Computer engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical principles to the design and analysis of all hardware, software, and operating systems for a computer system. Computer engineering integrates several fields of electrical engineering and computer science. Computer engineering is one of the most vibrant and constantly changing fields in engineering. Computational capability that was only possible by machines that weighed tens of tons and required thousands of square feet of room space some time ago, are now afforded by chips smaller than a thumbnail. Billion-transistor chips and Terabyte storage are now a reality, and Petaflop performance is within reach. On the other hand, software consideration has become an essential aspect of the design process. Devices such as cell phones, digital audio players, digital video recorders, alarm systems, x-ray machines, and laser surgical tools all require integration of hardware and software.

This discipline covers the study of hardware, software, and their integration. As such, students learn the principles of electricity, signals and systems, and technologies used in making digital devices. They further study programming languages, data structure, operating systems, and databases. The knowledge acquired in the first three years of undergraduate program will culminate in architecture and design-related courses in which students experience the cost- performance tradeoffs associated with mitigating hardware issues to software. Computer engineers are employed in the manufacturing and R&D companies, federal and state government departments and research laboratories, healthcare, transportation, financial institutions, and service oriented businesses.

Career Possibilities

A Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering specifically prepares graduates for a career in the computer engineering field. Computer engineers apply principles from electrical engineering and computer science to design and analyze all hardware and software required for a computer system. This includes the design of microprocessors and microcontrollers, software and firmware for microprocessors and microcontrollers, integrated circuits, computer networks and operating systems. A Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering can also help graduates find work in other careers such as patent law.

Computer Engineering Program Educational Objectives

The Program Educational Objective of the Computer Engineering program is to create, apply, and disseminate knowledge so that within a few years after graduation the graduate:

• can successfully practice and mature intellectually in the field of Computer Engineering or a related field
• can be admitted to and successfully progress through a post graduate program in Computer Engineering or related program.

Computer Engineering Program goals

To achieve these objectives, the Computer Engineering program’s goals are for the graduate to possess:

• appropriate technical knowledge and skills,
• appropriate interpersonal skills,
• the knowledge and skills to be a responsible citizen.