Computer Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions
The application of engineering skills to solving problems, designing, prototyping, and doing R&D in: Computer hardware and software, telecommunications, control systems, embedded systems, signal and image processing, antennas and radar, electro-optics, electronic circuits, devices, nanotechnology, and biomedical/bioengineering.
Electrical engineers often work in teams and perform a variety of tasks such as designing components and systems, planning and organizing engineering tasks, prototyping electrical/electronic/computer/communication systems, and directing groups of engineers and technicians. Computer engineers develop the technological possibilities inherent in the design, construction and operation of computer systems. The computer engineer performs a wide variety of tasks involving hardware, software, peripherals, computer-controlled systems and hardware-software integration.
Computer science (CPS) concerns the study of algorithms and their implementation in the environment of computer hardware and system software. Computer scientists design the hardware and systems software used by other computing professionals. Computer engineering (CPE) concerns the application or embedding of computer hardware and software in engineered products for industry and consumers. This is an engineering discipline much like civil, industrial or mechanical engineering.
It takes an extra 16 credits to double major in ELE and CPE, which would take an extra semester to complete. The minor requirements are determined by the individual departments, range from 15 to 21 extra credit hours, and may include specific course requirements. Minors are monitored by the student and the adviser until graduation time when an assistant dean certifies completion and records the minor on the student's final transcript.
Yes, the main difference is that at graduation you will receive two degrees when you double degree. In order to double degree, an additional 30 credit hours are required.
In a modern technological society, electrical and computer engineers have a hand in almost all daily life. Their work can be seen in cell phones, medical equipment and desktop computers. It is currently the fastest growing segment of engineering. Over half of the American engineering projects include either electrical or computer engineering. Electrical and computer engineers enjoy some of the top salaries in engineering at all educational levels.
Recent graduates are now employed with such firms as Altera Corporation, B.F. Goodrich, GE Aerospace, Honda Corporation, Intel Corporation, Sprint/Nextel and Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Possible careers include: Aerospace electronics, antenna design, audio systems, automated manufacturing, automotive electronics, biomedical engineering, communication systems, computer design,computer engineering, education, electromagnetics, electronics and microelectronics, electro-optics, engineering management, industrial electronics and control instrumentation, medical electronics, microwave systems, music synthesis, patent law, photonics, power generation and systems, process control, quantum electronics, radio and television systems, robotics, signal, image and video processing, technical writing, ultrasonics.
- "The professors in ECE are amazing people with an intense enthusiasm to convey their knowledge and experience, while students benefit from their willingness to take time out to aid individuals."
- "The ECE department offers a unique blend of hands-on activities, mathematical theory, and computer programming."
- "I would encourage anyone willing to tackle the rigors of undergraduate engineering to enter the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UD as it is bound to be one of the best decisions of your life. It was for me." ~Rebecca O., B.S. in ELE
- "Over the past few years the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at UD has become my home. Small class sizes and friendly professors have created an environment where the students get to know their professors on a personal as well as professional level."
- "This academic atmosphere allows for collective learning with other students and friendships that will last for the rest of my life. I have nothing but praise for the department that has molded me into the engineer I am today." ~David K. B.S. ELE & CPE, Sprint Nextel: Network Engineer
- "The ECE faculty strive to teach the importance of developing talents in a number of areas. In this pursuit, they expect more from their students and work hard themselves to present the material in a manner conducive to learning. ~Joseph M., B.S. CPE, M.S. ELE, Air Force Research Lab, Research Scientist, working on advanced imaging systems
- "The faculty members that make up the ECE program are a rare breed of college engineering professors. Their attentiveness to students' interests and their eagerness to give a guiding hand has had a significant impact on the quality of my educational experience at The University of Dayton."
- "In all manners of professional teaching and personal interactions, the ECE faculty have time and again demonstrated their passion for engineering, and, more importantly, a desire to show the next generation of engineers why they love what they do." ~Jon E., B.S. ELE & B.S. MEE
Students take five math courses (18 credits). Most of the engineering disciplines require four to five math courses.
No, the department offers a blend of mathematical theory, computer programming, and hands-on activities.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering prides itself on our world-class curriculum, which is flexible and updated regularly to meet the changing needs of government, industry, and academia. We offer more technical electives and lab classes (with hands-on activities) than any other engineering majors.
The University of Dayton Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers state-of-the-art courses in electrical and computer engineering, taught by highly qualified faculty. Our Department is one of the few at the University to have professors who have won top awards in teaching and scholarship at the University of Dayton. Our Department faculty include world-renowned teachers and researchers who have authored several text books and published extensively in national and international journals. We pride ourselves on our world-class curriculum updated periodically to meet the changing needs of government, industry and academia. We offer more technical electives and hands-on-laboratory classes than other engineering majors. ECE department offers a multidisciplinary concentration of electro-optics to enable students to pursue new careers in photonics, an important technology that impacts computers, communications and electronics. The Department also provides an accelerated program that allows students to complete their master's degree within a year after completion of their bachelor's degree. Graduate education leading to master's and doctoral degrees provides students with enhanced career opportunities and allows them to excel professionally. Graduates of the electrical and computer engineering program are consistently well placed in government and industry. Our Department completed 100 years at the University of Dayton as of August 2010!
The electrical engineering program at the University of Dayton is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The mission of the department, as well as the University of Dayton, is to develop students' skills and knowledge, so our students will be able to learn, lead, and serve in their profession and community.
All students majoring in engineering and engineering technology may participate in co-ops and internships. Students alternate semesters of full-time study with full-time work experience in positions related to their major. Generally, students remain with the same employer during alternating terms. Most students are eligible to interview for their first work term during their third semester of full-time study. Before beginning the co-op program, the interested student is required to have a Work/Study Calendar form signed and approved by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering chairperson and the director of Cooperative Education. For information on co-op opportunities, contact the Engineering Co-op and Internship Office.
A variety of companies visit the University to recruit students, and cooperative education opportunities regularly exist at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). In the past, students have also co-oped at: AK Steel Corporation, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., A.O. Smith Electrical, Avery Dennison, Barco Simulation, LLC, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, CISCO, DRS Intelligence and Avionic Solutions, Eaton Corporations, FirstEnergy Corp., GE Aerospace, GE Consumer and Industry, Honda Engineering North America, Inc., INTEL Corp., Lafarge North America, Marathon Petroleum Company LLC, Miller Brewing Company, Mound Laser & Photonics Center, Inc., PC Krause and Associates, Premier System Integrators, Inc., Products Company, UDRI Structural Integrity Division, IMMC, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, YSI Inc.
The University has a wide range of part-time employment available for all students. Electrical and computer engineering students may find work either through the Office of Student Employment, or limited jobs through the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Yes, we have opportunities for students to work with our professors and with University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) researchers on engineering research projects. These are "for-pay" projects where the students gain valuable experiences and financial support.
It is a transformational space on the first floor of Kettering Labs where all disciplines within our School and throughout the University come together to encounter, debate, address, investigate and solve multi-faceted questions.
It has five major areas:
- Design, simulation and product realization center
- Conference and multimedia center
- Collaborative learning studio
- Demonstration and display center including resource library
- Administrative and faculty offices
The facilities encourage increased cross-campus collaborations, building on the University's strengths in business entrepreneurship, science, research, law and technology. The Center is also a location for onsite and online undergraduate courses such as engineering law, engineering project management, finance for engineers, product development and entrepreneurial ventures. ECE students are part of multi-disciplinary teams in multi-disciplinary engineering design courses. State-of-the-art projects sponsored by industry are undertaken by student teams, mentored by faculty members in the Innovation Center. Some of the research projects have resulted in patents for the University with students as inventors. Also, student teams have developed prototypes for startup companies with innovative solutions. Students working in the multi-disciplinary design projects have also competed and won top prizes in the School of Business Administration's business plan competition.
Currently, all first, second and third year electrical and computer engineering students are advised by the School of Engineering Office of Student Success, a team of caring and experienced advisers. Beginning fall semester 2024, all undergraduate electrical and computer engineering students will be advised by this office. Students and advisers are expected to meet at least once a semester to check progress and provide assistance in scheduling. All course registration, drop/add, minor/concentration selection, thematic cluster registration, and other activities require approval by your academic adviser.
All class selection occurs via https://porches.udayton.edu/. Students select courses that they are interested in via the Porches website approximately one month before their registration date. Their classes must then be approved by their adviser. Once approved, students are able to schedule online during their assigned registration time. Additional helpful information can be found at Flyers First, your home for registration, financial aid, student accounts and billing.
Faculty members are very accessible as they can be reached through email, office hours, and/or by phone. Each term, the faculty's syllabus will provide his or her availability.
Computer facilities are readily accessible to all engineering students, and students receive early training in the use of industry-standard engineering design tools. Students can access the software tools from anywhere.
Yes, they include the Dean of Engineering Scholarship, the Department Chairman's Scholarship, and the Department Scholarship. There are additional undergraduate student scholarships being established for electrical and computer engineering students.
Students do not apply for these. A student’s application and admittance to the School of Engineering qualify them. ACT/SAT scores are taken into account when awarding these scholarships.
Electrical and computer engineering students may participate in student chapters of national organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)and the Association for Computer Machinery (ACM). These organizations provide an outlet for networking and sources for involvement in academic, social and competitive activities. The University of Dayton is one of only a few universities in the nation offering service opportunities in engineering including The Ethos Center.
Students interested in joining can attend any of the meetings held by the organizations.
Many students participate in service organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Habitat for Humanity. In addition, students can join a wide variety of club and intramural sports offered by the University as well as student clubs and organizations offered by the School of Engineering.
The Bachelor's-Plus-Master's (BPM) program is an accelerated program that allows undergraduate students to take two graduate level courses in place of undergraduate non-design, tech electives. Students receive their B.S. degree upon successful completion of their undergraduate requirements. Following completion of their undergraduate degree, students take an additional 24 graduate credit hours to complete the M.S. degree requirements.
Students with a GPA of 3.25 or better are eligible to apply as early as second semester of their junior year. Students may choose a specialization in telecommunication engineering, signals and systems or digital systems. Learn more about the BPM Program.