Computer Engineering
Do you aspire to create the innovations that will transform the 21st century? Computer engineers have career versatility, job security, and a front row seat to the future. As we continue to use computers and SMART technology to our advantage, we will also rely more on computer engineers to take our computing abilities to the next level. Computer Engineers are in demand in all types of private and public enterprises such as defense, telecommunications, avionics, automotive, robotics (mechatronics), medical devices and systems, and the smart grid, among others. Our hands-on hardware-focused curriculum allows you to apply the theory and training you acquire in the classroom and in our modern labs, starting in your very first year, and in an internship setting later in your education.
Why Choose Computer Engineering?
Computer engineers are an integral part of modern culture, as they innovate the technology we use in our everyday lives. Whether it’s the latest smartphone or a robot that can perform a variety of functions, computer engineering continues to change the world and make global access within reach. Computer engineers are at the forefront of making the Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data happen. IoT is the increasing connectivity via the Internet of people and things. Big Data refers to the vast amount of data that inundates all facets of business operations as well as our daily life. Smart computing systems designed by computer engineers are what make the data useful.
What Will You Study?
Taught by faculty who all hold doctoral degrees, in the Computer Engineering major at Western New England University is flexible in adapting to the changing computational requirements of the world. Our project-based curriculum will help you discover your academic interests and provide applied computer engineering experience. The program provides you with a thorough background in electronic/hardware and systems design. You can tailor your program to your specific interests by selecting electives in one of our many sequence Options--Embedded Systems, RF/Wireless Systems, Artificial Intelligence/Controls, Digital Signal Image Processing, Robotics, and a flexible sequence option that focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation and business aspects related to electrical engineering. Designed in accordance with ABET guidelines, the program will provide a broad foundation for your future. ABET accreditation sets the global standard for programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
We also offer programs to accelerate your studies to achieve your personal goals. These programs include:
- Five-year BS in Computer Engineering/MS in Electrical Engineering
- Five-year Bachelor/Master of Science in Engineering Management
- Five-year Bachelor/MBA Program
- Six-year Engineering/Law Program
Students can also choose to further their education after the completion of their bachelor degree in the following programs:
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Science in Engineering Management
PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES AND STUDENT OUTCOMES
Educational Objectives
In support of the objectives of the College of Engineering, the Computer Engineering major will prepare our students to be proficient at putting theory into practice, capable of lifelong learning, and be aware of the social, ethical, and environmental issues associated with their professional activities.
To ensure these goals, we expect specific accomplishments of our graduates to include the ability to:
- successfully analyze, design, or test electrical/computer systems.
- serve as a productive member of a team.
- assume leadership roles in their career.
- contribute in professional and civic service.
- pursue lifelong learning.
Student Outcomes
The outcomes necessary to achieve our program objectives for both the Electrical and Computer Engineering majors are that our students will have:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics<
- 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
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- 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
- 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
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Enrollment and Degree Statistics
Enrollment
|
2013
|
2014
|
2015
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
2019
|
2020
|
2021
|
2022
|
|
| Full-time |
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
38
|
45
|
49
|
41
|
41
|
33
|
| Part-time |
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
4
|
2
|
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
| Academic Year |
2013-14
|
2014-15
|
2015-16
|
2016-17
|
2017-18
|
2018-19
|
2019-20
|
2020-21
|
2021-22
|
2022-23
|
| Degrees |
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
10
|
8
|
10
|
6
|
10
|
8
|
Career Opportunities
Computer Engineers are employed in a diverse spectrum of industries in the private and public sectors, including energy and power (smartgrid, renewables), medical electronics/devices, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics industries.
Our graduates look forward to a long and rewarding career in industry. We have a high job placement rate for our students within six months of graduation. Some recent examples of companies that have hired our graduates are British Aerospace (BAE), IBM, ISO New England, Knolls Atomic Power Lab, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Raytheon, Northeast Utilities, Sandia National Laboratories, UTC Aerospace Systems, General Dynamics, Pratt & Whitney, and Westinghouse.
Our students are also accepted for advanced study at many prestigious institutions, including Arizona State University, North Carolina State University, Northeastern University, Ohio State University, SUNY, Temple University, Texas A&M University, University of Central Florida, University of New Mexico, University of Rochester, Virginia Tech, and Western New England University.
Internships and Study Abroad
Internships
We have a very active internship program. Students are encouraged to take on internships to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world industry. Recent internship sites include Bechtel, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Belcan, Convergent-Photonics, BAE, Naval Nuclear Laboratory, and UTC.
Engineering Abroad
Students have many opportunities to study abroad, including a trip to China that offers accelerated engineering courses. In a faculty-led course, students spend four weeks of studying at the Shandong University of Science and Technology (SDUST) in beautiful Shandong Province, China. Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and visit major landmarks, including the Great Wall of China and Tiananmen Square.
Research Opportunities
Our students participate in research projects with faculty and collaborate on projects within their majors and beyond. They also have opportunities to travel regionally and nationally to present their design projects and research papers at professional conferences.
Recent examples of grants provided for research include Acoustic Acuity, Inc., Kalos Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and The National Science Foundation.
Student Competitions
There are several student competitions each year that allow you to present your hard work and go head-to-head with students from other schools. Entries include design projects, academic papers, and research conducted with faculty members. Our students have been successful at competitions, including winning awards at area Hackathons and at the regional IEEE Micro Mouse Competition. Students also enter their entrepreneurial inventions in the Grinspoon Entrepreneurship Initiative Competition to vie for prize money to fund their own business or product or incubate their newest ideas through the Western Mass Innovation Jam.
Labs and Facilities
Our laboratories are well equipped and all facilities are available for undergraduate use. Our laboratory equipment is updated on a rotating basis, allowing for a continued renewal and industry grade technology in a rapidly changing world.
The various labs include a Circuits Laboratory, Controls and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Digital Signal/Image Processing and Communications Laboratory, Electronics Laboratory Embedded Systems Laboratory, Energy/Power Laboratory, Projects Laboratory, RF/Wireless Laboratory, and Robotics/Mechatronics Laboratory.
Additionally, our students have access to a sophisticated machine shop, 3D printers, and labs associated with other departments.
Clubs and Organizations
Computer Engineering students may have interests in: Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEEE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and National Society of Black Engineering (NSBE). Our students participate in local and national competitions Hackerspace events, the NXP Cup car race that promotes the development of autonomous vehicles. Many of our students also participate in varsity and intramural sports, special interest groups, and student government.
Faculty
As a small but robust program, the faculty get to know each individual student, which helps them customize your educational experience to suit your needs and goals. All members of the full-time faculty have doctoral degrees with research expertise in areas such as RF/Wireless systems, digital signal/image processing and communications, embedded systems, robotics (mechatronics), integrated circuit design, nanotechnology, photonics, software and systems engineering, and microprocessors. Our faculty also have industrial experience that enhances their teaching as well as industrial contacts that are leveraged in obtaining internships and jobs for our students.
Accreditation
Program leading to BS in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
Unique Learning Opportunities
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Internships and Field Work
"Design, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking from day one" is the cornerstone of engineering education at Western New England University. Our first-year engineering program teams students up to design, code, and prototype a robot to compete in the Bot Battle at the end of the first semester. In the second semester, data acquisition and processing, ethical standards, communication, and business skills are developed. Student teams design a product to improve lives through the application of smart technology. The prototypes are presented at the Emerging Engineers Expo at the end of the year.
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Senior Design Projects
Take what you've learned in the classroom and apply it to solve a real industry problem in a Senior Design Project that caps off your engineering education. You'll research, design, and create a project that advances industry knowledge. Several of our senior projects are sponsored by companies (regional and national). These companies sponsor and guide you through the completion of you project, which will allow you to leverage the opportunity into a full-time job. Recent examples of Senior Design Projects are an autonomous maze exploration robot, an ultrasonic transducer to measure acoustic pressure, a specialized controller for a robotic arm, and a camera-driven self driving car.
