Program Coordinator: Christopher Martinez, Ph.D.
The B.S. program in computer engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
Computer engineering is concerned with design and implementation of digital systems such as computer systems, computer-based control systems, interfaces between digital and analog systems, interfaces between hardware and software, and control software for embedded computer systems. This program spans the disciplines of both electrical engineering and computer science, and can be described as bridging the area between the two.
Computers are used in almost every device or system manufactured today, from large multicomputer systems to cell phones and credit card reading devices. In addition, they are used in signal processing applications, speech recognition, medical imaging, and picture and data communication. The Internet is possible in part because of advances made in computing machines and data communications by people working in the capacity of computer engineers. Careers for computer engineers are found in all phases of the production of these devices and systems, from design, manufacturing, and maintenance to marketing and sales.
Recognizing the changing trend in engineering education, the Computer Engineering program has adopted a multidisciplinary approach for teaching and learning by incorporating a series of newly developed project-oriented courses based on the spiral curriculum.
The early part of the program emphasizes computer engineering skills that form the background for the upper-level elective and design courses. Physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer programming, basic engineering science, and general education courses supplement the required and elective computer engineering courses.
The upper-level computer engineering course work provides areas of concentration for in-depth study. Students can choose additional technical electives from outside the area of concentration to provide more breadth of knowledge.
To influence our society's evolution, the computer engineer must acquire an understanding of our society, our cultural heritage, and the human condition. The engineer must communicate ideas to other engineers and to the public. The Computer Engineering program enables this via liberal and humanistic studies. The University Core Curriculum requirements allow students to expand their cultural and intellectual horizons by exposing them to the humanities and social sciences. Students learn written and oral communication skills in the core courses as well as in multidisciplinary engineering-science courses in the freshman and sophomore years. Students apply these skills in the humanities and social science courses as well as in laboratory/design courses in their major.
An important feature of the computer engineering curriculum is the design experience. Our students develop the ability to analyze appropriate models, conduct empirical tests, gather relevant information, interpret empirical tests, develop appropriate models, develop alternative solutions, formulate problems, and synthesize in our laboratory sequence. This sequence of courses takes the student in gradual steps from a well-structured laboratory experiment in the sophomore year to an open-ended design project in the senior year. This allows students to gain practical experience in engineering design.
Internship Requirement
The internship program is intended to enrich the academic experience of our undergraduate students, providing exposure to and participation in a working engineering environment. Each internship must involve a partnership consistingof the student, faculty, and employers/organizations to provide each student intern with an optimal experience. A minimum of 300 hours performing relevant engineering duties is required prior to graduation. Students must complete 60 credits toward the bachelor's degree in computer engineering before an internship is attempted.
The internship carries 1 credit for the degree and may be satisfied utilizing a co-op position, summer employment, and part-time or full-time positions that are approved by the student's employer and by the department/internship coordinator as relevant to the goals of the internship experience. A waiver (or substitution) of the internship requirement may be granted for students who are employed in the field, subject to a formal review by the department/internship coordinator. The student's request for such a waiver must be initiated one year prior to the anticipated graduation date.
Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes
The Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are as follows:
The objectives of the BS Computer Engineering program at the University of New Haven are to prepare graduates for professional practice and life-long learning. We expect our graduates to attain the long term goals a few years after graduation:
- 1. Succeed in the professional practice of engineering or related field evidenced by:
a. Employment in the field of study
b. Advancement in the chosen career
c. Contribution to and leadership of engineering teams
- 2. Pursue life-long learning evidenced by:
a. Attending graduate school
b. Continuous professional development
c. Membership in a professional organization
Program Outcomes
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- 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.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- 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 context.
- Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.