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Studies & Degrees in Computer Engineering Technology

Computer engineering technology is the applied branch of computer engineering. Students learn to build, test, program and maintain the hardware and embedded software inside computers, networks and electronic devices, with more time in the laboratory and less abstract theory than in a computer engineering degree.

ABET, the US accreditation body for engineering programmes, explains the difference. Engineering programmes often focus on theory and conceptual design, while engineering technology programmes usually focus on application and implementation. Engineering degrees require several semesters of calculus and calculus-based science; engineering technology programmes typically focus on algebra, trigonometry, applied calculus and other courses that are more practical than theoretical.

Typical subjects are:

  • analogue and digital electronic circuits
  • microprocessors, microelectronics and embedded systems
  • programming languages
  • computer and data communications
  • signal processing and control
  • testing, measurement and fault-finding with laboratory instruments

Qualifications and levels

The term engineering technology belongs mainly to North America. Elsewhere the same content sits inside engineering degrees or vocational qualifications.

  • United States. ABET's Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission accredits programmes at two levels: associate (two years) and bachelor (four years). According to ABET, graduates of two-year programmes are likely to work as engineering technicians in maintenance, production or product development, while graduates of four-year programmes move into sectors such as manufacturing, product design, testing or technical services and sales. The University of Dayton, for example, offers a bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering Technology.
  • Canada. Colleges award technologist diplomas. The Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology – Renewable Energy diploma at Camosun College in Victoria lasts 2.5 years, delivered over five semesters, with optional paid co-op or internship terms. Technology Accreditation Canada recognises it as meeting national standards for engineering technology education. Graduates can take an eight-month bridge programme that leads into the third year of a bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering at the University of Victoria.
  • Spain. Spanish universities do not use the label. Official bachelor's degrees (grados) have 240 ECTS credits, and the nearest option is a Grado en Ingeniería Informática. The one at La Salle – Universitat Ramon Llull in Barcelona lasts four years, has 240 ECTS credits, is taught in Catalan, Spanish and English, and is an official degree accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, according to the university.

The distinction matters for professional licences. ABET notes that graduates of accredited bachelor's engineering programmes can become registered professional engineers in all US states, whereas graduates of accredited bachelor's engineering technology programmes can do so in many, but not all, states.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists 16 active schools for computer engineering technology: eight in the United States, three in Spain, two in Canada, and one each in Estonia, Denmark and Latvia.

The US schools range from universities such as the University of Dayton, The Pennsylvania State University and The University of Texas at Austin to two-year colleges such as Onondaga Community College, Augusta Technical College and Delaware Technical & Community College. Canada is represented by Camosun College and Lethbridge College. In Europe the list includes La Salle – Universitat Ramon Llull in Barcelona, VIA University College in Horsens, Denmark, Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia and Riga Technical University in Latvia.

Teaching is in English in North America. In Europe the language depends on the programme, so check it before applying. Camosun College lists its diploma as open to international students, with estimated tuition for the whole programme of $42,665 for international students and $16,524 for domestic students between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027. Admission requires secondary-school English, mathematics and physics.

Careers

Graduates work as electronics or computer engineering technologists and technicians, test and field-service engineers, embedded-systems developers and network or hardware support specialists. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) describes electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians as people who help engineers design and develop computers and other electrical and electronic equipment, often in product evaluation and testing.

They held about 96,900 jobs in the United States in 2025. The BLS projects employment to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than average, with about 8,100 openings a year. An associate's degree is the typical entry requirement, though some employers prefer a bachelor's degree. Computer hardware engineers, who design the equipment and typically need a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field, held about 76,100 jobs, with projected growth of 9 percent over the same period.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between computer engineering and computer engineering technology?

Emphasis. Engineering programmes focus on theory and conceptual design and require more advanced mathematics. Engineering technology programmes focus on application and implementation, with more practical coursework.

How long does the course take?

Two years for an associate's degree and four for a bachelor's degree in the United States. The Camosun College diploma in Canada takes 2.5 years. A Spanish Grado en Ingeniería Informática has 240 ECTS credits over four years.

Can I continue to an engineering degree afterwards?

Often, but the route depends on the institution. Camosun College, for example, offers a bridge into the third year of an engineering degree at the University of Victoria. Ask the college about its transfer agreements.

Can I become a licensed engineer with an engineering technology degree?

In the United States it depends on the state. According to ABET, graduates of accredited bachelor's engineering technology programmes are eligible to become registered professional engineers in many, but not all, states.