Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

The B.S. program in computer engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, Computer engineering is concerned with design and implementation of digital systems such as computer systems, computer-based control systems, interfaces between digital and analog systems, interfaces between hardware and software, and control software for embedded computer systems. This program spans the disciplines of both electrical engineering and computer science, and can be described as bridging the area between the two. Computers are used in almost every device or system manufactured today, from large multicomputer systems to cell phones and credit card reading devices. In addition, they are used in signal processing applications, speech recognition, medical imaging, and picture and data communication. The Internet is possible in part because of advances made in computing machines and data communications by people working in the capacity of computer engineers. Careers for computer engineers are found in all phases of the production of these devices and systems, from design, manufacturing, and maintenance to marketing and sales. Recognizing the changing trend in engineering education, the Computer Engineering program has adopted a multidisciplinary approach for teaching and learning by incorporating a series of newly developed project-oriented courses based on the spiral curriculum. The early part of the program emphasizes computer engineering skills that form the background for the upper-level elective and design courses. Physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer programming, basic engineering science, and general education courses supplement the required and elective computer engineering courses. The upper-level computer engineering course work provides areas of concentration for in-depth study. Students can choose additional technical electives from outside the area of concentration to provide more breadth of knowledge. To influence our society’s evolution, the computer engineer must acquire an understanding of our society, our cultural heritage, and the human condition. The engineer must communicate ideas to other engineers and to the public. The Computer Engineering program enables this via liberal and humanistic studies. The University Core Curriculum requirements allow students to expand their cultural and intellectual horizons by exposing them to the humanities and social sciences. Students learn written and oral communication skills in the core courses as well as in multidisciplinary engineering-science courses in the freshman and sophomore years. Students apply these skills in the humanities and social science courses as well as in laboratory/design courses in their major. An important feature of the computer engineering curriculum is the design experience. Our students develop the ability to analyze appropriate models, conduct empirical tests, gather relevant information, interpret empirical tests, develop appropriate models, develop alternative solutions, formulate problems, and synthesize in our laboratory sequence. This sequence of courses takes the student in gradual steps from a well-structured laboratory experiment in the sophomore year to an open-ended design project in the senior year. This allows students to gain practical experience in engineering design.