Computer Engineering
The mission of the faculty of the undergraduate computer engineering program at Penn State is to provide students with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue a productive lifelong career in industry or to engage in further study at the graduate level. Students participate in a balanced program of instruction covering the basic principles of the design and application of computer systems. The program includes coverage in breadth and depth of basic science, engineering, and abstract concepts of information handling. Students specialize in and are prepared for careers in the design, analysis and use of hardware, software and systems. The program is structured to ensure that graduates have a clear understanding of the design and the applications of computers, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge throughout their professional careers. In particular, within a few years after graduation, graduates in computer engineering should be able to:
- Work in industry or government producing or evaluating components of computer hardware and/or software systems.
- Work in teams to design, implement, and/or maintain components of computer hardware and/or software systems.
- Stay current through professional conferences, certificate programs, post-baccalaureate degree programs, or other professional educational activities
Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. The computer engineering program is designed to enable students to:
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- 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
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- 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
- Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
During the first two years, students in computer engineering take many courses in common with other engineering majors, including courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. In addition, students take several specialized courses in the major, such as algorithms and programming, electrical engineering, digital systems and logic, and computational theory. From these courses, students gain experience using sophisticated software tools, working in a hardware laboratory, and completing individual and group projects. During the second two years, students complete a series of courses in both hardware and software systems. Students also select from numerous electives. Throughout the four years, students develop communication skills, including a senior year course in which students examine the complete design process and participate in a series of oral and written experiences similar to those that would be seen in industry.
Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.
A description of all computer engineering courses can be found in LionPATH.
