As the number of computers built and installed each year has increased, so has the number of technicians needed to develop, manufacture, and maintain those computers. However, a student may take the first four terms at the Abilene or Brownwood Centers and then transfer to Sweetwater. The program offers an associate degree after eighteen months of study. During that time, the student also focuses on digital electronics and microprocessors.
Students spend the majority of their time in various labs gaining hands-on experience.
Students work with image and memory systems, computer peripherals, communications, and many types of computer-related equipment. The cooperative program enables the student to gain valuable experience in the work place while enrolled in classes at the College. Students with the necessary skills and experience often gain employment as PC support technicians, network technicians, system or network integration technicians, or field service technicians. Graduates have filled these positions with many companies in Texas such as Advanced Micro Devices, Dell Computers, National Instruments and Sematech, in Austin, Texas Instruments in Lubbock, Sherman, and Temple, E-Systems in Dallas, Texaco in Houston, and Fina Oil in Big Spring. Graduates can earn rewarding salaries starting in the mid-twenties per year.