2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Computer Engineering, BS


Banner Code: VS-BS-CPE

School: Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering 

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 ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012; telephone 410-347-7700. The computer engineering program is staffed by 25 full-time professors, including eight 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.

Degree Requirements


All computer engineering students are strongly encouraged to see their major advisor each semester before course registration. Students interested in computer engineering who have not declared a major are also invited to obtain advising at the ECE Department office. Students are strongly encouraged to follow the sample schedule below to ensure that course prerequisites are satisfied.

Students must complete each ECE, ENGR, and CS course presented as part of the required 120 credits for the degree with a grade of C or better.

The 120 credits required for the BS in computer engineering are as follows:

Note:


General education courses should be selected from the department’s list of approved courses. The Synthesis general education requirement is satisfied by ECE 492 plus ECE 493.  All students must submit at least 24 credits of social science and humanities course work, which is normally satisfied by the 24 credits of university general education social science and humanities courses listed above. Technical electives should be selected from the department’s list of approved technical elective concentrations. Students are also encouraged to propose additional technical elective concentrations for approval.

Total: 120 credits


Sample Schedule


The following presents a sample schedule that undergraduate computer engineering majors would pursue to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Total: 16 credits


Total: 14 credits


Total: 16 credits


Total: 16 credits


Total: 16 credits


Total: 13 credits


Seventh Semester


  • Technical elective   Credits:  3
  • Global understanding course  Credits: 3

Total: 15 credits


Eighth Semester


  • Technical elective  Credits:  3
  • Technical elective  Credits:  3
  • Arts course   Credits:  3

Total: 14 credits


Change of Major


Students who want to change their majors to computer engineering must have at least a 2.75 GPA in all math, physics, engineering, and computer science courses, and should have successfully completed MATH 114.

Writing-Intensive Requirement


Mason’s writing-intensive requirement is satisfied by the following group of three courses: ECE 333, ECE 445 and ECE 491 in which faculty provide feedback on student writing assignments. Drafts and revisions are required. Final evaluation of student’s portfolio of writing assignments is done in ECE 491 Engineering Seminar.

Double Major Programs for Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering


Computer engineering majors and electrical engineering majors can earn degrees with double majors in a number of disciplines.  Computer engineering and computer science are frequently combined.  Electrical engineering has been combined with computer engineering, computer science, physics or math.  Details are available in the department brochures or at The Volgenau School web site volgenau.gmu.edu.