Undergraduate Bulletin

Computer Engineering (ECE)

Computer Engineering is one of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) programs leading to the Bachelor of Engineering degree. The Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

As technology continually advances, the solutions to design problems in computer and data processing equipment more frequently encompass both hardware and software solutions. It is important for students who wish to specialize in computer engineering to be fluent in both the newest software techniques as well as digital electronics and the application of large-scale integrated devices.   The curriculum of the Computer Engineering program prepares students to meet these objectives.

Students gain a solid foundation to enable them to adapt successfully throughout their professional careers. The first two years of study provide a strong foundation in fundamental courses in mathematics, sciences, writing, and core electrical engineering. In the junior and senior years, students take computer engineering courses as well as other upper-level computer science courses and technical electives such as computer communications, digital signal processing, digital image processing, computer vision, and embedded microprocessor system design. They also carry out hands-on laboratories and internships to apply the theoretical training, and meet with faculty advisors to consult on course selection, academic progress, and career preparation. In the final year of study, students work in teams and complete an original design project under the supervision of a faculty member.

Computer engineers design digital systems, a majority of which are microprocessor-based systems. The systems include a wide variety of consumer products, industrial machinery, and specialized systems such as those used in flight control or automotive anti-lock brakes.

Students may work as interns in engineering and high-technology industries in Long Island corporate offices such as BAE Systems, Omnicon Group, and Motorola and as graduates they are employed in these corporations, in New York City, and across the country. These include Ford Motor, Boeing, GE Energy, and Texas Instruments. A large number of major and international financial institutions including Citigroup and Goldman Sachs also employ Stony Brook computer engineering graduates. Many baccalaureate graduates choose to go on to graduate school in engineering, business, law, and medicine.

Program Educational Objectives

The computer engineering program has five program educational objectives (PEOs):

PEO 1: Our graduates should excel in engineering positions in industry and other organizations that emphasize design and implementation of engineering systems and devices.

PEO 2: Our graduates should excel in the best graduate schools, reaching advanced degrees in engineering and related disciplines.

PEO 3: Within several years from graduation, our alumni should have established a successful career in an engineering-related multidisciplinary field, leading or participating effectively in interdisciplinary engineering projects, as well as continuously adapting to changing technologies.

PEO 4: Our graduates are expected to continue personal development through professional study and self-learning.

PEO 5: Our graduates are expected to be good citizens and cultured human beings, with full appreciation of the importance of professional, ethical and societal responsibilities.

Student Outcomes

To prepare students to meet the above program educational objectives, a set of program outcomes that describes what students should know and be able to do when they graduate, have been adopted.  We expect our graduates to attain:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. 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.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inlcusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct approrpriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.