Computer Engineering
The demand for computer engineers far exceeds the available work-force and is expected to continue above average growth through 2018. Current surveys report that more than 15,000 computer engineering positions are open every year. In Pennsylvania and the surrounding region (MD, NJ, VA) there are nearly 3,000 positions open annually.
What is Computer Engineering?
Computer Engineering is a branch of engineering that combines software and electrical engineering to develop computer systems. Computer engineers are involved in the hardware development and software process—designing and building hardware systems as well as the operating systems and applications programs for those systems. These skills are vital for today’s pervasive computing environment, where we are literally surrounded by systems built from discrete components, microcontrollers, embedded Systems-on-a-Chip, and reconfigurable logic devices.
Where is Computer Engineering Used?
Computer engineers are actively involved in the development of the next generation of computers, smartphones, and tablets. They are also involved in the development of computer systems for medical, automotive and industrial automation systems. As a result, computer engineers are employed across a wide range of industries, from small shops that build custom boards to large multi-national organizations that are literally transforming the way technology is used in our society.
What kind of career choices can I expect?
Computer engineers possess hardware and software development skills that will enable them to work in any aspect of the computing lifecycle. They have training in a broad range of computer science, software engineering, mathematics, physics, and basic science to enable them to participate in a wide range of the product development lifecycle. They may work with electrical engineers in a team developing new hardware; or with systems programmers in developing device drivers and operating systems interfaces; or with software engineers to develop the high-level applications that run on the device.
Shippensburg’s program at will provide sufficient skills for students to pursue their careers as computer engineers; or they may easily transition into any of the careers followed by computer science generalists. Students will also be well qualified for further study in a graduate program.
What is the Curriculum?
This 120 credit-hour engineering program is designed to be completed in four years. It meets or exceeds the national computer engineering curriculum standards. Generally, it requires 24 credits of computer engineering, 8 credits of computer science, 6 credits of elective/internship credit, 23 credits of mathematics, 20 credits of physics and engineering, and 39 credits of general education and basic science.
Required courses include:
- Computer Science: Computer Science 1, Computer Science 2
- Computer Engineering: Operating Systems, Computer Organization, Microcontrollers & Interfaces, Real-Time and Mobile Development, Engineering Research Methods, Engineering Design and Development
- Mathematics: Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics I, Differential Equations
- Physics: Physics I, Physics II, Quantum Physics, Semiconductor Devices, Electronics
Students will:
- Learn how to program machines in a variety of languages, including C, Java, and Assembly languages;
- Use CAD tools to design, build, and test printed circuit boards with microcontrollers, write software for their board, and integrate into existing systems;
- Develop software for System-On-a-Chip systems using embedded operating systems and applications frameworks;
- Build applications for mobile phones, and they implement common algorithms on Digital Signals Processors;
- Use EDA tools to program reconfigurable FPGA devices for high-performance applications; and
- Use sound engineering practices to guide their development processes.
What are the Computing and Laboratory Resources?
In addition to the University’s general purpose computing labs, the Computer Science department maintains its own set of labs specifically for its programs. The advanced computer lab houses 26 large, multi-core workstations, which are available for students to use to complete their projects. The computer research and development lab houses additional workstations, development boards, and testing equipment.
The lab houses a variety of specialized equipment, including FPGA, SoC, and microcontroller boards that students may use in our labs, or check out for use outside of our lab resources. Students have access to rework stations, inspection microscopes, oscilloscopes, tools, and our discrete components inventory.
Students will also have access to nearly $300,000 worth of professional computer aided design packages and integrated development environments. Using our department’s VPN, students can install these packages on their personal equipment and use any of our licenses on their personal computers.
Why study Computer Engineering at Shippensburg University?
Shippensburg’s program meets or exceeds national curriculum standards. Technical requirements are balanced with liberal arts courses to create a well-rounded engineer. It is an accessible, affordable 120-credit program that can be completed in four years. The program was also designed to create paths for students to complete coursework at the Commonwealth’s community colleges and other PASSHE schools and transfer into Shippensburg to complete the program.
The computer engineering degree is based on highly respected programs in computer science, mathematics, and physics, which are well known for their student-centered focus and for prepared graduate well for a variety of careers. Ship’s faculty focuses on developing individual student potential, which is important for a demanding engineering program.
Another reason to consider Shippensburg University is flexibility. The Computer Engineering program is part of a continuum of programs, including degree programs in: mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, and physics. Students who enter into one of these STEM programs have the flexibility to change majors between these programs with relative ease. This can be important as students goals change.
Where can I find more information?
For specific program information, contact:
Department of Computer Science
MCT 156
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299
717-477-1178
E-mail: compsci@ship.edu
Website: http://www.cs.ship.edu/