Advanced Technology

It has been nothing less than a revolution. Computers have changed almost every aspect of our lives: how we shop, how we bank, how we communicate with our friends and families, how we create art. At work we do research differently, store information differently and communicate differently with our coworkers. At home we watch movies on our computer, or make our own movies; we plan our vacations — from buying airline tickets to mapping directions — and we check our bank balance and pay our bills. This is just the beginning.

Imagine the possibilities in the next phase of the revolution.

Imagine yourself having a place in it. Chemeketa can help take you there.

Chemeketa can give you state-of-the-art technical training. You'll receive hands-on experience with industrial-quality equipment that will prepare you for a career with a future. Your greatest resource will be people — the faculty and your fellow students — as you learn in a professional and caring atmosphere. You can choose from a number of programs that will get you started in the computer industry. Students typically take two years to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree and one year to earn a Certificate of Completion.

Integrated Circuit Mask Design

Certificate of Completion

Graduates of the Integrated Circuit Mask Design program are employed by firms that design and manufacture the subminiature electronic circuits that are at the nucleus of all electronic and computerized equipment. Integrated circuit mask designers use computer-aided design systems to design the templates — or masks — that are used to manufacture microelectronic circuits. This program includes classes in computer-aided design, CMOS layout, electronics, computer operating systems and the semiconductor manufacturing process.

Electronics Technologies

Associate degree

The Electronics Technologies program has three associate degree options, which usually take two years to complete: Computer Electronics, Electronic Engineering Technician, and Microelectronics/Industrial Electronics Technician.

Graduates in Computer Electronics begin careers with companies that manufacture, install or maintain computers or computer-like equipment, including mainframe computers, mini and microcomputers, automated office equipment, computer peripherals and data communication networks.

Upon graduation from the Electronic Engineering Technician option, you may be employed to assist in the design, manufacturing, installation, and service of telecommunication equipment and systems, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, electronic test instruments, medical measuring and monitoring equipment, computers, consumer electronic systems (stereos, video systems, etc.), and office automation equipment.

Students specializing in Microelectronics or Industrial Electronics may begin careers assisting in the development, manufacture, installation, and service of computer-integrated manufacturing systems, semiconductor manufacturing systems, process control equipment, electromechanical equipment, robots, and measurement and monitoring systems.

Network Technology

Associate degree

Graduates of the Network Technology program are prepared to work on the cutting edge of modern communication technology, designing networks and working with the latest in network hardware and software.

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Design

Certificate of Completion

Graduates of the MEMS program are employed by firms who design and manufacture nanotechnology systems that are at the nucleus of advanced bio- and nano-technology equipment. MEMS designers use computer-aided-design systems to design the templates or masks that are used to manufacture nanotechnology systems. Graduates of this program may also be employed as electronic circuit designers and layout specialists.

Computer-Assisted Drafting

Associate degree/certificate

Computer-Assisted Drafting prepares you for a career as a technician in civil, mechanical, pipe or architectural drafting. Other career opportunities include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and technical illustration. Chemeketa offers several options to prepare you for a drafting career: a certificate or an associate's degree in Computer-Assisted Drafting, and an associate's degree in Computer-Aided Design/ Computer-Aided Manufacturing or Mechanical Design.

Computer Programming

Associate degree

Associate degree graduates in either Computer Programming and Support or Microcomputer Support Specialist qualify to work with computers of various sizes as professional business application programmers in careers involving microcomputer applications and local area networks. This program emphasizes a broad range of software and hardware skills, including training in operating systems, computer programming, networking and use of applications. For more information, see our web site at: cis.chemeketa.edu

Other Options

If you are already employed in the computer industry, or already hold a degree in computer science, you may want to enroll in selected courses to advance your career.

You may be able to get credit for college classes while you are still in high school, so check with your high school career and counseling office to see it this is an option for you.

Through Chemeketa's Credit for Prior Learning program, you may be able to earn credit for what you have learned on the job, or in community or volunteer service, non-credit classes or individual study.

While most students begin their careers in electronics immediately upon graduation from Chemeketa, you could choose to transfer to a college such as Oregon Institute of Technology and obtain a bachelor's degree. If you wish to transfer, please talk to an advisor in your program at Chemeketa and at the institution to which you wish to transfer.

If you are interested in eventually having a career in management or owning your own business, you may want to take additional classes at Chemeketa from such business programs as Accounting or Management. For information about what business courses you may want to add to your program, check the Business Technology web site at: www.chemeketa.edu/programs/bt/training.html

Getting Started

If you haven't been to Chemeketa recently, your first step should be a visit to the college. While there you can talk to an advisor and learn what the college can do to help you reach your goal. You can arrange a time to take the college's free placement test, which will help determine whether or not you need to take some basic skills classes in mathematics, reading or writing before enrolling in the program. If you would like to tour the electronics laboratory, call 503.399.5074.

You can get additional information about these programs by calling:

Computer Programming — 503-399-6074
Electronics/Network Technologies — 503-399-6254
Computer-Aided Drafting — 503-399-5072
IC Mask — 503-399-6254
MEMS Design — 503-399-6254

Updated February 8, 2007 by the College Advancement Department.