Computer Engineering Technology

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.

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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 mining engineering technology degree at Queen’s University in Ontario 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

Sample job title	NOC classification
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

Note

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:

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©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using 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.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

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.

2024-25 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

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.

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.

Institution	Details
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

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