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Fall 2020 Update: The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree program is currently being redeveloped. Students now in the program will continue to be taught the present curriculum throughout their time at DigiPen; however no new applications to the program are being accepted at this time.

New technologies like tablets, smartphones, and connected devices have fundamentally changed how people interact with computers. DigiPen’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree focuses on the hardware and software that make these interactions possible.

You’ll study advanced coursework in electrical engineering and low-level programming, along with project-based courses that will allow you to conceive, design, prototype, build, and test embedded systems — electronic devices with a built-in microcontroller or microprocessor. As a graduate, you will have a strong technological background, as well as communication and teamwork skills. You’ll be prepared for a wide range of careers, from software to hardware, automotive to aerospace, and video games to medical devices.

The BS in Computer Engineering prepares students to become engineers who understand both sides of the hardware-software interface, from designing circuits to developing operating systems.


Who Should Pursue This Degree?

One aspect that sets DigiPen’s computer engineering program apart from most other undergraduate programs is that team projects begin in the first semester and are required throughout the program — not just the final one or two semesters. As a result, graduates come away with a strong technological background, as well as communication and teamwork skills that are essential for professional engineers. Computer engineering students at DigiPen also have the advantage of small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. Moreover, students are accepted directly into the BS in Computer Engineering program and do not have to compete to enter the program after admission, which is the case at many other institutions.

As a student in this program, you will:

  • Build a Strong Academic Foundation

    Study advanced math, physics, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science.

  • Create Your Own Embedded Systems

    Conceive, design, prototype, build, and test embedded systems — electronic devices with a built-in microcontroller or microprocessor — to solve problems relevant for society.

  • Learn to Program Low-Level Software

    Use programming languages to design operating systems and hardware-software interfaces.


Academic Roadmap

As a BS in Computer Engineering student, your daily coursework will involve a combination of math, physics, computer science, and electrical and computer engineering. Starting with the principles of computing and electrical circuits, you’ll quickly work your way toward studying advanced topics and creating your own electronic systems and devices using embedded microprocessors and microcontrollers. Throughout the program, you’ll team up with your classmates on collaborative engineering projects.

What are Embedded Systems?

Embedded systems can be found within any device that uses a microprocessor or microcontroller to control a specific function. These systems are becoming increasingly ubiquitous within a wide array of everyday household and industrial applications, such as smartphones, televisions, portable and console game systems, automobiles and automotive devices, robots, electronic toys, digital cameras, audio/video component systems, smart appliances, and more.

View a sample course sequence

ABET Accredited

ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission Logo

The BS in Computer Engineering degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Learn more at www.abet.org.

Admissions Requirements

In order to apply for the BS in Computer Engineering program, you should have a strong foundation in math, science, and problem-solving. You’ll need to have completed precalculus (or its equivalent) prior to attending DigiPen.

View all requirements

Topics Covered

The coursework for the BS in Computer Engineering program emphasizes the math and science of computer and electrical engineering, with practical application of skills explored via semester- and year-long engineering projects. Some of the main topics covered include:

  • Calculus-based physics courses in mechanics, waves, electricity, and magnetism
  • Mathematics courses in linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, discrete math, and statistics.
  • Engineering courses in digital and analog electrical circuit design, microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded systems, real-time operating systems, control systems, and digital signal processing.
  • Computer science courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, image processing, and artificial intelligence.

Student Projects

In your engineering projects at DigiPen, you’ll be expected to integrate a microprocessor or microcontroller with various peripheral devices such as storage, input, sensors, and display devices into a portable embedded platform. These projects follow design constraints that are encountered in industry such as use model, cost, power, and portability. These are a few examples of projects made by BS in Computer Engineering students.


Career Outlook

There is a high demand for graduates of this program in a range of high-tech industries. As a graduate, you’ll have the necessary skills and preparation to work at entry-level hardware and software positions within various industries such as aerospace and avionics, automotive, consumer electronics, Internet of Things, entertainment, and defense.

Recent alumni have gone on to begin their careers at local companies like Microsoft, Nintendo, Philips, Planetary Resources, and Schweitzer Engineering Labs. Other program graduates are pursuing advanced degrees.

Potential Careers

Software Development Engineer

Software development engineer (SDE) positions can be found in any number of industries. The role of an SDE is typically to design and build computer systems and software — either from scratch or by modifying existing systems and code base.

Firmware Engineer

A firmware engineer develops the low-level software found in home computers and electronic devices. They must be versed in both sides of the hardware and software interface and program efficient algorithms that will allow devices to operate both correctly and safely.

Computer Hardware Engineer

A computer hardware engineer works on the research, design, development, and testing of the hardware components — such as chips, circuit boards, and microcontrollers — for computers and electronic devices. They must be knowledgeable of electrical and computer engineering principles and be able to analyze and solve problems.

Other Job Titles

  • Software Engineer

  • Systems Engineer

  • Embedded Systems Engineer

  • Embedded Software Engineer

  • Design Engineer

  • Development Engineer

  • Quality Control Engineer

  • Systems Test Engineer

  • Telecommunications Engineer

  • Software Developer

  • Software Analyst

  • Computer Programmer

  • Graphics Hardware Engineer

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