The ECE Department began offering courses for the computer program in the Fall of 2001. The first two years of the computer program are identical to the first two years of the electrical engineering program. The cp,puter track provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of electrical and computer engineering that would allow a graduate to function effectively in industry or continue on to graduate school.
What Kind of Engineer Do You Want to Be?
- A computer engineer must understand the fundamentals of general engineering and hardware design as well as essential low and high level programming. A computer engineer must have a fundamental understanding of digital signal processing VLSI filters, electronics, digital/advanced digital computer logic and architecture (at the hardware level) as well as the associated software. This defines the differences between a computer engineer, an electrical engineer, and a computer scientist. An electrical engineer will study math, physical science, and some hardware, while a computer engineer will focus more on hardware and software along with physical science and math, especially discrete math. The computer scientist concentrates more on software and discrete math than the computer engineer and less time to hardware and physical science. For example, both electrical and computer engineers require at least 20 credits of circuits and electronics (theory and laboratories). Computer engineers use their knowledge to create new devices and systems that satisfy perceived societal needs, including health and welfare, safety, environmental control, knowledge enhancement, etc.
Specialization
- The specialization areas available for a student in the BS Eng in Electrical Engineering program do not sufficiently emphasize computer engineering. Computer engineering has grown rapidly to a size justifying a separate degree program. A BS in Computer Science focuses primarily on the theory, design, and analysis of algorithms applied to the software aspects of computer technology. This is in contrast to the BS Eng in Computer Engineering, in which there is a desire to integrate hardware aspects at various levels (embedded systems and systems integration) with software aspects, also at various levels.
- Students follow a sequence of courses beginning with basic mathematics and science, followed by their application to courses in engineering science and engineering design. Relevant clusters of studies in the humanities and social sciences are included within the context of engineering education to create well-rounded graduates.
- The department offers several tracks for students with different levels of preparation in mathematics and English. It may take some students five years to complete their degree.
