July 6-7, 2000

NOTICE OF INTENT   Approval of Proposal to Offer the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering Technology; Montana State University-Northern

 THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana State University-Northern to award an Associate of Applied Science degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering Technology.

EXPLANATION: The information technology industry has become important to all levels of business and industry in the United States, as well as in Montana. Studies routinely claim that between 250,000 and 750,000 jobs in the industry go unfilled each year because workers do not have the necessary skills. Computer Engineering Technology fills a niche in the market by providing graduates with a strong mathematics/science background and specific training in both the hardware and software necessary to design, install and maintain the complex computer systems demanded by contemporary business. In addition, the rapid change of technology dictates that today's graduate must be able to continue to learn and grow with the changes in technology. The computer engineering technologist would have the highly technical knowledge necessary to understand data systems requirements, to design hardware and software necessary to meet those needs, and to install and maintain the equipment and software. Currently, there are no engineering technology programs in the state that address this type of job. At the same time, employment opportunities for technical support, and information systems technicians, are growing.