Computer Engineering, BS
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering without Co-op (445000BS)
In addition to traditional large computer applications, devices containing some form of embedded computing system are becoming pervasive in our society. Computer engineers design and develop hardware and software for all of these systems, ranging from software applications to communication networks to components in computing systems to small embedded sensors. Branches of computer engineering include operating systems, embedded systems design, digital circuits, algorithms, software design, and computer architecture among others. Important applications include wired and wireless networks, simulation, automation, digital control, sensing, robotics, “apps,” data management, and many others.
The Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. Our comprehensive curriculum prepares students to identify, formulate, and implement solutions to real-world problems. Students learn how to use modern engineering tools in well-equipped laboratories, with activities that reinforce the concepts learned in the classroom. The curriculum emphasizes design and teamwork, and culminates in a capstone senior design project that integrates the material learned in earlier courses.
The program educational objectives (PEOs) for the Computer Engineering program are that, within a few years after graduation, our Computer Engineering graduates:
- achieve competitively compensated computer engineering positions or related professional positions, or entry into programs of advanced study
- prove to be highly competent and productive in computer engineering or related practice
- continue to develop professionally through both practical experience and a lifelong commitment to learning
- exhibit high standards of ethical conduct, societal responsibility, and professionalism in engineering
The Computer Engineering program has specified these student outcomes to be achieved by the time of graduation:
(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
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering can be combined with the "Cooperative Education, College of Engineering and Polymer Science" certificate, for a nominal five-year plan of study that includes four total years of coursework and one full year of relevant work experience. Alternatively, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering can be earned without the certificate, with a nominal four-year plan of study.
Requirements for Admission
All students who meet the minimum requirements for admittance into The University of Akron and intend to major in engineering or engineering technology are accepted into the College of Engineering and Polymer Science and welcome to begin study towards their intended major. Students must show success in key classes early in the program curriculum before they gain approval to take classes in the third year of the curriculum and beyond.
The following information has official approval of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and The College of Engineering and Polymer Science, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (DPR) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor.
Requirements
Summary
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Requirements * | 24 | |
Natural Science | 12 | |
Mathematics and Statistics | 21-23 | |
Computer Science | 8 | |
Electrical Engineering | 15 | |
Computer Engineering | 28 | |
Capstone Design Project | 7 | |
Computer Engineering Electives | 18 | |
Total Hours | 133-135 |
- *
Several courses required for the major also satisfy General Education requirements. The University minimum of 36 credits are required for General Education and credit for these courses will apply to multiple requirements.
General Education Courses
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete the following General Education coursework. Diversity courses may also fulfill major or Breadth of Knowledge requirements. Integrated and Applied Learning courses may also fulfill requirements in the major. | ||
Academic Foundations | 12 | |
Mathematics, Statistics and Logic: 3 credit hours | ||
Speaking: 3 credit hours | ||
Writing: 6 credit hours | ||
Breadth of Knowledge | 22 | |
Arts/Humanities: 9 credit hours | ||
Natural Sciences: 7 credit hours | ||
Social Sciences: 6 credit hours | ||
Diversity | ||
Domestic Diversity | ||
Global Diversity | ||
Integrated and Applied Learning | 2 | |
Select one class from one of the following subcategories: | ||
Complex Issues Facing Society | ||
Capstone | ||
Review the General Education Requirements page for detailed course listings. | ||
Total Hours | 36 |
General Education
Several courses required for the major also satisfy General Education requirements. The University minimum of 34 credits are required for General Education and credit for these courses will apply to both.
Natural Science
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CHEM:151 | Principles of Chemistry I | 3 |
CHEM:152 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
PHYS:291 | Elementary Classical Physics I | 4 |
PHYS:292 | Elementary Classical Physics II | 4 |
Total Hours | 12 |
Mathematics and Statistics
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
MATH:208 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | 4 |
MATH:221 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus I | 4 |
MATH:222 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus II | 4 |
MATH:223 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus III | 4 |
MATH:335 | Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
STAT:401 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 2-4 |
or STAT:461 | Applied Statistics | |
Total Hours | 21-23 |
Computer Science
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CPSC:209 | Computer Science I | 4 |
CPSC:210 | Computer Science II | 4 |
Total Hours | 8 |
Electrical Engineering
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
ELEN:230 | Circuits I Laboratory | 1 |
ELEN:231 | Circuits I | 3 |
ELEN:330 | Circuits II Laboratory | 1 |
ELEN:332 | Circuits II | 3 |
ELEN:340 | Signals & Systems | 4 |
ELEN:360 | Physical Electronics | 3 |
Total Hours | 15 |
Computer Engineering
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CPEN:101 | Tools for Computer Engineering | 3 |
CPEN:320 | Computer Systems | 3 |
CPEN:325 | Operating Systems Concepts | 3 |
or CPSC:426 | Operating Systems | |
CPEN:221 | Digital Logic Design | 3 |
CPEN:222 | Digital Logic Design Laboratory | 1 |
CPEN:367 | VLSI Design | 3 |
CPEN:420 | Computer Systems Design | 3 |
CPEN:422 | Embedded Systems Interfacing | 3 |
CPEN:427 | Computer Networks | 3 |
CPEN:440 | Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
Total Hours | 28 |
Capstone Design Project
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CPEN:309 | Design Project Seminar - Computer Engineering | 1 |
CPEN:401 | Senior Design Project I - Computer Engineering | 3 |
CPEN:402 | Senior Design Project II - Computer Engineering | 3 |
Total Hours | 7 |
Computer Engineering Electives
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Select 18 credits from the following list, according to departmental Breadth and Depth requirements, and with at least 9 credits from the ELEN or CPEN subject areas: | 18 | |
CPEN:301 | Undergraduate Research I: Computer Engineering | |
CPEN:302 | Undergraduate Research II: Computer Engineering | |
CPEN:303 | Undergraduate Research III: Computer Engineering | |
CPEN:410 | Embedded Scientific Computing | |
CPEN:415 | System Simulation | |
CPEN:462 | Analog Integrated Circuit Design | |
CPEN:465 | Programmable Logic | |
CPEN:467 | VLSI Circuits & Systems | |
CPEN:498 | Special Topics: Computer Engineering | |
ELEN:341 | Introduction to Communication Systems | |
ELEN:350 | Engineering Electromagnetics | |
ELEN:361 | Electronic Design | |
ELEN:371 | Control Systems I | |
ELEN:381 | Energy Conversion | |
ELEN:434 | Active Circuits | |
ELEN:441 | Digital Communication | |
ELEN:445 | Wireless Communications | |
ELEN:447 | Random Signals | |
ELEN:448 | Optical Communication Networks | |
ELEN:451 | Electromagnetic Compatibility | |
ELEN:453 | Antenna Theory | |
ELEN:455 | Microwaves | |
ELEN:461 | Optical Electronics & Photonic Devices | |
ELEN:469 | Introduction to Sensors and Actuators | |
ELEN:472 | Control Systems II | |
ELEN:481 | Modern Power Systems | |
ELEN:483 | Power Electronics I | |
ELEN:485 | Electric Motor Drives | |
ELEN:486 | Dynamics of Electric Machines | |
ELEN:487 | Electromagnetic Design of Electric Machines | |
ELEN:488 | Control of Machines | |
ELEN:489 | Electric and Hybrid Vehicles | |
MATH:427 | Applied Numerical Methods I | |
MATH:428 | Applied Numerical Methods II | |
CPSC:307 | Internet Systems Programming | |
CPSC:316 | Data Structures | |
CPSC:421 | Object-Oriented Programming | |
CPSC:435 | Algorithms | |
CPSC:436 | Applied Machine Learning | |
CPSC:440 | Compiler Design | |
CPSC:453 | Computer Security | |
CPSC:457 | Computer Graphics | |
CPSC:460 | Artificial Intelligence & Heuristic Programming | |
CPSC:475 | Database Management | |
CPSC:477 | Introduction to Parallel Processing | |
Total Hours | 18 |
Recommended Sequence with Cooperative Education
This plan of study shows the recommended schedule for students who are also earning the "Cooperative Education, College of Engineering and Polymer Science certificate". Together, the Bachelor of Science and certificate require a five-year plan of study. The program recommends that students earn this certificate.
1st Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall Semester | Hours | |
CHEM:151 | Principles of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
CHEM:152 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
ENGL:111 | English Composition I 1 | 3 |
MATH:221 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus I 1 | 4 |
CPEN:101 | Tools for Computer Engineering | 3 |
Hours | 14 | |
Spring Semester | ||
ENGL:112 | English Composition II 1,2 | 3 |
MATH:208 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | 4 |
MATH:222 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus II 1 | 4 |
PHYS:291 | Elementary Classical Physics I 1 | 4 |
CPEN:221 | Digital Logic Design | 3 |
CPEN:222 | Digital Logic Design Laboratory | 1 |
Hours | 19 | |
2nd Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
CPSC:209 | Computer Science I | 4 |
MATH:223 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus III | 4 |
PHYS:292 | Elementary Classical Physics II | 4 |
ELEN:230 | Circuits I Laboratory | 1 |
ELEN:231 | Circuits I | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Hours | 19 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CPSC:210 | Computer Science II | 4 |
MATH:335 | Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
ELEN:330 | Circuits II Laboratory | 1 |
ELEN:332 | Circuits II | 3 |
CPEN:320 | Computer Systems | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution | 3 | |
Hours | 17 | |
Summer Semester | ||
GNEN:300 | Cooperative Education Work Period (possible) | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
3rd Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
ELEN:340 | Signals & Systems | 4 |
ELEN:360 | Physical Electronics | 3 |
CPEN:325 or CPSC:426 | Operating Systems Concepts or Operating Systems | 3 |
CPEN:422 | Embedded Systems Interfacing | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Undergraduate Research I: Computer Engineering (Optional) | ||
Hours | 16 | |
Spring Semester | ||
GNEN:301 | Cooperative Education Work Period (for Cooperative Education certificate) | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Summer Semester | ||
STAT:401 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 2 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Undergraduate Research II: Computer Engineering (Optional) | ||
Hours | 5 | |
4th Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
GNEN:302 | Cooperative Education Work Period (for Cooperative Education certificate) | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CPEN:309 | Design Project Seminar - Computer Engineering | 1 |
CPEN:367 | VLSI Design | 3 |
CPEN:420 | Computer Systems Design | 3 |
CPEN:427 | Computer Networks | 3 |
CPEN:440 | Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
Undergraduate Research III: Computer Engineering (Optional) | ||
Hours | 13 | |
Summer Semester | ||
GNEN:403 | Cooperative Education Work Period (for Cooperative Education certificate) | 0 |
Hours | 0 | |
5th Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
CPEN:401 | Senior Design Project I - Computer Engineering | 3 |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CPEN:402 | Senior Design Project II - Computer Engineering | 3 |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Total Hours | 133 |
- 1
Honors sections may be available; honors students should check the schedule of classes.
- 2
Check General Education Program or Honors Distribution to find courses that satisfy the Writing Second Course requirement. While ENGL:112 is preferred, ENGL:222 Technical Report Writing is accepted to fulfill the English composition elective.
- 3
Credit hours shown for General Education or Honors Distribution are general guidelines only. These courses should be chosen in accordance with the appropriate General Education curriculum guide (for non-honors students) or Honors Distribution (for honors students). Honors students must also ensure that their course selections meet additional requirements not shown on this curriculum guide.
- 4
Computer Engineering Electives must be chosen to meet Breadth and Depth requirements. See Electrical and Computer Engineering Departmental Office for Approved Computer Engineering Electives (including Breadth and Depth requirements).
- 5
Up to three credits of undergraduate research in Computer Engineering may be applied to program requirements as Computer Engineering Electives. Students may take at most one credit of undergraduate research in a semester.
Recommended Schedule without Cooperative Education
If a student chooses not to earn the Cooperative Education certificate, the following four-year plan of study is used.
1st Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall Semester | Hours | |
CHEM:151 | Principles of Chemistry I 1 | 3 |
CHEM:152 | Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory | 1 |
ENGL:111 | English Composition I 1 | 3 |
MATH:221 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus I 1 | 4 |
CPEN:101 | Tools for Computer Engineering | 3 |
Hours | 14 | |
Spring Semester | ||
ENGL:112 | English Composition II 1,2 | 3 |
MATH:208 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | 4 |
MATH:222 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus II 1 | 4 |
PHYS:291 | Elementary Classical Physics I 1 | 4 |
CPEN:221 | Digital Logic Design | 3 |
CPEN:222 | Digital Logic Design Laboratory | 1 |
Hours | 19 | |
2nd Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
CPSC:209 | Computer Science I | 4 |
MATH:223 | Analytic Geometry-Calculus III 1 | 4 |
PHYS:292 | Elementary Classical Physics II 1 | 4 |
ELEN:230 | Circuits I Laboratory | 1 |
ELEN:231 | Circuits I | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Hours | 19 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CPSC:210 | Computer Science II | 4 |
MATH:335 | Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
ELEN:330 | Circuits II Laboratory | 1 |
ELEN:332 | Circuits II | 3 |
CPEN:320 | Computer Systems | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Hours | 17 | |
3rd Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
ELEN:340 | Signals & Systems | 4 |
ELEN:360 | Physical Electronics | 3 |
CPEN:325 or CPSC:426 | Operating Systems Concepts or Operating Systems | 3 |
CPEN:422 | Embedded Systems Interfacing | 3 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Undergraduate Research I: Computer Engineering (Optional) | ||
Hours | 16 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CPEN:309 | Design Project Seminar - Computer Engineering | 1 |
CPEN:367 | VLSI Design | 3 |
CPEN:420 | Computer Systems Design | 3 |
CPEN:427 | Computer Networks | 3 |
CPEN:440 | Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
Undergraduate Research II: Computer Engineering (Optional) | ||
Hours | 13 | |
Summer Semester | ||
STAT:401 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 2 |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Undergraduate Research III: Computer Engineering (Optional) | ||
Hours | 5 | |
4th Year | ||
Fall Semester | ||
CPEN:401 | Senior Design Project I - Computer Engineering | 3 |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring Semester | ||
CPEN:402 | Senior Design Project II - Computer Engineering | 3 |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
Computer Engineering Elective 4 | 3 | |
General Education or Honors Distribution 3 | 3 | |
Hours | 15 | |
Total Hours | 133 |
- 1
Honors sections may be available; honors students should check the schedule of classes.
- 2
Check General Education Program or Honors Distribution to find courses that satisfy the Writing Second Course requirement. While ENGL:112 is preferred, ENGL:222 Technical Report Writing is accepted to fulfill the English composition elective.
- 3
Credit hours shown for General Education or Honors Distribution are general guidelines only. These courses should be chosen in accordance with the appropriate General Education curriculum guide (for non-honors students) or Honors Distribution (for honors students). Honors students must also ensure that their course selections meet additional requirements not shown on this curriculum guide.
- 4
Computer Engineering Electives must be chosen to meet Breadth and Depth requirements. See Electrical and Computer Engineering Departmental Office for Approved Computer Engineering Electives (including Breadth and Depth requirements).
- 5
Up to three credits of undergraduate research in Computer Engineering may be applied to program requirements as Computer Engineering Electives. Students may take at most one credit of undergraduate research in a semester.