BSc in Computer Engineering

Why pursue a computer engineering degree at North Central College?

When searching for computer engineering colleges, it is important to know what it means to be a student in the college of engineering. The focus of our computer engineering program is automation and robotics. The themes of our computer engineering program are sustainability, access, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Technology through human-computer interaction has the potential to address many societal issues.

North Central College understands that engineers influence how new technology is created and applied. We've created a computer engineering degree program, unlike any other university. As an undergraduate engineering student in our applied science engineering program, you will gain mastery of computer engineering technology to prepare you for a career as a computer engineer, computer hardware engineer, electrical engineer, or beyond. Students enrolled in the computer engineering major will not only earn a bachelor's degree in computer engineering but also get hands-on learning with a focus on the design and analysis of high-performance computing systems. Computer engineering student requirements include coursework that consists of a mix of computer science and electrical engineering topics, where you’ll learn about both the computer hardware and software that drive modern systems. You’ll also be practicing life-long learning skills that you’ll use in your career in computer engineering technology: solving problems, working in teams, writing reports, and making presentations. Activities beyond computer engineering degree requirements include intercollegiate competitions, undergraduate research projects, community engagement, or independent studies.

Other program features for computer engineering students include:

• Complete internships at nearby research labs such as Argonne National Laboratory or Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
• Study in the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center, a state-of-the-art facility equipped to accommodate the most sophisticated hardware, software, and other sustainable engineering technology.
• Pursue your research interests anywhere in the world by applying for a Richter Grant.
• Travel, study and work internationally, and complete computer engineering course requirements through our study abroad program.
• Present your original research findings to your colleagues from computer engineering colleges at local, regional, and national conferences, such as the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research or North Central’s own Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.

Coursework in this area includes:

• Ethics
• Technical writing
• Calculus
• Differential equations & linear algebra
• Statistics and probability
• Engineering design
• Intro to electrical engineering
• Microcontrollers
• Digital logic
• Circuit analysis
• FPGA design
• Intro to computer science
• Discrete structures
• Computer organization and systems concepts
• Computer architecture
• Data structures and algorithms
• Object-oriented software design
• Operating systems
• Networking
• Cybersecurity
• Parallel computing
• Human-computer interaction
• Capstone project

Computer Engineering is a blend of computer science and electrical engineering. Our students see a broad spectrum of applications in the areas of computer hardware/software and electronics.

Major Requirements

A minimum of 45 credit hours of Engineering coursework to include:

Core Courses

• CSCE 160 - Introduction to Computer Programming
• CSCE 210 - Data Structures
• CSCE 220 - Computer Organization and Design
• CSCE 230 - Discrete Structures
• CSCE 306 - Object-Oriented Software Development
• CSCE 320 - Computer Architecture
• CSCE 420 - Operating Systems
• CSCE 494 - Senior Capstone
• Four credit hours of CSCE or INFS electives at or above the 200-level
• ELEC 150 - Introduction to Electrical Engineering
• ELEC 200 - Digital Logic I
• ELEC 250 - Circuit Analysis I
• ELEC 280 - Microcontrollers
• ENGR 100 - Introduction to Engineering
• ENGR 110 - The Engineering Method
• ENGR 120 - Engineering Calculations

Required Support Courses for the BSc Degree

Ethics

One of the following:

• PHIL 110 - Ethics
• PHIL 210 - Professional Ethics

Mathematics and Laboratory Science

A minimum of 30 credit hours of Mathematics and Science coursework to include:

Mathematics

• MATH 151 - Calculus I *
• MATH 152 - Calculus II
• MATH 253 - Calculus III
• MATH 255 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equation

Laboratory Science

Two of the following:

• BIOL 106 - Introduction to Environmental Science
• BIOL 108 - Water, Food, and Sex
• BIOL 109 - Genes and Our Genetic Future
• BIOL 195 - Investigating Biology
• CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
• CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
• CHEM 125 - General Chemistry for Engineers
• PHYS 110 - Astronomy
• PHYS 161 - Physics I: Mechanics and Heat
• PHYS 162 - Physics II: Electromagnetism, Waves, and Optics

Statistics/Probability

One of the following:

• BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics
• MATH 260 - Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
• PSYC 250 - Statistics

Notes:

CSCE 230 applies to the Mathematics and Science total hours.

If students do not meet the minimum Mathematics and Science requirements, additional coursework may need to be taken.

Courses below MATH 151 do not apply to the required credit hours in Mathematics and Science.

*Students who do not place into MATH 151 must successfully complete the course prerequisite, MATH 140.