Computer Engineering

From cars to cell phones to refrigerators, computers are embedded into nearly every aspect of modern-day life.

With a bachelor of science (B.S.) in computer engineering, you’ll have the broad knowledge to design and test new computer technology and develop innovative solutions to a wide variety of everyday problems.

Computer engineering is basically where electrical engineering and computer science meet. Computer engineers not only develop the software for the computing technology, they also design the electronic hardware, such as computer chips and circuit boards. This computing technology may be used for instrumentation, control, communication and power-conversion systems.

To prepare for this challenging field, you build a solid background in both math and science. Through classroom learning, hands-on projects and research, you develop a comprehensive knowledge in:

• Electronic circuits, communications and control systems
• Algorithms
• Programming, information coding and operating systems

You also develop advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and you learn how to express problems in a computable form.

Prepare for Success

Computer engineering requires a strong work ethic and a natural curiosity. To prepare for the program, hone your skills in math and science, along with courses in advanced algebra, trigonometry, chemistry, physics, computer programming and calculus.

Your First Year

During your first year in the program, you learn the fundamentals of computer engineering. You may take:

• Computer Science I
• Analytic Geometry & Calculus I/II
• Foundations of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Discrete Mathematics
• Engineering Physics

You will also take courses in the humanities, social sciences and English as part of the University of Idaho core curriculum.

What You Can Do

The broad field of computer engineering offers many diverse career opportunities. Potential job titles include:

• Computer software engineer
• Computer hardware engineer
• Applications engineer
• Design Engineer
• Quality control engineer
• Development engineer
• Computer architect
• Systems design engineer
• Research engineer

You may also pursue master degrees in computer engineering.

Opportunities

Computer engineering is among the fastest-growing fields with unlimited opportunity in nearly every industry. Computer engineers use their expertise to develop technology for everything ranging from medical devices and automobiles, to MP3 players and video games, to power grids and communication systems.  In 2008, the median salary for computers engineers was $97,400.

Our graduates are highly sought after by top firms in the region and nation. In fact, most of our recent graduates received at least one job offer before graduation. Alumni work for companies such as:

• Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
• Hewlett-Packard Company
• Intel
• Micron
• Boeing
• Advanced Input Systems
• NASA

Our students rank high in the country in the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, a standardized national test, with the highest passing rate of 95.6 percent, compared to the national average of 68.4 percent.

Current Research

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Idaho is actively engaged in leading electrical engineering research, drawing more than $4.5 million in research funding during the last three years.

Our faculty members are widely recognized for their research and expertise in such areas as power/energy systems, electromagnetic radiowave propagation, electronic packaging and microelectronics. In fact, two of our faculty members – Jeffrey Young and Aicha Elshabini – have been named distinguished Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellows for their contributions toward the advancement of the field, and Fred Barlow III was elected the 2009 Fellow of the International Microelectronics And Packaging Society (IMAPS).

Research Programs:

The National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technologies (NIATT): Develops technologies to improve the design and operation of transportation vehicles and systems. Projects include traffic control, electric and hybrid vehicles, clean vehicle technology, and smart traffic signals.

The Power Applications Research Group (PARG): Explores new applications in the fields of power systems control & communications and smart grids.

Hands-On Experience

Undergraduate research: Computer engineering students at Idaho have rare opportunities for hands-on research alongside leading faculty. You’ll spend a significant amount of time in the laboratory and gain extensive experience designing and conducting research projects.

As an undergraduate computer engineering student, you may:

• Design sensor systems for NASA
• Launch a balloon at high altitudes as high as 89,400 feet above earth
• Improve intersection safety for disabled pedestrians

Senior Capstone : Students work in teams to develop proof of concept designs that address real-life engineering problems. Projects are frequently sponsored by industry partners, such as Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, NASA, Advanced Input Systems, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

Engineering Design EXPO: Present your senior capstone project at the University of Idaho Engineering Design EXPO, the Pacific Northwest's largest interdisciplinary event, showcasing the world of engineering and technological innovation.

Internships: Our close ties with the industry create many exceptional internship opportunities. The University of Idaho is among one of the top universities in the country placing interns at NASA labs. These internships often translate into outstanding job opportunities.

Online & Outreach

The University of Idaho offers one of the best distance engineering education programs in the country, making it possible to earn a master of science or master of engineering in electrical engineering or computer engineering through video courses.  Certificate programs are also available.

Learn more about the Engineering Outreach program at the University of Idaho.