Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Engineering, B.S.E.


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Requirements for the major in computer engineering, B.S.E. program


Major technological advances are being made in the computer field at a rapid pace, and it is essential that computer engineering students are not only aware of these advances but prepared to work in this changing environment. Students should gain a strong background in the fundamentals of computer engineering and develop a willingness to accept and thrive on change.

The computer engineering program at Oakland University is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to function effectively in computer-related activities in the years ahead. It is unique in offering a focus on embedded systems. A balance between theoretical and practical experience and an emphasis on the software and hardware aspects of computers are key elements to the university’s computer engineering major. The BSE in Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Program educational objectives

The undergraduate program in Computer Engineering will provide educational experiences aimed toward producing graduates who will:

  • Become successful practitioners in an engineering or related career.
  • Pursue graduate study and/or continuing education opportunities in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or other related disciplines.
  • Demonstrate leadership and excel in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environments.
  • Function as responsible members of society with an awareness of the ethical and social ramifications of their work.

Course requirements (minimum of 129 total credits)

To earn the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in computer engineering, students must complete a minimum of 129 credits and satisfy the writing requirements. They must meet the following requirements: (also see Undergraduate degree requirements)

General education (excluding math and science) - 28 credits


  • Students are required to take PHL 1310  to satisfy the general education requirement in Western Civilization.
  • To satisfy the General Education Requirement in Social Science, computer engineering students are required to take one of the following economics courses: ECN 1500 , ECN 2010 , ECN 2020 , or ECN 2100 .

  • In order to graduate on-schedule without taking additional courses, it is highly recommended that students meet with an SECS Undergraduate Academic Adviser concerning the selection of all of their general education courses. 

Note


*Neither PHY 1610  nor PHY 1620  satisfies the university general education requirement in the natural science and technology knowledge exploration area. Credit for both PHY 1510  and PHY 1610  is not permitted, and credit for both PHY 1520  and PHY 1620  is not permitted.

Professional electives - 12 credits


Professional elective courses can be selected from 3000, 4000, or 5000 level engineering courses, computer science and informatics courses, concentrations (see below), or approved mathematics and science electives; excluding co-ops/internships. Professional electives at the 5000 level require an overall GPA of 3.0 or above. Of the 12 professional elective credits, at least 4 must be from a 4000 or 5000 level course. Prior approval of the chairperson of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is required for ECE 4996  and ECE 4998 . Suggested concentration sets of courses are provided below:

Major standing


To enroll in 3000- or higher-level courses and to become candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in Computer Engineering, students must gain major standing. An application for major standing should be submitted prior to intended enrollment in 3000- or higher-level courses. Forms may be obtained from the SECS Undergraduate advising office or from the SECS website.

To gain major standing in Computer Engineering, students must:

A) have an average GPA of 2.0 in the following mathematics and science courses: MTH 1554 , MTH 1555 , APM 2555 , CHM 1430  (or CHM 1440  and CHM 1470 ), PHY 1610  (or PHY 1510  and PHY 1100 ), and PHY 1620  (or PHY 1520  and PHY 1110 )

B) have an average GPA of 2.0 in the following engineering core courses: EGR 1200 , EGR 1400 , EGR 2400 , EGR 2500 , EGR 2600 , EGR 2800 .

C) have no more than two grades below C in the required courses listed in A and B above;

D) have not attempted any course listed in A and B above more than three times. Students may petition to repeat a course a fourth time; and

E) have not repeated more than three different courses. Courses in which a W (withdrawal) grade is recorded will not be counted.

Conditional major standing may be granted in the semester in which the student will complete the courses listed in A and B above.

Performance requirements


Satisfactory completion of the program requires an average GPA of 2.0 within each course group: namely, mathematics and sciences, engineering core, and professional subjects (required and elective). Within professional subjects, at most two grades below C are permitted; at most two different courses may be repeated, and a total of three repeat attempts are permitted.

Sample computer engineering schedule


Students entering the School of Engineering and Computer Science with the required background may follow a schedule such as the one indicated below. However, students will need additional time to complete the program if they do not have the required background upon entrance to the program.

Freshman year


Sophomore year


Junior year


Senior year


Fall semester – 16 credits

Winter semester – 16 credits

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