Computer Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

The bachelor of science degree in computer engineering is accredited by ABET, Inc. ABET is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology, is a federation of 28 professional and technical societies representing these fields. Among the most respected accreditation organizations in the U.S., ABET has provided leadership and quality assurance in higher education for over 70 years.

Historically, the field of computer engineering encompassed primarily the design of computers, emerging as a bridge between electrical engineering and computer science. Driven by technological advancements that have made computing technology inexpensive and small enough to incorporate into a wide-range of products and systems, computer engineering has become one of the core engineering disciplines. The scope of products and systems containing computer technology is ever-expanding, ranging from small embedded computers in consumer electronics, appliances and automobiles to complex computer-based systems controlling power generation, manufacturing, and telecommunications systems. The role of the computer engineer includes the design, analysis and implementation of computing technology as well as its integration into devices and systems that use computers as components or tools. As a result, computer engineers work in many industries, including aerospace, automobile, computer, defense, electronics, information technology, networking, and telecommunications.

A computer engineer must draw from knowledge of electrical engineering, computer science, and basic mathematics and sciences. The computer engineering curriculum builds upon the base of the one-year core provided by the Engineering Design Division of the Watson School. The one-year core, required of all engineering students in the school, provides students with a broad foundation in engineering fundamentals, natural sciences, mathematics, communication skills and laboratory experience. The second year of the program covers basic electrical and computer engineering topics. Depth in computer engineering is obtained by a series of required courses and technical electives in the final two years of the program.

Program Educational Objectives describe what graduates of the program are expected to accomplish within five years of graduation. Graduates of the Computer Engineering program should demonstrate progress in three areas:

·         Engagement: Graduates will be engaged in a career that uses the skills and knowledge gained in their undergraduate engineering program.

·         Expertise: Graduates will pursue further professional credentials, such as advanced degrees and professional registration, and will assume increased responsibility in their organization.

·         Learning: Graduates will gain further knowledge relevant to their career through independent learning and continuing education.

Requirements

To receive the BSCoE degree, students must complete a minimum of 126 credit hours in the courses outlined below, with a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in computer engineering. In addition, all Binghamton University students must also meet the General Education requirements. For more details, refer to the General Education section of this publication or consult with the Watson School Advising Office or the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Undergraduate Handbook.

Freshman Year/Fall	credits
MATH 221. Calculus I	4
CHEM 111. Chemistry Principles	4
WTSN 111. Exploring Engineering I	2
WTSN 103. Technical Communications I	2
General Education Elective	4
PE/Wellness Elective	1
TOTAL	17

Freshman Year/Spring	credits
MATH 222. Calculus II	4
PHYS 131. General Physics I	4
WTSN 112. Exploring Engineering II	2
WTSN 104. Technical Communications II	2
General Education Elective	4
PE/Wellness Elective	1
TOTAL	17

Sophomore Year/Fall	credits
MATH 371. Ordinary Differential Equations	4
PHYS 132. General Physics II	4
CS 211. Programming I for Engineers	4
EECE 251. Digital Logic Design	4
EECE 281. ECE Seminar I	1
TOTAL	17

Sophomore Year/Spring	credits
ISE 261. Probabilistic Systems I	4
EECE 252. Microprocessors	4
EECE 260. Electrical Circuits	4
CS 212. Programming II for Engineers	4
TOTAL	16

Junior Year/Fall	credits
EECE 301. Signals and Systems	4
EECE 315. Electronics I	4
EECE 351. Digital Systems Design	4
EECE 382. ECE Seminar II	1
Math 314. Discrete Mathematics	4
TOTAL	17

Junior Year/Spring	credits
EECE 352. Computer Architecture	3
EECE 359. Computer Communications and Networking	4
EECE 387. Design Lab	3
General Education Elective	4
TOTAL	14

Senior Year/Fall	credits
EECE 487. Senior Project I	4
Technical Elective 1	3
CS 350. Operating Systems	4
General Education Elective	4
TOTAL	15

Senior Year/Spring	credits
EECE 488. Senior Project II	4
Professional Elective 1	3
Technical Elective 2	3
General Education Elective	4
TOTAL	14

Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs for Students Pursuing the BS In Electrical Engineering or BS In Computer Engineering

A combined BS and MBA degree program provides Watson undergraduate students with the opportunity to complete their BS degree and MBA degree within five years. In order to complete this program, students will be required to take three core MBA courses during the junior and/or senior year. Upon completion of their senior year, students receive their BS degree. In the fifth year they are officially admitted to the MBA program. Information about this program is available in the School of Management section.

A combined BS and MSEE degree program is available for motivated students working toward the BS in electrical or computer engineering. To be eligible, undergraduate students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher after five semesters (fall semester, junior year). Students apply for admission to the combined-degree program during their junior year by completing a short application available in the Watson School Advising Office. Once admitted to the program, students begin taking graduate courses during their senior year. Up to three graduate courses taken in the student’s senior year can count both toward their MS degree requirements and their senior elective requirements. By January 15 of the senior year, a formal application for Graduate School admission must be completed, which, assuming continued good performance, is only a formality.

After admission to the graduate program, students are encouraged to seek employment as a graduate research assistant in one of the department’s research projects. The research experience gained in the summer after finishing the BS degree provides an excellent experience and a start on an MS thesis project. Typically this start on the MS thesis allows the completion of the MS thesis option in one academic year beyond the BS degree. The expectation is that students in the program will complete the BS and MS degrees in five years. Students in the combined-degree program receive their BS degree after completing their undergraduate requirements. They must then continue as a full-time student in order for the graduate courses taken as an undergraduate to count toward the MS degree requirements. The MS degree is an excellent professional credential, which usually commands a substantially higher starting salary. Being employed as a research assistant or teaching assistant while a graduate student provides a stipend for living expenses and a tuition waiver. Thus, the combined program offers multiple advantages: less time to complete, full-time study while completing the program (as opposed to an employer-funded night school), your education totally paid for and the ability to start employment at the master’s level.