Electronic Systems Technologies

The Electronic Systems Technologies (EST) major provides an essential foundation in basic electronics and offers a blend of advanced technical and managerial course work for students pursuing careers in the electronics industry. The program allows students the flexibility to choose a curriculum that will compliment their career goals and work experience. Graduates with an EST degree possess the skills required of the technologist entering areas such as biomedical equipment technology, communicationtechnology, industrial electronics, or telecommunications and networking technology.

The 120-semester hour EST curriculum consists of two areas: A 41-semester hour University Core Curriculum and a 79-semester hour major in Electronic Systems Technologies. The University Core Curriculum provides a foundation for students to be successful in their major and life beyond the university. Students entering the program as freshman are not required to have a background in electronics. Requirements for the major provide a sequential program in electronics and allow students to select classes which lead toward various careers in the electronics industry. Students enrolled in laboratory courses are required to purchase electronic components for the purpose of constructing, analyzing and evaluating electronic circuits. The total cost for these components is estimated to be at least $200.

A student in Electronic Systems Technologies may choose the Electronics Management Specialization. This specialization offers the student a curricula focused on the skills necessary to manage within a technical environment.

The EST program is well suited for individuals possessing an AS or AAS degree, electronics training through the military or civilian agencies, or work experience in the electronics industry. Credit for post secondary course work, military training and work experience is evaluated on an individual basis. Students with an approved AAS degree in Electronics Technology or its equivalent may be able to transfer up to 36 hours of approved career electives. In addition, transfer credit for University Core Curriculum requirements varies depending on previous course work. An individual who has earned an AAS degree also may qualify for the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Capstone Option. Capstone is a two year option that gives maximum credit for previous academic and work experience in the student’s occupational field.

The Electronic Systems Technologies program has signed a number of “Program Articulation Agreements” with electronics-related community college degree programs in order to facilitate the transfer of community college students to Southern Illinois University Carbondale. These agreements take full advantage of the Capstone Option for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Electronic Systems Technologies. The colleges with which Southern Illinois University Carbondale has signed such an agreement include: Elgin Community College (IL), John A. Logan College (IL), Kaskaskia College (IL), Lake Land College (IL), Lewis and Clark Community College (IL), McHenry County College (IL), Rend Lake College (IL), Shawnee Community College (IL), Southwestern Illinois College, (IL), Wabash Valley College (IL) and William Rainey Harper College (IL). Other schools are pending. If you have questions about how these agreements apply to your personal situation, contact the community college program representative or contact the academic advisor in Electronic Systems Technologies at (618) 453-7200 or Information Systems and Applied Technologies.


Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic Systems Technologies, College of Applied Sciences and Arts

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES MAJOR

The Electronic Systems Technologies (EST) major will take course work designed to provide an effective school-to-work transition for specific careers in the electronics industry. It is the intent of the program faculty that the students sit for the Certified Electronics Technician examination (CET) after the second year in the program. A mandatory internship ensures that students receive field experience within their chosen career field. The curriculum places emphasis on skills necessary to achieve long-term career goals within one of the following segments of the electronics industry:

  1. Biomedical Equipment Technology
  2. Communications Technology
  3. Networking Technolgy
  4. Industrial Electronics Technology

Completion of this curriculum provides graduates with advanced skills required by electronic technologists. Technical skills include: the evaluation of current technologies, the planning and implementation of preventive maintenance programs and the testing, troubleshooting and calibration of electronic equipment and systems. In addition, the degree will include skills in writing, interpreting and presenting technical documentation.

Courses Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements

41

Requirements for the Major in Electronic Systems Technologies 

79

Approved Career Electives
Electronic Systems Technologies 101, 102, 111, 112, 201, 202, 211, 212, 221, Information Systems and Applied Technologies 121 and 224, and Information Systems Technologies 209 (or approved equivalents)
36
Concentration Requirements - Select one at least one option

27-30

Biomedical Equipment Technology

Electronic Systems Technologies 301, 305, 311, 319a, 340, 341, 411, 451
Information Systems and Applied Technologies 335, 366

30

Communications Technology

Electronic Systems Technologies 302, 304, 305, 319b, 340, 341, 411, 451
Information Systems and Applied Technologies 366

27

Industrial Electronics Technology

Electronic Systems Technologies 307, 305, 317, 319d, 340, 341, 407, 451
Information Systems and Applied Technologies 366

30

Telecommunications and Networking Technology

Electronic Systems Technologies 305, 319d, 451
Information Systems and Applied Technologies 316, 335, 366, 415 and 416. Information Systems Technologies 360.

27
Technical Electives  

13-16

Select from the following: Electronic Systems Technologies 306, 342, 343, 365, 441, Independent Study or approved equivalent. Courses not used as concentration option may be used for electives.
 
 
______
TOTAL
120

------------
*As approved by the school.

Electronic Systems Technologies Suggested Curricular Guide
First Year Fall Spring       Second Year Fall Spring
EST 101, 102
3
3
      EST 201, 202
3
3
EST 111, 112
3
3
      EST 211, 212
3
3
ISAT 121
-
3
      EST 221, ISAT 224
3
3
ENGL 101, 102
3
3
      IST 209 
3
-
Mathematics, Science
3
3
      SPCM 101, Science
3
3
Humanities
3
-
      Fine Arts
-
3
 
_____
_____
       
_____
_____
Total
15
15
      Total
15
15
Third Year Fall Spring       Fourth Year Fall Spring
EST Electives/
Concentration
6
9
      EST Electives/
Concentration
9
9
ISAT 366
3
-
      EST 451, 319
3
4
Humanities
3
-
      Human Health
-
2
Interdisciplinary
-
3
      Multicultural
3
-
Social Science
3
3
       
 
_____
_____
       
_____
_____
Total
15
15
      Total
15
15

Bachelor of Science Degree, College of Applied Sciences and Arts

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES MAJOR WITH AN ELECTRONICS MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZATION

An Electronic Systems Technologies major who chooses the Electronics Management Specialization is provided a curriculum focused on the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively integrate technology into the work place. Graduates will possess the technical, managerial and supervisory skill needed for entry level positions in the electronics field with the increased potential for vertical mobility in today’s workforce.

The process of evaluating and acquiring new and existing technologies, maintaining and managing technological systems and effectively utilizing human resources will be studied. The graduate from this specialization will be able to communicate effectively and coordinate the efforts of skilled technicians in managing complex systems. Skills acquired will allow the graduate to train people in the use and maintenance of complex systems, plan and prioritize efforts to maximize the use of technological resources, and explain technical ideas to non-technical personnel.

Courses Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 41
Requirements for the Major in Electronic Systems Technologies  79
Approved Career Electives
Electronic Systems Technologies 101, 102, 111, 112, 201, 202, 211, 212, 221, Information Systems and Applied Technologies 121 and 224, and Information Systems Technologies 209 (or approved equivalents)
31 - 36*
Core Requirements  12
Electronic Systems Technologies 340, 341, and 451
Information Systems and Applied Technologies 366
9
3
Management and Technical Requirements  27 - 30
Electronic Systems Technologies 302, 303 or 342, 313 or 343, 365, 385, 387 and/or 388, 404, and 411
27 - 30
Independent study or approved equivalent 4 - 12*
  ______
TOTAL 120

------------
*As approved by the school.

Electronic Systems Technologies Suggested Curricular Guide
First Year Fall Spring       Second Year Fall Spring
EST 101, 102 3 3       EST 201, 202 3 3
EST 111, 112 3 3       EST 211, 212 3 3
ISAT 121 - 3       EST 221, ISAT 224 3 3
ENGL 101, 102 3 3       IST 209  3 -
Mathematics, Science 3 3       SPCM 101, Science 3 3
Humanities 3 -       Fine Arts - 3
  _____ _____         _____ _____
Total 15 15       Total 15 15
Third Year Fall Spring       Fourth Year Fall Spring
ISAT 366 3 -       EST 340, 441 3 3
EST 302, 365 3 3       EST 341,451 3 3
EST 385, 387 or 388 3 3       EST 303 or 3423 -
University Core 6 6       EST 313 or 343, EST 304 3 3
            University Core 3 2
Independent Study, Internship or approved equivalent - 3       Independent Study, Internship or approved equivalent - 4
  _____ _____         _____ _____
Total 15 15       Total 15 15

For a full description of  EST courses, click this link. EST course descriptions.