The computer engineering program involves the design and engineering of computer hardware and software. It is a synthesis of computer engineering and computer science courses to train students in the engineering of computers and computer systems and in the use of computers in many engineering applications. Computer engineering is a broad area involving many possible areas of specialization.
The computer engineering curriculum is offered within the Faculty of Engineering. The program is concerned with the application of algorithmic processes as realized in hardware and software, or a combination of both, to the solution of problems arising in technological, economic, and social areas. The students get a balanced education in the four key components of computing discipline: theory, abstraction, design and practice. Theory provides the underlying mathematical or scientific principles of computing. Abstraction provides modeling principles for potential algorithms, data structures, architectures, information systems and so forth. Design and practice enables the development of software systems by using appropriate combination of theory and tools such as programming languages, databases, network protocols, client/server architecture, etc.
The undergraduate program accommodates students who are seeking a broad and deep knowledge of the above disciplines. The courses are designed to develop the problem solving and communication skills of the graduate for a work environment or for a higher degree education. Students who obtain a Bachelor of Science degree will be ready to undertake any technical work in computing and will be able to pursue a career in research and development. Some of the possible job titles are: system analyst and programmer, database administrator, system administrator, network administrator, network programmer, graphics developer etc. With additional on-the-job training possibly combined with additional management training, they will also assume leadership roles in a wide range of fields.
The first two years cover basic sciences in mathematics, physics, statistics and engineering. An introduction to the fundamental areas of computer science: theory of computing, programming, computer organization, digital design, numerical analysis, algorithms and data structures are also given. The third year completes the background in basic computer science and engineering. Area of studies include operating systems, database management systems, computer graphics, computer architectures, microprocessors, principles of programming languages, object oriented methodologies and software engineering. Senior students prepare an engineering project using their creativity, knowledge, motivation and current technology. In the senior year a wide range of advanced topics for specialization are also offered to the students as well as the core courses on data communications, computer networks and artificial intelligence. Depending on the choice of electives from the program a graduate will be able to pursue a career in one of the specialization areas offered by the department.
Why major in Computer Engineering?
Top 10 Reasons to Major in Computing
(Source: ACM, Computing Careers)
1. Computing is part of everything we do!
Computing and computer technology are part of just about everything that touches our lives from the cars we drive, to the movies we watch, to the ways businesses and governments deal with us. Understanding different dimensions of computing is part of the necessary skill set for an educated person in the 21st century. Whether you want to be a scientist, develop the latest killer application, or just know what it really means when someone says “the computer made a mistake”, studying computing will provide you with valuable knowledge.
2. Expertise in computing enables you to solve complex, challenging problems.
Computing is a discipline that offers rewarding and challenging possibilities for a wide range of people regardless of their range of interests. Computing requires and develops capabilities in solving deep, multidimensional problems requiring imagination and sensitivity to a variety of concerns.
3. Computing enables you to make a positive difference in the world.
Computing drives innovation in the sciences (human genome project, AIDS vaccine research, environmental monitoring and protection just to mention a few), and also in engineering, business, entertainment and education. If you want to make a positive difference in the world, study computing.
4. Computing offers many types of lucrative careers.
Computing jobs are among the highest paid and have the highest job satisfaction. Computing is very often associated with innovation, and developments in computing tend to drive it. This, in turn, is the key to national competitiveness. The possibilities for future developments are expected to be even greater than they have been in the past.
5. Computing jobs are here to stay, regardless of where you are located.
There actually are more computing jobs than qualified people to fill them in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth rates between 12% and 37% in computing and information technology occupations from 2012 through 2022. If you consider the expected growth in computing, it’s easy to see that companies simply need more talent. Don’t miss out on pursuing the large number of open positions available right now.
6. Expertise in computing helps you even if your primary career choice is something else.
Having a computing major will provide you with a foundation of knowledge, problem solving and logical thinking that will serve as a competitive advantage to you in your career, in whatever field you choose.
7. Computing offers great opportunities for true creativity and innovativeness.
Creating high-quality computing solutions is a highly creative activity, and computing supports creative work in many other fields. The best solutions in computing exhibit high levels of elegance and beauty.
8. Computing has space for both collaborative work and individual effort.
Computing is often about being part of a team that requires people with many different kinds of skills. Yet there is also plenty of space for individual flair and imagination.
9. Computing is an essential part of well-rounded academic preparation.
An increasing number of universities and employers see successful completion of a computer science course as a sign of academic well-roundedness.
10. Future opportunities in computing are without boundaries.
Computing is one of those fields where it is almost impossible to predict what will happen next. This is why we cannot even begin to imagine all the ways that you can make a contribution to it and it can make your life’s work exciting and real.
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