Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (2024)

Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (1)

Begin Campus

Any Penn State Campus

End Campus

Erie

Program Description

This major provides students with a strong foundation in computer engineering through a combination of classroom study, design projects, and laboratory experience. Analysis and design of computer hardware and software systems are stressed. Built upon a core of science and mathematics courses, this major has the objective of educating graduates to be problem solvers. Students acquire the ability to work as members of a team toward successful attainment of a common goal, preparing them for industry or further study in graduate school. In addition, written and oral communication skills are developed from an early stage, culminating in a senior design project that stresses communication as well as engineering content.

In addition to completing a broad-based science core in mathematics, chemistry and physics, students pursue their interest in computer engineering by studying principles in digital hardware design, computer architecture, computer software, microelectronics, and computer data communications. The student will be required to analyze and solve a significant computer engineering design problem during the senior year.

What is Computer Engineering?

Computer engineering is the study of the design, analysis, and implementation of computer systems including processors, memory, embedded devices, and data communication systems for a wide range of application domains. It includes the study of digital systems, computer architecture, and computer networks. It encompasses many design activities spanning from designing individual logic components to designing complete computer systems composed of hardware, software, and hardware-software co-design. Computer engineering drives the development of new computing systems that enable the latest technologies impacting our everyday lives.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You’ve ever opened a computer housing to explore what’s inside.
  • You enjoy working with both hardware and software.
  • You’re interested in both engineering and computing—and in the overlap of the two disciplines.
  • You’d like to take coursework in computers, engineering, math, and physics.

Entrance to Major

In addition to the Carnegie unit and minimum GPA requirements described by University policies, all students applying for entrance to any of the engineering majors at Behrend College must have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA by the end of the semester prior to applying for entrance to the major and have completed, with a minimum grade of C: CHEM110, MATH140, MATH141, and PHYS211. These courses must be completed by the end of the semester during which the admission to major process is carried out.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, a minimum of 130 credits is required:

Program Requirements
Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 1
Requirements for the Major 105

21 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major.This includes: 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses; 3 credits of GWS courses; 3 credits of GS courses.

Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned.

Requirements for the Major

Each student must earn at least a grade of C in each 300-and 400-level course in the major field.

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Course List
Code Title Credits
Prescribed Courses
CMPSC121Introduction to Programming Techniques3
ENGL202CEffective Writing: Technical Writing Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (2)3
PHYS212General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (3)4
PHYS214General Physics: Wave Motion and Quantum Physics Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (4)2
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CHEM110Chemical Principles I Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (5)3
CHEM111Experimental Chemistry I Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (6)1
CMPEN271Introduction to Digital Systems3
CMPEN275Digital Design Laboratory1
CMPEN351Microprocessors3
CMPEN352WEmbedded Systems Design3
CMPEN371Advanced Digital Design3
CMPEN411VLSI Digital Circuits3
CMPEN431Introduction to Computer Architecture3
CMPEN441Operating Systems3
CMPEN461Communication Networks3
CMPEN480Computer Engineering Design3
CMPEN481Computer Engineering Project3
CMPSC122Intermediate Programming3
CMPSC360Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science3
CMPSC465Data Structures and Algorithms3
EE210Circuits and Devices4
EE310Electronic Circuit Design I4
EE352Signals and Systems: Continuous and Discrete-Time4
MATH140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (7)4
MATH141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (8)4
MATH220Matrices Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (9)3
MATH230Calculus and Vector Analysis4
MATH250Ordinary Differential Equations3
PHYS211General Physics: Mechanics Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (10)4
STAT3013
Additional Courses
ECON102Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (11)3
orECON104 Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (12)
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 9 credits of technical elective courses from school-approved list9

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (13) appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Erie

Mohammad Rasouli, Ph.D.
Program Chair and Associate Professor
169 Burke
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6249
mur37@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

Computer Engineering, B.S. at Erie Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC1213CHEM110*#†3
ENGL15 or 30H‡†3CHEM111*†1
MATH140*‡#†4CMPSC122*3
PHYS211*#†4MATH141*‡#†4
PSU71PHYS2124
General Education Course (GHW)1.5
16.515
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH250*3CMPSC360*13
CMPEN270 or 271 and 275*14EE210*14
MATH220*2ENGL202C‡†3
ECON102 or 1043MATH230*4
CAS100‡†3PHYS2142
General Education Course (GA/GH/GS)3
1816
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPEN351*3CMPEN352W*23
CMPEN371*3CMPEN411*3
CMPSC465*3CMPEN431*3
EE310*4EE352*4
STAT301 or STAT 318*3General Education Course (GA/GH/GS)3
1616
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPEN441*3CMPEN481*3
CMPEN461*3Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3
CMPEN480*3Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3
Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3General Education Course (GA/GH/GS)3
Technical Elective (300, 400-level)*3General Education Course (GA/GH/GS)3
General Education Course (GA/GH/GS)1.5
16.515
Total Credits 129
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Must be completed prior to the third year to ensure that all fall semester third-year prerequisites are met.

2

Course will satisfy Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

  • Only students who have gone through the entrance to major (ETM) process and have been accepted into this major may register for junior and senior-level EE, CMPEN, and SWENG courses.

School-Approved Electives for Computer Engineering:

Technical electives allow students to choose areas of interest to explore. Technical electives come in two categories: primary and secondary. Primary technical electives are those courses offered to the Computer Engineering major, which are not required for the Computer Engineering degree. Secondary technical electives are offered outside your home department and give you a broader latitude. Students must complete at least two primary technical electives and, at most, one secondary technical elective. Courses listed below as asynchronous are offered as needed when the appropriate faculty member is available.

Exceptions to the above policy will be granted to students whosuccessfullycomplete a minor in one of the areas listed in the Academic Minors portion of the School of Engineering Advising Handbook.

Primary Technical Electives:

  • Any 300-400 level SWENG course
  • Any 300-400 level EE course not already required for the major
  • Any 300-400 level CMPEN course not already required for the major
  • Any 400 level CMPSC course not already required for the major, with the exception of CMPSC 455 and CMPSC 456
  • Any 300-400 level technical gaming course

Secondary Technical Electives:

  • CMPEN 395 - Internship
  • CMPEN 495 - Internship
  • CMPSC 461 - Programming Language Concept
  • CMPSC 471 - Introduction to Compiler Construction
  • MGMT 409 - Project Management for Engineers
  • PSYCH 444 - Engineering Psychology
  • ECON 481 - Business Forecasting Techniques
  • ECON 485 - Econometric Techniques
  • PHYS 458 - Intermediate Optics
  • MATH 455 - Introduction to Numerical Analysis
  • MATH 456 - Introduction to Numerical Analysis
  • IE 302 - Engineering Economy

Career Paths

Breadth of experience with computing technologies makes it possible for computer engineering graduates to begin their careers in nearly every sector of the economy. Entry-level computer engineers typically work in computer design, systems analysis, hardware, software development, signal processing tool design, validation, firmware, and computer vision. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond. Meet with your academic adviser often, and take advantage of the services offered by the Academic and Career Planning Center beginning with your first semester.

Careers

Employers of recent Penn State Behrend B.S. in Computer Engineering graduates include Bechtel Marine Propulsion, Duquesne Light, GE, Intel, Northrop Grumman, RoviSys, ASCO Power Technologies, Siemens, Zoll Medical Corp., Westinghouse, and Texas Instruments.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE COMPUTER ENGINEERING PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Graduate programs in computer engineering often delve more deeply into areas of specialization such as control engineering, automation, embedded sensor systems, hardware and software architecture, biomedical technologies, nanotechnologies, and even economic and financial modeling. Or, you can earn a master’s degree to learn management skills; Penn State Behrend offers a Master of Manufacturing Management (M.M.M) degree program for aspiring organizational leaders.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at Penn State Behrend is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s), and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Professional Licensure/Certification

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Contact

Erie

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
242 Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6153
engineering@psu.edu

https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-engineering

Computer Engineering, B.S. (Behrend) | Penn State (2024)

FAQs

Is Penn State Behrend good for computer science? ›

Why Penn State Behrend? At Penn State Behrend, you'll study Computer Science in state-of-the-art facilities—and in a School of Engineering regularly ranked among U.S. News & World Report's top 50 undergraduate engineering programs in the nation.

Is Penn State Behrend good for engineering? ›

Among the Country's Best

For academic quality, graduation rates, class sizes, and more, our School of Engineering is ranked among the top 40 undergraduate engineering programs nationwide.

What is Penn State computer engineering ranked? ›

Graduate Programs: U.S. News & World Report

Biomedical Engineering: 42. Chemical Engineering: 25. Civil Engineering: 23. Computer Engineering: 29.

Is Penn State Behrend hard to get into? ›

Penn State Erie admissions is not selective with an acceptance rate of 95%. Students that get into Penn State Erie have an average SAT score between 1080-1330 or an average ACT score of 22-30. The regular admissions application deadline for Penn State Erie is rolling.

What is the difference between Penn State and Penn State Behrend? ›

Academics: While both campuses offer rigorous academic programs, University Park is the main campus and tends to have more academic resources, research opportunities, and a wider range of majors to choose from. Penn State Behrend, on the other hand, offers smaller class sizes and a more intimate learning environment.

What is Penn State Behrend Engineering School ranked? ›

— The new "Best Colleges" rankings by U.S. News & World Report place Penn State Behrend's undergraduate engineering programs among the top 40 in the nation at institutions who do not offer a doctorate. The Behrend programs are tied for 39th on the list, which was released Sept. 13. They were ranked 46th in 2020.

Is Penn State Behrend worth it? ›

In the Princeton Review report, students surveyed cited Penn State Behrend's MBA program as "the best value for a working student in the local area," and said that Penn State Behrend enjoys "an outstanding reputation" and is "the best school, academically, for the region."

What is the best Penn State campus for engineering? ›

New rankings by U.S. News & World Report place the School of Engineering at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, among the top 50 undergraduate programs in the nation.

How hard is it to get into Penn State Computer Science? ›

Admission to the CSE department is extremely competitive. Each year more than 900 applications are received. Approximately 50 students are admitted in the fall semester, and an overwhelming majority of funded applicants are Ph. D.

How hard is it to get into Penn State engineering? ›

However, the overall acceptance rate for Penn State is around 49% and the College of Engineering is generally considered more competitive compared to some other majors at the university.

What is Penn State Beaver computer science ranked? ›

Penn State's undergraduate computer science program came in at No. 40 out of 554, down from 37. New rankings for 2024 include Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs, where Penn State ranked No. 34 out of 542, and Best Undergraduate Economics Programs, with the university scoring a ranking of No.

Which Penn State campus has software engineering? ›

Penn State Behrend's B.S. in Software Engineering is the only undergraduate software engineering program in the Penn State system.

What is Penn State Behrend known for? ›

Penn State Behrend is a four-year and graduate college of Penn State. We offer an academically rigorous, globally respected Penn State education in a setting where students have close interaction with faculty, meaningful out-of-classroom experiences, and opportunities for leadership and personal development.

Is Penn State's Computer Science program good? ›

Penn State's B.S. in Computer Science is indeed a highly respected program. The program is housed under the College of Engineering and is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. In terms of ranking, it often falls within the top 50 globally, and within the top 30 in the United States.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5757

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.