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 Computer Engineering program is structured to give students the knowledge, skills and experience needed to be successful as an entry level engineer upon graduation. To accomplish this, students will have achieved the following key student outcomes by the time they graduate:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Engineering Cooperative Work Experience (Co-op)
Students are required to complete three semesters of co-op (six credits) prior to graduation. One co-op (two credits) will be waived for students who successfully complete a semester-long study abroad experience and with prior permission of the department chair. 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.
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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