HELP 2009-2010 University Catalog Computer Engineering, BS Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code: VS-BS-CPE

School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering 

Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering 

The undergraduate education mission of the ECE Department is to provide a quality education for electrical engineering and computer engineering students to support the needs of Virginia and the nation.

The objectives of undergraduate programs within the ECE Department relate to the abilities of our graduates three to five years after graduation. These objectives include:

• Technical knowledge: Graduates will be able to apply the fundamentals in the appropriate engineering discipline as demonstrated by success as productive engineers in industry, government, or graduate school.
• Preparation for further study: Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to engage in lifelong learning.
• Professionalism: Graduates will have the skills and understanding needed to fulfill their professional responsibilities as engineers, including written and oral communication, ethics, and teamwork.

The field of computer engineering can be described as a blend of electrical engineering and computer science. It is an amalgam of the computer hardware orientation of an electrical engineering program and the operating systems and languages of a computer science program. Computer engineers are involved in research, development, design, production, and operation of a wide variety of digital systems, from integrated circuits to computer systems and large-scale computer networks. Reflecting the industry trend to integrate hardware and software development, the computer engineering program is built around software running on advanced hardware that can simulate and assist in the design of new digital systems. Advanced software, such as VHDL, and software tools, such as logic and system design tools by Mentor Graphics and Cadence Design Systems, can be used to model hardware and hardware functionality from the system and architecture level down to the gate level and include relations to integrated circuit fabrication technology. Design and testing methodology involving these tools is taught in the program.

Career opportunities exist in engineering research and development, product design, digital system design and integration, engineering management, engineering consultancy, technical sales, and patent law, among others. The program provides a strong preparation for graduate study.

The bachelor’s program in computer engineering at Mason is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012; 410-347-7700. The computer engineering program is staffed by 25 full-time professors, including five fellows of IEEE or other professional societies.

The curriculum provides a strong background in the fundamentals of computer engineering. A number of technical elective concentrations are offered, ranging from strongly hardware-oriented concentrations to strongly software-oriented ones. A major project with appropriate planning, documentation, and oral and written reports is required.

The requirements for the degree may be satisfied on a part-time or co-op basis. Cooperative education provides students the opportunity to integrate paid career-related work experience with classroom learning. In addition to the usual financial aid available to all students through the Office of Student Financial Aid, computer engineering majors are eligible to apply through the ECE Department for several scholarships provided by professional societies and industrial organizations, including the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, the Association of Old Crows, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and Rockwell International.