Computer Engineering, BS

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program at the University of Alabama is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and similarly named Engineering Programs.

UA’s computer engineering program gives students a broad knowledge of the software and hardware components of modern computing systems, detailed computer-systems design, and the role of computer systems in various engineering disciplines.

Students are prepared for a computer-oriented engineering career with emphasis on design and applications of embedded computing systems. The computer engineering option includes a broad spectrum of electrical engineering and computer science courses, as well as electives allowing a specific study area in depth and gaining significant design experience. Topical coverage includes microcontroller-based systems, real-time systems, hardware/software co-design, rapid prototyping, computer-aided design, hardware-software integration, system-on-a-chip design, and system-level issues in embedded systems design.

Program Educational Objectives

The Program Educational Objectives for the B.S. in Computer Engineering are:

1. Graduates will excel in engineering careers and/or postgraduate education utilizing knowledge of Computer Engineering disciplines and underlying fundamental principles of science and mathematics, engineering analysis, problem solving, and design;
2. Graduates will expand their knowledge of current and emerging issues in Computer Engineering and continue career-long professional development through engagement in lifelong learning;
3. Graduates will grow professionally and advance throughout their engineering careers utilizing skills in effective communication; responsible, multidisciplinary teamwork, and adherence to principles of professional accountability and ethics.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Engineering program will have:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specific needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
3. An Ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
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;
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;
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions;
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies;
8. An ability to solve mathematics problems in probability, statistics, differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables, and discrete mathematics as they relate to problems in Computer Engineering.