used as a form of assessment.

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Teaching:

The program is taught by a team of experienced instructors who are experts in their field. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, labs, and group projects.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Computer Engineering Technology program are employed in a variety of industries, including:

• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Government
• Education

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Other:

• The program is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC).
• The program offers students the opportunity to study abroad.
• The program has a strong focus on co-operative education, which allows students to gain valuable work experience while they are still in school.

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Additional Details:

• The program starts in August and is 76 weeks long.
• The program is offered in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
• The program has a mandatory co-op education component.
• There are 24 students accepted into the program each year.
• The program is offered in a full-time format.
• Tuition for the program is $10,130 per year for the first year, $8,780 per year for the second year, and $4,420 for the third year.
• The Saskatchewan Polytechnic 2023-2024 Academic Calendar

The actual answer may vary depending on the specific program and institution.