The Computer Engineering major bridges the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science disciplines and is focused on the design of electronic devices that are microcontroller/microprocessor controlled. Thus the Computer Engineer works with both hardware (sensors and actuators) as well as software design. The engineering component of the program places strong emphasis on hands-on experience and the art of engineering design. The curriculum provides for both breadth and depth through concentration areas and elective engineering courses. The Computer Engineering major is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
A wide array of career options are available for graduates from the Computer Engineering major including applied engineers in industry, design engineers, research, consulting, and graduate study leading to advanced degrees.
Program Educational Objectives
The Computer Engineering major is structured to give students the knowledge, skills and experience needed to be successful as an entry level engineer upon graduation. With this educational foundation, it is our objective that within a few years following graduation, our alumni will have:
- Made meaningful contributions to the computer engineering profession through (for example) service as applied engineers in industry or consulting, professional licensure, advanced degrees and/or publications.
- Acquired new, specialized skills needed for professional mobility and growth.
- Been effective members of a professional team displaying proficiency at (for example) engineering design, communications, and teamwork skills.
Student Outcomes
The student outcomes for the Computer Engineering degree program are listed below and are identical to the student outcomes listed in Criterion 3 of the Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs (2018-2019 Accreditation Cycle), as published by the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission. The Electrical Engineering degree program does not have any additional student
outcomes beyond these eleven, as none appear required to enable our objectives.
A) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
B) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
C) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
D) An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
E) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
F) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
G) An ability to communicate effectively
H) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
I) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
J) A knowledge of contemporary issues
K) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
Engineering Cooperative Work Experience (Co-op)
Students are required to complete three semesters of co-op (six credits) prior to graduation. Through this program, students gain practical hands-on experience in industry and other engineering-related enterprises. After their first two years of study, students alternate academic semesters with semesters of full-time paid professional engineering experience in industry. One or more co-ops may be waived for students with a history of qualified engineering work.
To be eligible for co-op, a student must have:
- A GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Completed a minimum of 64 credits of coursework
- Completed (with a grade of 2 or better) or be currently enrolled in ECE 280 and ECE 260
Student Policy Manual
The requirements, policies, procedures and other important details concerning the Computer Engineering major can be located in the Student Policy Manual.
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