With the origin of the modern computer dating back to the late 1940’s and the growth of computer hardware fueled by the availability of digital integrated circuits starting in the late 1960’s, computer engineers have enjoyed a pivotal role in technology that now permeates our entire society. Whether the end product is an integrated circuit, a system of networked embedded computers, or any system that relies on digital hardware or computer software, its development requires the skills of a computer engineer. While computing systems include both hardware and software, it is the optimal combination of these components that is the unique realm of the computer engineer. Today, computer engineers are a driving force in the technological and economic development of the digital age. The curriculum requirements for computer engineering are built around a substantial engineering core curriculum and required courses in electrical engineering and computer science. The requirements in mathematics, the basic sciences, and engineering sciences provide the breadth of exposure required for all engineering disciplines. Basic electrical engineering requirements include circuit theory, electronics and digital devices which are supplemented by upper-level courses in computer architecture, and computer aided design of digital systems. Basic computer science courses include a coordinated sequence providing fundamental knowledge in data structures, algorithms, object oriented programming, software engineering, real-time application and software development tools. These courses are developed across multiple platforms and are based on the Python and Java language. Upper-level courses in data communications and computer networks, algorithms and operating systems are also provided. Students wishing to gain depth of coverage in communications, parallel computing, VLSI, embedded systems or signal processing can achieve this with the availability of technical electives selected from an approved list or in consultation with a faculty advisor. Required courses in communications skills, social sciences and humanities provide studies in non-technical areas that are traditional in a broad-based education. A capstone senior design course requires students to apply newfound knowledge and explore entrepreneurship. Students research and identify a problem and work in teams applying a combination of hardware and software to develop a solution. Critical and Final Design Reviews enable students to develop their professional presentation skills.

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