Academic Catalog 2024–2025

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Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering

Overview

ABET-logo.jpgThe Bachelor of Engineering degree program in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Engineering.

 ABET is the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.  

ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.

Students in the BE in Computer Engineering program develop in-depth knowledge of digital systems, computers, software, networks, and communications systems.  In addition to the core topics in electrical and computer engineering, students are exposed to subjects including microprocessors, operating systems, computer architecture, database systems, networks, electronics, control systems, software engineering, reconfigurable computing, communications systems, and telecommunications. This provides for a balanced coverage and an integration of hardware, software, and communications engineering. As part of the academic program, six credits of professional experience are also included in the last summer prior to graduation, to give students an opportunity to integrate classroom instruction with practical work experience. Students also have the choice to follow an Extended Experiential Learning Study Plan, which requires performing an extended professional experience for an extra semester (Fall or Spring, spanning 6 uninterrupted months) to further gain from working on real-life problems.

The broad scope of the program enables students to pursue different career paths in the design and use of computing and communications systems. Graduates of the program are prepared for employment in the computer and communications industries, and may also select to pursue graduate studies.

The computer engineering program is credit-based and requires the completion of 150 semester hours. A typical schedule is listed below and extends over a four-year period including summer semester; students may select to take these courses over a longer period of time.

Mission

The Mission of the Computer Engineering Program is to educate each student to become a responsible, and productive, Computer Engineer who can effectively manage future challenges.

Program Educational Objectives

Within a few years of graduation, the graduates of the Computer Engineering program will:

  • Demonstrate technical aptitude in Computer Engineering careers and/or graduate studies
  • Establish themselves in diverse fields of Computer Engineering
  • Conduct themselves as effective professionals

Student Outcomes

The students will acquire in their matriculation through the Program, the following skills, knowledge, and behaviors:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. 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
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Admission Requirements

The application process is the same as for all undergraduate programs (see Admissions). Applicants will be evaluated by the School of Engineering Admissions Council and final acceptance will be based on each applicant’s qualifications and the availability of places. More details are found in the SOE Admissions Quick Guide.

Curriculum

A total of 150 credits are required to graduate, distributed as follows:

  • Computer Engineering Core Courses (97 credits)
  • Mathematics and Science Core Courses (18 credits)
  • Other Engineering Required Courses (14 credits)
  • LAS Requirements (18 credits)
  • Free Elective Course (3 credits)

Additionally:

  • a minimum residency of four years, including three summer semesters, is required prior to graduation,
  • a capstone design project is required for all students in addition to successful completion of the course of study

Computer Engineering Core Courses (97 credits)

  • COE211 Computer Programming (4 cr.)
  • COE312 Data Structures (3 cr.)
  • COE313 Data Structures Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE321 Logic Design (3 cr.)
  • COE322 Logic Design Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE323 Microprocessors (3 cr.)
  • COE324 Microprocessors Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE414 Operating Systems (3 cr.)
  • COE415 Computer Programming II (3 cr.)
  • COE415B Computer Programming II Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE416 Software Engineering (3 cr.)
  • COE418 Database Systems (3 cr.)
  • COE423 Computer Architecture (3 cr.)
  • COE424 Digital Systems (3 cr.)
  • COE425 Digital Systems Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE431 Computer Networks (3 cr.)
  • COE493 Professionalism in Engineering (3 cr.)
  • COE498 Professional Experience - Comp (6 cr.)
  • COE521 Embedded Systems (3 cr.)
  • COE593 Computer Engineering Applications (3 cr.)
  • COE595 Capstone Design Project I (3 cr.)
  • COE596 Capstone Design Project II (3 cr.)
  • ELE300 Electric Circuits (3 cr.)
  • ELE303 Electrical Circuits Lab (1 cr.)
  • ELE401 Electronics I (3 cr.)
  • ELE402 Electronics I Lab (1 cr.)
  • ELE430 Signals and Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE442 Control Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE443 Control Systems Lab (1 cr.)
  • ELE537 Communication Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE540 Communication Systems Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE Technical Elective (3 cr.)1
  • COE Technical Elective (3 cr.)1
  • COE Technical Elective (3 cr.)1
  • COE Technical Elective (3 cr.)1
  • ECE Technical Elective (3 cr.)1
  • ECE Technical Elective (3 cr.)1

1 ECE Technical Electives

A COE student must take a total of six technical electives. Four different courses must be taken from COE tracks; the remaining two technical electives can be selected from any track (COE or ELE or No Track).

COE Track

Computer Hardware (COE track)

  • COE522 High Performance Computer Architecture (3 cr.)
  • COE527 VLSI Design (3 cr.)
  • COE529 Testing for Digital Integrated Circuits (3 cr.)

Computer Software and Networks (COE track)

  • COE545 Information Security (3 cr.)
  • COE599E Topics in Computer Software (3 cr.)

AI Systems Engineering (COE track)

  • COE543 Intelligent Data Processing & Applications (3 cr.)
  • COE544 Intelligent Engineering Algorithms (3 cr.)
  • COE546 Machine Learning (3 cr.)
  • COE547 Deep learning (3 cr.)
  • COE548 Large Language Models (3cr.)
  • COE554 Computer Vision and Deep Learning (3 cr.)

ELE Track

Communication and Signal Processing (ELE track)

  • ELE531 Optical Fiber Communications (3 cr.)
  • ELE535 Information and Coding Theory (3 cr.)
  • ELE538 Noise in Communication Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE539 Telecommunication Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE552 Digital Image and Video Processing and Compression (3 cr.)

Integrated Circuits, Electronics, and Control (ELE track)

  • ELE501 Microelectronics (3 cr.)
  • ELE557 Simulation of Electronic Circuits (3 cr.)
  • MCE540 Biomechatronics (3 cr.)

Electric Power and Energy Systems (ELE track)

  • ELE420 Electromechanics (3 cr.)
  • ELE422 Power Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE521 Electrical Energy Storage Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE525 Faulted Power Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE526 Renewable Energy Sources (3 cr.)
  • ELE529 Design & Operation of Smart Grids (3 cr.)
  • ELE599D Topics: Electricity Markets & Renewable Energy (3 cr.)

No Track

  • COE555 Queuing Theory (3 cr.)
  • ELE553 Reliability Evaluation of Engineering Systems (3 cr.)

Note that except for ELE305, ELE391 and COE312, any COE/ELE course can be considered as a technical elective as long as it is not a required course. COE599/ELE599 could be taken more than once for credit when topics differ.

Mathematics and Science Core Courses (18 credits)

  • MTH201 Calculus III (3 cr.)
  • MTH206 Calculus IV (3 cr.)
  • MTH207 Discrete Structures I (3 cr.)
  • MTH304 Differential Equations (3 cr.)
  • GNE331 Probability and Statistics (3 cr.)
  • PHY201 Electricity and Magnetism (no lab) (3 cr.)

Other Engineering Required Courses (14 credits)

  • GNE212 Engineering Mechanics (3 cr.)
  • GNE301 Professional Communication (2 cr.)
  • INE320 Engineering Economy I (3 cr.)
  • COE201 Computer Proficiency (1 cr.)
  • GNE303 Engineering Ethics (2 cr.)
  • GNExxx SOE Signature Course (3 cr.)2

2 Engineering Elective Signature Courses

  • GNE335 Introduction to Sustainable Engineering (3 cr.)
  • GNE337 Introduction to Virtual Reality (3 cr.)
  • GNE340 Engineering Entrepreneurship (3 cr.)
  • GNE345 Civic Engagement for Engineers (3cr.)
  • GNE430 Management Consulting for Engineers (3cr.)

LAS Requirements (18 credits)

Core Courses (6 credits)

  • ENG202   Advanced Academic English (3 cr.)
  • COM203  Art of Public Communication (3 cr.)

Elective Courses (12 credits)

The additional 12 credits of Liberal Arts and Sciences Electives should be taken according to Curriculum Z as described below:

  1. Digital Cultures (3 credits)
  2. Change Makers (6 credits)
  3. LAS Free Elective, Arts & Humanities (3 credits)

A list of courses for each of the above categories can be found here.

Free Elective (3 credits)

Recommended Study Plan

Year One

Fall (16 credits)

  • ENG202 Advanced Academic English (3 cr.)
  • PHY201 Electricity & Magnetism (3 cr.)
  • MTH201 Calculus III (3 cr.)
  • MTH207 Discrete Structures I (3 cr.)
  • GNE212 Engineering Mechanics (3 cr.)
  • COE201 Computer Proficiency (1 cr.)

Spring (16 credits)

  • COE211 Computer Programming (4 cr.)
  • MTH206 Calculus IV (3 cr.)
  • MTH304 Differential Equations (3 cr.)
  • LAS Elective (3 cr.)
  • LAS Elective (3 cr.)

Summer (9 credits)

  • COM203 Art of Public Communication (3 cr.)
  • LAS Elective (3 cr.)
  • Free Elective (3 cr.)

Year Two

Fall (16 credits)

  • ELE300 Electric Circuits (3 cr.)
  • ELE303 Electrical Circuits Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE312 Data Structures (3 cr.)
  • COE321 Logic Design (3 cr.)
  • GNE331 Probability & Statistics (3 cr.)
  • LAS Elective (3 cr.)

Spring (16 credits)

  • ELE401 Electronics I (3 cr.)
  • ELE402 Electronics I - Lab (1 cr.)
  • ELE430 Signals and Systems (3 cr.)
  • COE313 Data Structures - Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE322 Logic Design Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE323 Microprocessors (3 cr.)
  • COE415 Computer Programming II (4 cr.)

Summer (7 credits)

  • GNE301 Professional Communication (2 cr.)
  • GNE303 Engineering Ethics (2 cr.)
  • INE320 Engineering Economy I (3 cr.)

Year Three

Fall (16 credits)

  • COE418 Database Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE537 Communication Systems (3 cr.)
  • COE324 Microprocessors Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE423 Computer Architecture (3 cr.)
  • COE493 Professionalism in Engineering (3 cr.)
  • COE Elective I (3 cr.)

Spring (16 credits)

  • COE424 Digital Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE540 Communication Systems Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE Elective 2 (3 cr.)
  • COE Elective 3 (3 cr.)
  • COE Elective 4 (3 cr.)
  • COE416 Software Engineering (3 cr.)

Summer (6 credits)

  • COE498 Professional Experience - Comp (6 cr.)

Year Four

Fall (17 credits)

  • ELE442 Control Systems (3 cr.)
  • ELE443 Control Systems Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE414 Operating Systems (3 cr.)
  • COE425 Digital Systems Lab (1 cr.)
  • COE521 Embedded Systems (3 cr.)
  • COE593 Computer Engineering Applications (3 cr.)
  • COE595 Capstone Design Project I (3 cr.)

Spring (15 credits)

  • COE431 Computer Networks (3 cr.)
  • COE596 Capstone Design Project II (3 cr.)
  • GNExxx SOE Signature Course (3 cr.)
  • ECE Elective 1 (3 cr.)
  • ECE Elective 2 (3 cr.)