Computer Engineering
Our computer engineering students use technology in computer hardware and software applications, such as cell phones, computers, and robotics.
The computer engineering department prepares students with the engineering expertise and well-rounded education necessary to lead and serve society. Valpo computer engineering students have the opportunity to explore:
Digital Logic: Valpo CPE students learn digital logic from basic topics through computer architecture design. We offer such hands-on activities as programming FPGA devices and fabricating printed circuit boards.
Embedded Systems: Valpo engineers learn to program a wide array of microcontrollers and have the opportunity to develop applications for a state-of-the-art DSP board.
Virtual Reality: The Scientific Visualization Laboratory is the only virtual reality lab at a primarily undergraduate institution that is dedicated exclusively to developing educational applications.
Robotics: From big to small, robots are prevalent in the CPE program. Students program microcontrollers to form the “brain” of robots as well as design large-scale battlebot-like systems.
- Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org
- Exclusive undergraduate program featuring small class sizes
- Comprehensive course offerings including computer hardware and software, digital systems, microcontrollers and communication systems
- A strong computer emphasis under a degree name that clearly indicates preparation in computer hardware as well as software
- Interdisciplinary design projects and small laboratory groups that foster teamwork
- Extensive computational and laboratory facilities
- Opportunities for participation in funded undergraduate research programs
- Co-operative Education program with employment op
Training in computer engineering prepares graduates for a variety of careers. Among them are:
- Programmer
- Design engineer
- Quality control engineer
- Development engineer
- Computer systems software engineer
- Manufacturing engineering
- Professor
- Teacher
- Hardware engineer
- Researcher
- System engineer
- Consulting engineer
- Test engineer
- Telecommunications
SEMESTER 1 |
|
| GE 100 Fundamentals of Engineering | 2 Cr. |
| CORE 110 The Human Experience | 4 Cr. |
| MATH 131 Analytic Geom. & Calc. I | 4 Cr. |
| PHYS 141 Newtonian Mechanics | 3 Cr. |
| PHYS 141L Experimental Physics I | 1 Cr. |
SEMESTER 2 |
|
| ECE 100 Fundamentals of ECE | 3 Cr. |
| CORE 115 The Human Experience | 4 Cr. |
| MATH 132 Analytic Geom. & Calc. II | 4 Cr. |
| PHYS 142 Elec., Mag., & Waves | 3 Cr. |
| KIN 100/101 Healthy Lifestyles | 1 Cr. |
SEMESTER 3 |
|
| ECE 211 Technical Writing for ECE | 1 Cr. |
| ECE 263/ Lab Linear Circuit Theory I | 4 Cr. |
| ECE 221/ Lab Digital Logic Design | 3 Cr. |
| ECE 251 Engineering Programming I | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 260 Linear Systems and Matrices | 1 Cr. |
| MATH 270 Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 Cr. |
SEMESTER 4 |
|
| ECE 222 Advanced Logic Design | 3 Cr. |
| ECE 212 The Design Process for ECE | 1 Cr. |
| ECE 252 Engineering Programming II | 3 Cr. |
| Computer Engineering Elective | 3 Cr. |
| THEO 200 The Human Experience | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 220 Discrete Mathematics | 3 Cr. |
SEMESTER 5 |
|
| ECE 340 Electronics I | 3 Cr. |
| ECE 360 Signals and Systems | 3 Cr. |
| MATH 253 Calculus III | 4 Cr. |
| ECE 322/ Lab Embed. Microcon. | 3 Cr. |
| ECE 450 Data Com. Systems | 3 Cr. |
SEMESTER 6 |
|
| ECE 452 Digital Signal Processing | 3 Cr. |
| ECE 422 Embed. Micro. II | 3 Cr. |
| STAT 240 Statistical Analysis | 3 Cr. |
| GE 311 Financial Decisions in Engr. | 1.5 Cr. |
| GE 312 Ethical Decisions in Engr | 1.5 Cr. |
| Computer Engineering Elective | 3 Cr. |
| Humanities, Social Sci, Theo Elective | 3 Cr. |
SEMESTER 7 |
|
| ECE 424 Computer Architecture | 3 Cr. |
| Math/ Science Elective | 3 Cr. |
| GE 497 Senior Design Project I | 3 Cr. |
| Computer Engineering Elective | 3 Cr. |
| World Language or Cultural Div. Elective | 3 Cr. |
SEMESTER 8 |
|
| GE 498 Senior Design Project II | 3 Cr. |
| Computer Engineering Elective | 2 Cr. |
| Computer Engineering Elective | 2 Cr. |
| Humanities, Social Sci, Theo Elective | 3 Cr. |
| Mathematics/Science Elective | 3 Cr. |
| Professional Elective | 3 Cr. |
| Total credits required for graduation = | 125 Cr. |
Electives
Computer Engineering Electives: Thirteen (13) credits must be taken from the following courses: CS 225, 230, 240, 250, 260, 325, 330, 335, 345, 358, 365, 372, ECE 264, 323, 324,341, 429, 430, 455, 456, 460, 490 and 499. Multiple sections of ECE 490 can be counted towards this requirement provided the topics are different. A maximum of 3 credits of ECE 499 may be applied to this requirement.
Humanities, Social Science, Theology Electives: Students may take six credits from the approved list of Humanities courses, Social Science courses, or Theology courses. Courses may be from the same area or from different areas. List of approved Humanities, Social Science, Theology Electives
World Language/Diversity Electives: Students will take three credits from either world language courses at the 102 level or above or from the diversity list. List of approved World Language/Diversity Electives
Writing Intensive Course (as indicated by a superscript “w”): At least one course taken to satisfy the World Languages/Diversity Elective, Humanities, Social Science, and Theology Electives, THEO 200: The Christian Tradition, or ECE 211 must be a Writing Intensive Course. List of approved Writing Intensive Courses
Math/Science Elective: The Mathematics/Science Elective requirement may be met by taking nine credits from the approved list of courses. Other choices may be made available by petition to the ECE Department.
These electives can be chosen from among the following courses:
- Astronomy 252 and 253
- Biology: 151, 152, 171, 172, 210, 260, and 270.
- Chemistry: Any courses numbered 115 and above
- Mathematics: 220, 264, 314, 320, 321, 322, 323, 330, 334, 370, 371, 373, 374, 421, 422, 451, 452, 461, and 462.
- Statistics: IDS 340, STAT 340, 343, and 344.
- Meteorology: 215, 216, and 240.
- Physics: 142L, 243, 245, 250, 345, 360, 371, 372, 381, 421, 422, 430, 430L, and 440.
Cooperative Education: Six credits of GE 481 through GE 483 may be used to satisfy the Professional Electives requirement, if a minimum of six credits of cooperative education have been completed. All courses are graded S/U only.
Professional Electives: These courses are selected, in consultation with the advisor, to support the student’s specific career goals. Other choices may be made available by petition to the ECE Department. List of approved Professional Electives
Computer Specifications: When looking for a computer to use for engineering classes, click here for the specifications.
The Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
Program Educational Objectives
Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the program’s constituencies. The Program Educational Objectives help to direct and measure the success of the Computer Engineering Program in accomplishing its mission. Review of the Educational Objectives is an integral part of the annual assessment process.
Within a few years of graduation, computer engineering alumni will be expected to:
- Our graduates will be highly sought for their world-class computer engineering expertise and well-rounded education.
- Our graduates will respond to a rapidly changing global environment with an entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrating persistence, creativity, innovation, and adaptability.
- Our graduates will communicate effectively and persuasively and function as integral members of diverse teams.
- Our graduates will demonstrate character and values by making ethical decisions throughout their lives.
- Our graduates will strive to serve society in pursuing their chosen vocation.
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program. The Student Outcomes help to direct and measure the success of the computer engineering program in accomplishing its mission. Review of the student outcomes is an integral part of the annual assessment process.
After completing the program, the computer engineering graduate will be prepared to enter the practice of computer engineering or pursue an advanced degree and will have demonstrated:
- 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 Graduation Data
The College of Engineering tracks its enrollment and graduation data, click the link below to view our data over the past five years. Enrollment and Graduation Data
