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College of Arts & Sciences

Computer Engineering, B.S.

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Why pursue a degree in Computer Engineering, B.S. at North Central College?

Computer engineering satisfies those interested in both computer science and electrical engineering. Our ABET-accredited program is designed to teach you the details of modern computing systems design while allowing you to explore computing topics such as artificial intelligence, embedded systems, robotics, networked systems, etc. You will learn the communication skills necessary to be successful in the profession. At North Central, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on on experience, whether you’re doing research with a professor, participating in co-curricular projects or interning at a company. Computer engineering offers graduates a high starting salary, rewarding team-based projects and opportunities across exciting industries in high-tech, healthcare, business or government and defense.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Working with computer hardware and electronics
  • Programming computers and developing software
  • Solving problems using hardware, electronics and software

then a degree in COMPUTER ENGINEERING might be for you.

Why study computer engineering at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework topics:

  • Applied statistics
  • Basic electronics
  • Calculus
  • Circuit analysis
  • Classical physics
  • Computer organization and architecture
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data structures and algorithms
  • Differential equations & linear algebra
  • Digital logic
  • Electrical simulations
  • Engineering design
  • Engineering finance
  • Embedded processors
  • FPGA design
  • Human computer interaction
  • Independent projects
  • Intro to computer science
  • Modern physics
  • Networking
  • Object-oriented software design principle
  • Operating systems
  • Parallel computing
  • Professional ethics
  • Technical writing

Wentz Science Center
Take a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Wentz Science Center, home to the computer engineering program classes and faculty offices.
Virtual Tour

Beyond the Classroom

As a computer engineering major, you can:

  • Engage in prestigious, paid internships or co-ops, working side-by-side with professionals while you complete your degree.
  • Participate in co-curricular activities related to computing and engineering, where you can work on various projects related to areas of interest.
  • Work with faculty members on research projects.
  • Present research findings at North Central’s Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium, Rall Symposium and local, regional or national undergraduate research conferences.
  • Study in state-of-the-art facilities equipped to accommodate the most sophisticated hardware, software and other sustainable technology.

Program Educational Objectives

Program educational objectives as defined by ABET are “broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years after graduation. Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the program’s constituencies.” The Program Educational Objectives of the North Central College Bachelor of Science Computer Engineering degree aims to support our graduates’ ability to:

  • Program Education Objective 1: Graduates will demonstrate competence and creativity in applying knowledge of computer engineering to successfully practice computing in the industry at the local, national and global level. 
  • Program Education Objective 2: Graduates will leverage skills in professional communication and teamwork to contribute to their role as employees and leaders practicing ethical decision making. 
  • Program Education Objective 3:  Graduates will engage in lifelong learning to enhance e their quality of life and professional success as well as better serving society. 

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program. The Student Outcomes of the North Central College Bachelor of Science Computer Engineering degree describe the abilities of our graduates:

  • Student Outcome 1: an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • Student Outcome 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.
  • Student Outcome 3: an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • Student Outcome 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.
  • Student Outcome 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.
  • Student Outcome 6: an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze, and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • Student Outcome 7: an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.


Program Enrollment and Graduation Data

Academic YearEnrollment Year - 1stEY 2ndEY 3rdEY 4thTotal EnrollmentDegrees Awarded
2023/2024555520 
2022/20235543172
2021/202213134213
2020/2021454 13 
2019/202086  14 

 

Computer Engineering, B.S.

Computer Engineering is a blend of computer science and electrical engineering. Our students see a broad spectrum of applications in the areas of computer hardware/software and electronics.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Computer Science and Engineering.

A minimum of 45 credit hours of Engineering coursework to include:

Core Courses

Ethics

One of the following:

Mathematics and Laboratory Science

A minimum of 30 credit hours of Mathematics and Science coursework to include:

Mathematics

Laboratory Science

Eight credit hours from the following:

Statistics/Probability

A minimum of four credit hours from one of the following options:

Option 1:

Option 2:

One of the following:

Notes:

  • *Mathematics and Laboratory Science hours based on ABET criteria:
    • CSCE 230 applies to the Mathematics and Science total hours.
    • If students do not meet the minimum Mathematics and Science requirements, additional coursework may need to be taken.
    • Courses below MATH 151 do not apply to the required credit hours in Mathematics and Science.
  • **Students who do not place into MATH 151 must successfully complete the course prerequisite, MATH 140.

Invest in your future

We know choosing the right university is a big decision and the cost of a degree at any university can be expensive. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help undergraduate students design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

The first step to receiving a world-class education at North Central College is reading the application instructions specific to you. Undergraduate students can develop the skills of a computer engineer through a computer engineering major in an undergraduate program. For those interested in pursuing higher education, computer engineering students can learn more about completing a graduate program for their master's degree. Whether you are an international student searching for the best degree program or a graduate searching for the perfect graduate degree, we have something for you. Find out everything you need to know about applying for a computer engineering degree by selecting the group you belong to below.