Computer Engineering, B.S.
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 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
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.
Accreditation
Our engineering programs have been designed to satisfy the requirements for ABET accreditation. However, because an engineering program cannot apply for ABET accreditation until after the program has graduated its first students, which in our case is Spring 2022, we will start the process for ABET accreditation in January 2022. The process normally takes over a year, and we anticipate being accredited in August 2023. Any program that earns ABET accreditation has the accreditation applied retroactively to the previous graduates.
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
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
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CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to computer science and programming, emphasizing the development of algorithms and problem solving skills using both procedural and object-oriented approaches. Topics include data types; I/O; arithmetic, relational and logical operators; control structures; functions; simple data structures; different computing environments such as the Linux operating system are also explored. Integrated laboratory.
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CSCE 210 - Data Structures
CSCE 210 - Data Structures
4.00 credit hours
Elementary data structures and algorithms. Topics include the design, implementation, application and variations of the following: linked lists, stacks and queues, different types of trees, searching and sorting algorithms, graphs, and introduction to analysis of algorithms. Extensive programming required. Integrated laboratory.
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CSCE 220 - Computer Organization and Design
CSCE 220 - Computer Organization and Design
4.00 credit hours
Basic computer architecture including combinational circuits, instruction sets, microprogramming, assembly language, I/O (devices, busses and interrupts) and memory systems and organization. Integrated laboratory.
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CSCE 230 - Discrete Structures
CSCE 230 - Discrete Structures
4.00 credit hours
Fundamental topics in mathematics and computer science including: formal logic, proof techniques, sets, relations and functions, combinatorics and counting techniques, induction and recursion, discrete probability, number theory and cryptography, graphs, Boolean algebra, finite state machines and modeling computation, program verification and algorithm analysis. Programming may be required.
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CSCE 306 - Object-Oriented Software Development
CSCE 306 - Object-Oriented Software Development
4.00 credit hours
Object-oriented design and implementation of large scale software. Topics include object-oriented modeling and design, such as the use of UML and software design patterns, object-oriented language features, such as inheritance, polymorphism, encapsulation and overloading, and using existing class libraries. Extensive programming required. Integrated laboratory.
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CSCE 320 - Computer Architecture
CSCE 320 - Computer Architecture
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to digital computer architecture. Topics include performance metrics and evaluation, instruction set architecture, data representation, processor design, memory hierarchy and cache, I/O, data path and control, pipelining, branching, multiprocessors and (review of) assembly language programming. Integrated laboratory.
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CSCE 420 - Operating Systems
CSCE 420 - Operating Systems
4.00 credit hours
An examination of approaches to computer system resource management. Topics include scheduling, memory management, file systems, I/O management, multiprocessing, security, and protection. Research literature is used to introduce systems research topics. Extensive programming required. Integrated laboratory.
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CSCE 494 - Senior Capstone
CSCE 494 - Senior Capstone
4.00 credit hours
Students apply the many skills they have acquired during their undergraduate studies by participating as a member of a team to design, develop and present a computing solution (software/hardware) to a substantive problem. Group process and leadership skills are addressed as well as ethical considerations important to computer science professionals. Formal project proposal, progress report and technical report writing are emphasized.
- Four credit hours of CSCE or INFS electives at or above the 200-level
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ELEC 150 - Introduction to Electrical Engineering
ELEC 150 - Introduction to Electrical Engineering
4.00 credit hours
Fundamental concepts of electrical circuits, components and measurement techniques. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ELEC 200 - Digital Logic I
ELEC 200 - Digital Logic I
4.00 credit hours
Students learn to design digital logic building blocks and to create combinational and sequential logic circuits. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ELEC 250 - Circuit Analysis I
ELEC 250 - Circuit Analysis I
4.00 credit hours
Basic circuit analysis, nodal and mesh, equivalent circuits, independent and dependent sources, power and multi-phase circuits. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ELEC 280 - Microcontrollers
ELEC 280 - Microcontrollers
2.00 credit hours
Fundamentals of microcontroller design and operation. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ENGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
ENGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
2.00 credit hours
An overview of specific engineering majors, laboratory safety, competitions, internships, research, post-graduate opportunities and employment options. Examines the relevancy of a liberal arts foundation and how it relates to the field of engineering.
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ENGR 110 - The Engineering Method
ENGR 110 - The Engineering Method
2.00 credit hours
Methods and practices employed to develop, commercialize and distribute products and services dependent on engineering will be presented. Includes descriptions of the four major career paths available to engineers. Lecture/Laboratory.
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ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations
2.00 credit hours
Develops the student's ability to use MATLAB to solve various engineering problems. Lecture/Laboratory.
Ethics
One of the following:
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PHIL 110 - Ethics
PHIL 110 - Ethics
4.00 credit hours
An examination of alternative bases for morality and the arguments by which moral claims are justified.
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PHIL 210 - Professional Ethics
PHIL 210 - Professional Ethics
4.00 credit hours
Professional ethics in selected career fields including law, business and biomedicine. Students may apply basic concepts to the career of their choice, relate their personal ethics to professional ethics and become better informed consumers of professional services. This course begins with an examination of the alternative bases for making moral judgments.
Mathematics and Laboratory Science
A minimum of 30 credit hours of Mathematics and Science coursework to include:
Mathematics
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MATH 151 - Calculus I
MATH 151 - Calculus I
4.00 credit hours
An exploration of the fundamental concepts of single-variable calculus including limits, continuity, differentiation and integration with applications.
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MATH 152 - Calculus II
MATH 152 - Calculus II
4.00 credit hours
A continuation of single-variable calculus with emphasis on advanced integration techniques and applications, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and infinite series.
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MATH 253 - Calculus III
MATH 253 - Calculus III
4.00 credit hours
A continuation of calculus with an emphasis on vectors, vector-valued and multiple-variable functions, partial derivatives, line and multiple integrals, vector analysis, Green's, divergence and Stokes' theorems.
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MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation
4.00 credit hours
First and second order differential equations, systems of differential equations, matrix and vector algebra, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Students may not receive credit for both MATH 255 and either
Laboratory Science
Two of the following:
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BIOL 106 - Introduction to Environmental Science
BIOL 106 - Introduction to Environmental Science
4.00 credit hours
An overview of biological and physical processes that affect the environment in the context of current environmental issues. Topics include population, community, and ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, water and air pollution and natural resource management. Includes integrated laboratory experience.
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BIOL 108 - Water, Food and Sex
BIOL 108 - Water, Food and Sex
4.00 credit hours
This course explores five biological systems in depth: excretory, respiratory, circulatory, digestive and reproductive. Biological concepts are complemented by discussion from ethical, public health and public policy perspectives, considering topics such as water and food policy, environmental policy and bioethics (e.g., research ethics, informed consent, eugenics, moral status of animals and the human genome). Intended for students not majoring in the laboratory sciences. Includes integrated laboratory experience.
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BIOL 109 - Genes and Our Genetic Future
BIOL 109 - Genes and Our Genetic Future
4.00 credit hours
Exploration of genetics and its medical, social and ethical implications. The science behind advances in genetic technology such as screening for genetic diseases, DNA fingerprinting, stem-cell therapy, genetically modified organisms and gene therapy is discussed in the context of the increasing importance of these technologies in modern society. Includes integrated laboratory experience.
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BIOL 195 - Investigating Biology
BIOL 195 - Investigating Biology
4.00 credit hours
Students and faculty work as a team to conduct an authentic course-based undergraduate research project in an area of current importance. Course content is selected to support the research project and introduces students to concepts, techniques and skills of modern biology. Class activities move fluidly among lecture, laboratory, fieldwork, discussion and problem-solving modes. Gateway to the major.
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CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
4.00 credit hours
A discussion of chemical principles through examples from the chemistry of carbon compounds and the molecules found in living systems. Major topics include atomic and electronic structure, ions, molecules, Lewis structures, VSEPR, hybridization, intermolecular forces, chromatography, equilibria, kinetics, stereochemistry and polymer chemistry. Laboratory required.
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CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to chemical principles within the context of the environmental issues of fuel and energy, water treatment and acid rain. Major chemical topics include gas laws, aqueous reactions and solubility, equilibria, acid/base chemistry, buffers, thermochemistry, redox, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. Laboratory required.
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CHEM 125 - General Chemistry for Engineers
CHEM 125 - General Chemistry for Engineers
2.00 credit hours
An introduction to chemical principles within the context of engineering. Major chemical topics include gases, periodic table trends, bonding, atomic and molecular structures, energy, entropy, kinetics, acid-base and equilibria and electrochemistry.
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PHYS 110 - Astronomy
PHYS 110 - Astronomy
4.00 credit hours
Celestial phenomena, the sun and solar system and the observable universe with emphasis on astronomy as a scientific activity relevant to the perception and comprehension of our world. Laboratory required, includes observational techniques and physical principles relevant to astronomy and astrophysics.
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PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
4.00 credit hours
Newton's Laws of motion, energy conservation, rotational motion, thermodynamics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and an introduction to computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of
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PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves and Optics
4.00 credit hours
Oscillations, waves, electricity, magnetism, optics. Laboratory required, includes experimental physics and computational modeling. Credit may be earned for only one of
Statistics/Probability
One of the following:
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BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics
BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of basic statistics as it applies to business. The focus is on learning statistical concepts by applying analytical reasoning to business applications. Examples illustrating the relevance of statistics to broad areas of business are used. The course requires students to use spreadsheet programs, statistical programs, the Internet and other computer tools in analyzing statistics. The focus is on application of the material and on solving problems. Only one of BUSN 265 and
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MATH 260 - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
MATH 260 - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
4.00 credit hours
This course provides a calculus-based introduction to probability and the beginning of statistical inference. Topics included: Descriptive statistics, elements of probability theory, random variables, central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and simple linear regression.
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PSYC 250 - Statistics
PSYC 250 - Statistics
4.00 credit hours
The methods, concepts and logic underlying the statistical evaluation of research data with an emphasis on "why" as well as "when" to use various statistical methods. Content includes descriptive and inferential statistics, estimation and hypothesis testing. Analyses include z and t tests, one-way and factorial ANOVA, correlation, regression and Chi square. Assignments focus on problem solving, technical writing and use of computer statistical packages (SPSS). Only one of
Notes:
If students do not meet the minimum Mathematics and Science requirements, additional coursework may need to be taken.
Courses below
*Students who do not place into
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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.