Bachelor in Computer Engineering

Bachelor in Computer Engineering – West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Why study computer engineering at WVU Tech?

Our ABET-accredited program features a practice-oriented curriculum and offers small classes with hands-on learning opportunities. The department features state-of-the-art lab facilities with nearly $500,000 worth of modern equipment that is easily accessible to students. Students have many experiential learning opportunities, including co-op, internships and undergraduate research projects. Graduates have a solid foundation in the underlying principles, reinforced through practical experience, that make them effective workers immediately after graduation.

Students that enjoy mathematics, science, computers, robotics or programming tend to enjoy this program. Students entering this program should take as many mathematics and science courses as possible in high school. In addition, students would benefit from extracurricular experiences such as robotics, design competitions, science clubs and scouting activities.

What does a degree in computer engineering at WVU Tech offer?

Our program covers the fundamentals of computer engineering, including the design of digital systems with modern devices such as microprocessors, VLSI circuits and field-programmable gate arrays to fulfill the needs of larger systems used in communications, controls and power systems. We offer rigorous instruction that provides a solid foundation for graduate school, including knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and basic engineering principles.

What opportunities are available for graduates?

Graduates are able to pursue careers with nationally competitive starting salaries in industry and with government agencies. Many of these jobs involve design, fieldwork, maintenance or new project development in hardware and/or software. Companies that have hired our graduates include the FBI, National Security Agency, Joint Warfare Analysis Center, Navair, Naval Surface Weapons Center and Dominion Power.

The course of study leading to the Bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering is a practice-oriented curriculum. We have outstanding state-of-the-art undergraduate lab facilities open for instruction and hands-on applications. Students will gain a solid foundation in the underlying principles reinforced through practical experience so that graduates are effective workers immediately after graduation.

Computer engineers design digital systems with modern devices such as microprocessors, VLSI circuits and FPGAs to fulfill the needs of larger systems used in communications, controls and power systems. These microprocessors can range from the smallest chip found in greeting cards to the dual core/hyperthreaded/massively parallel processors found in the world’s most sophisticated computers. There are as many microprocessors as there are people on Earth and they are found everywhere – microwave ovens, washing machines, hubs and routers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and some cars may have several of them performing various tasks at once. Even modern cell phones are sophisticated digital systems with millions of lines of programming. Applications in computer engineering include communications, control systems, military and entertainment.

The study of computer engineering can be likened to Legos – the individual parts are easy to understand and put together, but the end results can be large, elaborate and sometimes spectacular. Our program in computer engineering introduces the students to these basic building blocks (called gates and flip-flops) and shows how they can be put together to make useful devices and systems.

Program Educational Objectives

Program graduates will be able to accomplish one or more of the following objectives:

• Professional Practice – Computer engineering graduates will be successful in professional practice in engineering.

• Post-graduate Education – Computer engineering graduates will be successful in pursuing advanced education.

• Advancement – Computer engineering graduates will successfully advance in their careers.

Student Learning Outcomes

The department has established the following program outcomes for electrical engineering students:

Engineering Science

Students will attain an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering. Students will also be able to:

• Use calculus

• Solve differential equations

• Use transforms

• Apply principles of physics (such as Newton’s or Kirchhoff’s laws)

• Apply principles of operations of electronic devices (such as op-amps and transistors)

• Apply the concepts of logic and binary arithmetic to digital systems.

Engineering Experimentation

Students will attain an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data. Students will also be able to:

• Use protoboards to assemble circuits

• Set up power supplies, digital multimeters, function generators and oscilloscopes to activate circuits and to determine circuit quantities.

• Use regression to fit data to a curve.

• Compare measured results to theoretically calculated results.

• Determine if a circuit or system is working correctly.

• Fix a circuit or system if it is not working correctly.

Engineering Design

Students will attain an ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability constraints. Students will also be able to:

• Design a circuit involving basic electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, op-amps, transistors and logic gates.

• Design a system with digital circuits.

• Design a system with multiple interacting circuits.

• Design a complex system with multiple circuits while satisfying numerous requirements and constraints.

Teamwork

Students will attain an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams and be able to:

• Work in groups of two or three on laboratory assignments.

• Work together in a group on a major project.

• Formulate a “working agreement” for a design team and evaluate how well the team adhered to this agreement.

Problem Solving

Students will attain an ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems. Students will also be able to:

• Solve circuits problems with DC, steady-state AC and transient conditions.

• Solve problems in the major sub-disciplines of electrical engineering: signals and systems, communications, control systems, energy conversion and power systems, electromagnetic fields, electronics, digital systems and computers.

Engineering Ethics

Students will attain an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility and be able to:

• Understand the tenants of professional codes of ethics.

• Apply ethical considerations to realistic problems.

• Understand and put into practice appropriate safety measures.

Effective Communication

Students will attain an ability to communicate effectively and be able to:

• Write technical reports.

• Give oral presentations with PowerPoint slides.

Impact of Engineering

Students will attain the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context. Students will be able to explain the impact of an engineering solution, development or endeavor on some aspect of society or the environment.

Life-long Learning

Students will engage in life-long learning and be able to:

• Understand the need for continuous learning.

• Do research on components, devices and/or systems.

• Do research on engineering concepts and techniques.

• Learn new topics outside of class.

Contemporary Issues

Students will attain a knowledge of contemporary issues and be able to:

• Understand some of the issues facing society related to electrical engineering.

• Remain knowledgeable in news items related to electrical engineering.

Modern Tools

Students will learn to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice and be able to:

• Use the PC in laboratory situations.

• Use MATLAB.

• Use PSpice.

• Use Microsoft Office Products such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

• Use the test equipment in the Circuits Lab.

• Use advanced equipment.