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SECS Website
Dean: Louay M. Chamra; Executive Secretary: Jane Dietrich
Associate Dean: Qian Zou; Administrative Secretary: Katie Loodeen
Director of Research: Daniel Aloi
Business Manager: Keith Harvey; Accounting Clerk IV: Barbara Kline
Financial Analyst: Esther McCoy
Director of Undergraduate Advising: Carmen Etienne
Academic Advisers: Jenny Lee; Kurtis Kirkpatrick; Sarah Konrad; Eman Shammo
Office Assistant I: Marlene McKean
Director of Career Services: Kathleen Livelsberger
Career Consultant: Kelli Foskic, Laura Kroger
Computer Support - IT Manager: Christopher Gregory
Systems Administrator: Antolin Carrillo
Computer Technologist: Charlie Radcliffe
Communications and Marketing Account Manager: Arina Bokas
Director of Recruitment and Outreach: Krzysztof Kobus
Assistant Director of Outreach: Bianca Bryant
Office Assistant II: Christina Bolden
Laboratory Manager: Matt Bruer
Project Engineer: Pete Taylor
Machine Shop Assistant: Derek Hurley
Major Gift Officer: Anthonie Burke
Corporate and Foundations Relations: Dayna Neef
Research Development: Lori Simoes
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board for the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) is composed of leaders in industry. They assist the school in developing educational and research programs to meet the rapidly expanding requirements in the technical world. The board is available as a body or individually for consultation on such matters as curriculum, research, facilities, equipment requirements, special subjects and long-range planning. Board members are:
Michael Bolon, Chair of Advisory Board, Retired Senior Vice President, General Dynamics Land Systems, Engineering Design and Land Development
Bob Lee, Co-Chair of Advisory Board, Retired Vice President and Head of Engine Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering, Chrysler Group LLC
David Agnew, Head of Business Development, Dataspeed, Inc
Glenn Denomme, Retired Consultant, Stellantis
Gerald “Gerry” Deren, America’s Business Development, Siemens PLM
Cedric Flowers, Vice President, DTE Gas
Alecia Gabriel, Ph.D., Co-Founder, Motor City STEAM Foundation & The Lab Drawer
Grant R. Gerhart, Ph.D., Retired Senior Research Scientist, TARDEC
Aftab Khan, Ph.D., Head of Powertrain Electrical Hardware Engineering, Stellantis
Fred Killeen, Chief Technology Officer, General Motors LLC, Information Technology
Joseph Long,Executive Director, Value Engineering, Global Standardization & Program Management, Inteva
Ron A. May, Retired Executive Vice President, DTE Energy
Juergen Peters, General Manager, Behr-Hella Thermocontrol, Inc
Robert Richard, Senior Vice President, Major Enterprise Projects, DTE Energy, Energy Distribution
George Saikalis, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and General Manager, Research and Development, Hitachi America, Ltd.
Kristen Siemen, Vice President of Sustainable Workspaces and Chief Sustainability Officer, General Motors Corporation
Tamara Snow, Head of Research and Advanced Engineering, Continental Technologies
Jeff Van Dorn, Retired Partner, Android Industries, L.L.C
Diana Wagner, SWX Software Vehicle Program Management, Stellantis
Mission
The overall mission of the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) is twofold:
- to provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of instruction in engineering and computer science to prepare graduates for careers in the coming decade
- to advance knowledge through basic and applied research in relevant branches of engineering and computer science, and to provide service to both the engineering profession and public in the State of Michigan
In carrying out its mission, the School will address the needs of the automotive and related industries in southeast Michigan for the:
- education of engineers and computer scientists,
- development of research programs, and
- fulfillment of the demands for professional service.
General Information
Accreditation
The undergraduate programs in computer engineering, electrical engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and mechanical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. The undergraduate computer science and information technology programs are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. Note: the bioengineering program, is expected to pursue ABET accreditation.
Undergraduate programs
The School of Engineering and Computer Science (SECS) offers instruction leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Engineering with majors in computer, electrical, industrial and systems, and mechanical engineering, and Bachelor of Science with majors in computer science and information technology. In addition, programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree with majors in engineering chemistry, engineering physics and bioengineering are offered jointly with the College of Arts and Sciences.
Through its engineering programs, the SECS prepares students for careers in an industrial-based society. Recognizing that today’s engineers must be able to solve complex, highly focused problems, as well as those transcending narrow fields of specialization, the SECS blends an interdisciplinary core with specialized study in the elected major for each program.
Oakland University engineering graduates are prepared to enter the traditional fields of government, product design, development, manufacturing, sales, service and systems analysis - as well as specialized areas, such as robotics, transportation, pollution control, energy systems, computer engineering, communications, medical electronics and automotive engineering. They are also prepared to pursue graduate study for careers in research and teaching. A growing number of students find their undergraduate engineering education is excellent preparation for careers in business, law and medicine.
The baccalaureate program in computer science provides a solid foundation for a career in that field. Since both the engineering and computer science programs are offered within the school, computer science majors are exposed to the software as well as the hardware aspects of the profession. Thus, students in the computer science program prepare themselves for careers in the traditional fields of systems programming, data processing and systems analysis, as well as in such interdisciplinary fields as artificial intelligence, robotics, bioinformatics, computer architecture, computer graphics, pattern recognition and scientific computation. The baccalaureate program in information technology is focused on the applied aspects of software technology. The program provides sufficient technical depth and a comprehensive understanding of information technology in the context of problem-solving relevant to both engineering and service industries. The SECS also offers minors in computer science and information technology.
Professional Societies and Student Organizations
The school has a number of professional societies and student organizations such as the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), Aerial Systems Club (ASC), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), Engineering Society at Oakland University (ESOU), For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST Robotics), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE), Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), Oakland Robotics Association (ORA), SAE (formerly known as Society of Automotive Engineers) , Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), Theta Tau fraternity and honor societies Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Pi. Students are encouraged to become active members of one or more of these organizations.
Graduate programs
The SECS offers programs leading to the Master of Science degree in computer science, software engineering and information technology, cyber security, electrical and computer engineering, embedded systems, mechatronics systems engineering, industrial and systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering. The SECS also offers programs leading to Doctor of Philosophy degrees in computer science and informatics, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and systems engineering. The Ph.D. in Systems Engineering program is a school-wide program allowing for a blending of various disciplines. The school also offers a Master of Science degree in engineering management in cooperation with the School of Business Administration. For more information, see the Oakland University Graduate Catalog.
Centers/Institutes
Center for Robotics Unmanned and Intelligent Systems (CRUIS)
The Center will facilitate opportunities for OU faculty to lead start-up initiatives to work with business and government agencies to transition technical knowledge from academia to industry commercialization opportunities by enabling a research, development, test and evaluation capabilities. CRUIS will seek opportunities to support robotics and unmanned systems challenges in the defense industry that will lead to development of expertise that can be translated to various sectors - security, commercial, social, medical and others that are mainstream to our daily lives.
Fastening and Joining Research Institute (FAJRI)
Fastening and joining significantly affects the safety, quality and reliability of many mechanical and structural systems, machinery and equipment. The FAJRI is the only known academic facility of its kind in the world dedicated solely to the research and development of fastening and joining of materials in industries such as automotive, aerospace and nuclear. The research programs at FAJRI benefit both the commercial and defense sectors of the economy, while improving the safety of the public.
Automotive Tribology Center (ATC)
The Automotive Tribology Center is an academic research unit within the Mechanical Engineering department. It is the only university research center in the United States that is dedicated to automotive tribology research and is uniquely positioned to advance the reliability, mobility and efficiency of automotive components. The ATC is mainly dedicated to performing fundamental and applied research that lowers frictional energy losses. Particular emphasis is placed on engine and transmission tribology. The research results of ATC benefit the US military and different governmental and industrial sectors of the economy.
Clean Energy Research Center (CERC)
Energy affects all aspect of our lives from the economy to recreation to health care. The Clean Energy Research Center explores sustainable ways to meet our future energy needs utilizing unique renewable energy feed sources, from biomass to wind to solar with a focus on overall energy conservation. The CERC has launched an academic effort to teach and train the next generation of students on energy issues, has begun the green campus initiative to demonstrate the benefit of alternative energy technology on campus, and continues to perform research towards developing environmentally friendlier technologies.
Chrysler Learning and Innovation Center for Sheet Metal Forming Technology (CLIC-form)
Chrysler Learning and Innovation Center for Sheet Metal Forming prepares OU students to work in sheet metal stamping manufacturing environment by learning stamping processes and equipment, die design and manufacturing methods, materials for tools and sheet metal components. A unique feature of CLIC-form is its highly selective, industry-hosted academic program in which OU undergraduate and graduate students take classes and conduct stamping related research during the academic year and participate in industrial projects during the summer interacting with faculty members and industry experts who specialize in sheet metal stamping.
Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CAMM)
Center of Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CAMM) is a unique research center in North America specializing in sheet metal stamping and joining with substantial emphasis on tool wear, and mechanics of material fracture in stamping and joining operations, and performance of sheared edges of stamped panels. CAMM includes a fully automated press cell capable of physically simulating interactions of die surface with sheet metal taking into consideration specific lubrication and coating conditions for variety of high volume sheet metal stamping processes. CAMM is developing innovative sheet metal forming and joining processes achieving substantial enhancement of formability of lightweight materials. CAMM also serves as a base for CLIC-Form center.
Hardware in the Loop (HIL)
Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation is used widely in the development and testing of complex real-time embedded systems, such as automotive engine controllers. The OU HIL Lab is a unique multi-disciplinary academic facility, which was established in 2012 with support from Chrysler LLC, and is located in Dodge Hall. The HIL lab contains five automotive-hardware-in-the-loop simulators that allow testing and development of production and prototype engine and transmission controllers using simulated (software) automobiles. Research projects have included fuel economy strategies, engine thermal modeling, and advanced control techniques for transmission shift control.
Admission
High school preparation
Entering engineering and computer science freshmen should have taken at least four years of high school mathematics, including trigonometry, and should have a strong grasp of English composition. Additional preparation should include coursework in chemistry and physics. Exposure to computer aided design (CAD), machine shop tooling, computer programming and electronics shop devices is useful, but is not required for admission. Entering information technology freshmen should have at least three years of high school mathematics with some preparation in science. A 3.0 grade-point average is required for admission into the SECS programs; students admitted to Oakland University who wish to join an SECS program but whose high school GPA is below 3.0, will be designated as an EGR/CS Candidate major, and will be required to follow the internal transfer policy outlined below to change to their desired major.
Transfer policy
The programs offered by the SECS are designed to meet accreditation criteria, as well as to reflect the Oakland University philosophy of education. The programs are more than an assemblage of courses; they are designed to blend theory and experiment, and to integrate fundamental mathematical and scientific backgrounds into advanced analysis and design work.
To ensure the integrity of its programs, the SECS has adopted the following transfer policy: Records of students transferring to Oakland University from other academic institutions are evaluated and transfer credit is granted as appropriate. Students may transfer applicable community college credits at any time during their course of study. However, according to the Oakland University residency requirement, students must earn at least 45 credits at Oakland University. Furthermore, individual SECS programs require that students complete certain courses at Oakland University; see degree requirements section for more information. Students must have a transfer GPA of 2.8 or greater in order to transfer into the SECS programs; transfer students admitted to Oakland University who wish to join an SECS program but whose transfer GPA is below 2.8, will be designated as an EGR/CS Candidate major, and will be required to follow the internal transfer policy outlined below to change to their desired major.
Students planning to transfer into any SECS program are encouraged to discuss and plan coursework (including the courses outlined below) with an Oakland University adviser to ensure compatibility with university and major requirements. Community College students who plan to transfer into an SECS program are advised to follow the transfer equivalency guides found on Oakland University’s website. Students who plan to transfer into one of the engineering programs are encouraged to complete the following: four semester courses in analytic geometry and calculus, including linear algebra and differential equations; two semester courses in introductory calculus-based college physics; and one or two semester courses in chemistry. Other credits in mathematics, science or engineering will be evaluated with reference to engineering graduation requirements. Technician course credits generally do not apply to these requirements. Students planning to transfer into the computer science program are encouraged to complete one year of coursework in calculus, one course in linear algebra, one course in discrete mathematics if possible, and two semester courses in introductory calculus-based physics. A course in programming in a high-level language is desirable. Students transferring into the information technology program are encouraged to complete a course in calculus, a course in statistics, and a course in a science elective. A course in programming in a high level language is also desirable.
Transfer students from non-ABET-accredited foreign institutions must complete a minimum of 20 credits in their major program of study (professional subjects or professional electives) at Oakland University including the capstone design course. All of the courses presented for transfer from such programs must receive school approval, before the student receives official transfer credit. See Transfer Student information for additional details.
Internal transfer
Oakland University students wishing to change their major into a program in the SECS from other majors, undecided status, or engineering/computer science candidate status must complete the following courses, all math courses must be completed with a C or better.
Students changing their major into a SECS program from non-SECS majors, undecided status, or engineering/computer science candidate status must follow both major and SECS requirements from the catalog in effect at the time of change.
Academic Advising and Plans of Study
All entering SECS freshmen are focused toward acquiring math, science, writing and programming skills. In their first year, they will typically take one or more introductory engineering or computer science courses. All students are encouraged to meet with an academic adviser regularly, preferably each semester, to review progress to degree.
The school’s academic advising office oversees specific program requirements. Students who have questions about degree requirements, transfer credit, academic standing, major standing, or petitions should consult an academic adviser in the SECS Undergraduate Advising Office. Although advisers are obligated to help students plan their programs, the responsibility for fulfilling degree requirements remains with students. The SECS Undergraduate Advising Office is located in 255 Engineering Center, (248) 370-2201.
Degree Requirements
General requirements for the baccalaureate degrees
1. Complete at least 128 - 130 total credits (See the corresponding program description for the exact total). At least 32 credits must be in courses at the 3000 level or above.
2. Students must complete at least 45 credits at Oakland University (refer to the transfer policy of the SECS for further clarification). The credits taken at Oakland must include the following:
- Computer, Electrical, Industrial and Systems, or Mechanical Engineering: at least 24 credits in engineering core or professional subjects required for the major;
- Engineering Chemistry, Engineering Physics, and Bioengineering: at least 16 credits in required engineering courses, and 16 credits in chemistry or physics or biology courses required for the major;
- Computer Science: at least 24 credits in computer science courses required for the major;
- Information Technology: at least 24 credits in information technology courses required for the major
3. Fulfill the university General Education Requirements (see below and in the Oakland University Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of this catalog).
4. Obtain major standing in the major of the student’s choice.
5. Complete the requirements specified for the selected major.
6. Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in courses taken at Oakland University.
7. All students must apply to graduate by submitting an Application for Degree.
General education requirements
The General Education Requirements are comprised of three parts: Foundations, Exploration, and Integration. In addition, the U.S. Diversity and Writing Intensive requirements must also be met. For specific General Education requirements, please refer to the individual SECS program section and to the General Education section of the catalog.
Core Curriculum
All engineering programs in the SECS have a common core program consisting of the following courses:
This core program introduces students to the nuances of the interdisciplinary nature of engineering and lays the foundations for the specialized studies in the student’s major fields of study. These courses also provide substantial, real world laboratory experiences to students. It is important that students successfully complete these courses in order to achieve major standing (see below). Engineering Sciences, Computer Science, and Information Technology have different core requirements. Please refer to the individual program descriptions for additional details.
Major standing
To enroll in 3000- or 4000- level courses and to become candidates for the baccalaureate degree, students of the SECS must gain major standing in their selected majors. An application for major standing should be submitted during the semester in which students complete all requirements for major standing. Forms may be obtained from the SECS Undergraduate Advising office. For detailed requirements and a sample schedule, please see the catalog for each individual program.
Course load
Students should strike a balance between course load and other commitments. In general, students carrying a full load of 16 credits per semester should not be employed for more than 10 to 20 hours per week. Students who are employed 40 hours per week generally should not carry a course load of more than 4 credits per semester. The university’s maximum course load policy is detailed in the Academic Policies and Procedures section (see Course and credit system).
Graduation check
To ensure that students have met all requirements, they must participate in a final program audit during the semester preceding the one in which they expect to graduate. A preliminary Graduation Review form should be submitted to the Academic Adviser in the SECS Undergraduate Advising Office.
Internships
Many employers seek SECS students for internship employment. Therefore, those SECS students who wish to combine relevant work experience with their college education are encouraged to participate in internship programs in association with engineering or computer science related employers. Participation in job fairs, which are hosted by the Oakland University Career Services, is often helpful for securing internships. To prepare for internship opportunities, SECS students should list their resume and participate in interview skills training through the Career Services. Appointments with Career Services Office can be scheduled through Handshake.
Double Major
To earn two majors in engineering or in engineering and computer science, students must complete all the requirements of both programs. Further, in addition to the credit hours needed for one major, the student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in pertinent required professional subjects or professional electives applicable to the second major. Students seeking two degrees should consult the university’s requirements (see Additional undergraduate degrees and majors).
Minors and Concentrations
Students who wish to add a minor or concentration or otherwise participate in an interdepartmental program must apply for admission and seek assistance in planning a program. Application may be made to the coordinator of the appropriate program committee or department involved. Students in the School of Engineering and Computer Science might be interested in the following minors or concentrations: Applied mathematics, applied statistics, biology, chemistry, economics, environmental studies, linguistics, and physics. For details, see Other Academic Options in the College of Arts and Sciences portion of the catalog. Other areas of interest might be: accounting, finance, general business, management information systems, production and operations management, and quantitative methods. For details on these, see Minors in the School of Business Administration portion of the catalog. The School of Engineering and Computer Science offers the following minors:
Minor in International Orientation (for SECS students)
Coordinator: Lunjin Lu
In view of the ever-increasing globalization of industry, students in engineering and computer science need to be aware of their international opportunities and also to develop an intellectual background that enhances their ability to respond to professional challenges in the global environment. To obtain a minor in international orientation, engineering/computer science students must complete the following courses with a grade of at least C in each course:
Requirements
Introductory course - 4 credits
Note:
Some of the courses listed above also satisfy general education requirements. Students should review the prerequisites for each class as they plan their course work. This minor is open to the students in the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
Additional Minors (not open to computer science, computer engineering or information technology students)
- Minor in Computer Science (See description in Department of Computer Science section.)
- Minor in Information Technology (See description in Department of Computer Science section.)
Additional Information
Prerequisite courses
In planning their schedules, students should ensure that they satisfy prerequisite and corequisite conditions for courses, as listed under “Course Offerings.” Students will have their registrations canceled if they register for courses for which they do not meet the prerequisite or corequisite conditions. Students will be liable for any financial penalties incurred by such cancellation.
Project and independent study courses
Project and independent study courses numbered 4900 and 4950 are available to provide enrichment opportunities to qualified students. They are not intended as substitutes for regular course offerings; rather, they allow students to investigate areas of interest outside the scope of regular courses, examine subjects more deeply than can be accommodated in regular courses, or gain educational experiences beyond that of regular coursework. To register for a project or independent study course, students must first submit a plan of work to the faculty member who will supervise the course. The plan must be approved in writing by the faculty member and the chair of the major department before students may register for the course.
Application forms are available in the departmental offices.
Petitions
Waivers of specific academic requirements may be initiated by submitting a petition of exception (see Petition of exception under Academic Policies and Procedures). Students seeking a review of their academic standing within the school or students who wish to make a formal complaint should submit a written petition to the chair of their major department or to the SECS associate dean. Petitions will be processed according to established university procedures.
Academic conduct
Students are expected to abide by the principles of truth and honesty, which are essential to fair grading. Academic misconduct in any form is not permitted. Students who are found guilty of academic misconduct as determined by the university Academic Conduct Committee, in any course offered by the school, may be subject to penalties that range from a reduced grade for the assignment, a grade of “F” for the entire course, academic probation, suspension or dismissal from the university. All assignments must be the independent work of each student, unless the professor of the course gives explicit permission relaxing this requirement. See the Academic Conduct Policy section of the catalog for more detailed information.
Academic standing
The performance of students in the School of Engineering and Computer Science will be reviewed at the end of each semester to determine academic progress. Good academic standing in the school requires a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0 in: a) courses required for the major; b) cognate courses in mathematics and science; and c) all courses taken at Oakland University. Students whose cumulative grade-point averages fall below 2.0 will be placed on probation status.
Students who fail to correct the conditions leading to probation after one semester are generally ineligible to continue their programs. However, probation status may be continued if students are judged to be making substantial progress toward correcting the deficiency. (For part- time students, 12 consecutive credits of coursework will be considered equivalent to one semester.
Students on probation status may not serve on committees of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Students who become ineligible to continue enrollment in the School of Engineering and Computer Science may transfer to another school or college within the university subject to their requirements.
The above rules were established by the undergraduate curriculum committee of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Students wishing to appeal a ruling on their academic status must address a written petition to the School’s committee on academic standing. Petitions may be submitted to an SECS academic adviser or to the SECS associate dean.
Unsatisfactory performance
Unsatisfactory (U) grades and grades less than C are considered substandard. School of Engineering and Computer Science students who repeat a course in which a grade below C has been earned must repeat that course at Oakland University to improve the student’s Oakland University grade. Courses in which a grade below C has been earned may not be subsequently passed by competency examination or independent study. Repeated courses transferred from outside Oakland University will be counted towards the total number of allowed repeats. See repeating courses for additional information.
Honors, awards and scholarships
The School of Engineering and Computer Science may, at its discretion, confer departmental honors on students who have completed a minimum of 48 credits in their major specific courses including core, required professional subjects/courses, professional/technical electives, capstone course and professional options/tracks/concentrations at Oakland University at Oakland University and demonstrate a high level of scholarly accomplishment by achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher in their major specific courses.
Each year the faculty selects graduating seniors to receive four special awards: Exceptional Achievement, Academic Achievement, Professional Development, and Service. In addition to scholarships available to all Oakland University students, the School of Engineering and Computer Science offers additional scholarship opportunities. Information about these opportunities may be found on the SECS website.
Course Offerings
Courses offered through the School of Engineering and Computer Science carry the following designations: computer science and information technology courses, CSI; electrical and computer engineering courses, ECE; industrial and systems engineering courses, ISE; mechanical engineering courses, ME. Courses offered under the general title of engineering are listed under EGR. For some of the courses, the semester(s) in which they are usually offered is indicated at the end of the course description. However, this is subject to change. To register for 3000- and 4000-level courses, students must have attained major standing.
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