Computer Engineering
Computer Engineers (CPE) are electrical engineers that have additional training in the areas of software design and hardware-software integration. Common CPE tasks include writing embedded software for real-time microcontrollers, designing VLSI chips, working with analog sensors, designing mixed signal circuit boards, and designing operating systems. Computer engineers are also well-suited for research in the field of robotics, which relies on using computers together with other electrical systems. Below is a recommended plan of study for CPE.
Computer Engineering Core Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 160 | Engineering Practice | 2 |
| ECE 180 | Introduction to Signal Processing | 4 |
| ECE 203 | DC Circuits | 4 |
| ECE 204 | AC Circuits | 4 |
| ECE 205 | Circuits and Systems | 4 |
| ECE 230 | Introduction to Embedded Systems | 4 |
| ECE 233 | Introduction to Digital Systems | 4 |
| ECE 250 | Electronic Device Modeling | 4 |
| ECE 300 | Continuous-Time Signals & Systems | 4 |
| ECE 312 | Communication Networks | 4 |
| ECE 332 | Computer Architecture II | 4 |
| ECE 343 | High-Speed Digital Design | 4 |
| ECE 362 | Principles of Design | 3 |
| ECE 380 | Discrete-Time Signals and Systems 1 | 4 |
| or ECE 320 | Linear Control Systems | |
| ECE 460 | Engineering Design I | 3 |
| ECE 461 | Engineering Design II | 4 |
| ECE 462 | Engineering Design III | 2 |
| CSSE 120 | Introduction to Software Development | 4 |
| CSSE 220 | Object-Oriented Software Development | 4 |
| CSSE 230 | Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis | 4 |
| CSSE 232 | Computer Architecture I | 4 |
| CSSE 332 | Operating Systems | 4 |
| PH 111 | Physics I | 4 |
| PH 112 | Physics II | 4 |
| PH 113 | Physics III | 4 |
| MA 111 | Calculus I | 5 |
| MA 112 | Calculus II | 5 |
| MA 113 | Calculus III | 5 |
| MA 221 | Matrix Algebra & Differential Equations I | 4 |
| MA 222 | Matrix Algebra & Differential Equations II | 4 |
| MA 381 | Introduction to Probability with Applications to Statistics | 4 |
| MA 374 | Combinatorics | 4 |
| HUM H190 | First-Year Writing Seminar | 4 |
| ENGL H290 | Technical & Professional Communication | 4 |
| RHIT 100 | Foundations for Rose-Hulman Success | 1 |
| ECE Area Electives | 12 | |
| HSSA Elective | 28 | |
| Math/Sci Elective | 4 | |
| Restricted Science Elective | 4 | |
| Technical Elective | 4 | |
| Free Electives | 8 | |
| Total Hours | 194 | |
- 1
CPE students who are also earning the robotics minor MUST take ECE 320 Linear Control Systems.
The ECE Department will not allow the following second major combinations:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Second Major in Computer Engineering.
- Degree in Computer Engineering and a Second Major in Electrical Engineering.
Areas of Concentration
Enhanced Study in Communication Systems
Communications Certificate
Certificate Advisor: Dr. Yong Jin Kim
Below is a sample plan of study that illustrates one way to achieve the program requirements. Any given student's plan of study may differ based on a variety of factors (e.g., advanced credit, placement exams, adding a minor). Enrolled students will work with their academic advisor; utilize the degree audit/planner to create a specific plan of study.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| PH 111 | Physics I | 4 |
| PH 111L | Physics I Lab | 0 |
| MA 111 | Calculus I | 5 |
| RHIT 100 | Foundations for Rose-Hulman Success | 1 |
| HUM H190 | First-Year Writing Seminar | 4 |
| ECE 160 | Engineering Practice | 2 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| PH 112 | Physics II | 4 |
| PH 112L | Physics II Lab | 0 |
| MA 112 | Calculus II | 5 |
| CSSE 120 | Introduction to Software Development | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| First-Year Writing Seminar | ||
HSSA Elective |
||
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| PH 113 | Physics III | 4 |
| PH 113L | Physics III Lab | 0 |
| MA 113 | Calculus III | 5 |
| ECE 203 | DC Circuits | 4 |
| ECE 180 | Introduction to Signal Processing | 4 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| MA 221 | Matrix Algebra & Differential Equations I | 4 |
| CSSE 220 | Object-Oriented Software Development | 4 |
| ECE 204 | AC Circuits | 4 |
| ECE 233 | Introduction to Digital Systems | 4 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| MA 222 | Matrix Algebra & Differential Equations II | 4 |
| ECE 230 | Introduction to Embedded Systems | 4 |
| ECE 205 | Circuits and Systems | 4 |
| CSSE 230 | Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis | 4 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| MA 381 | Introduction to Probability with Applications to Statistics | 4 |
| ECE 250 | Electronic Device Modeling | 4 |
| ECE 300 | Continuous-Time Signals & Systems | 4 |
| HSSA Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| MA 374 | Combinatorics | 4 |
| CSSE 232 | Computer Architecture I | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Discrete-Time Signals and Systems | ||
| Linear Control Systems 1 | ||
| ENGL H290 | Technical & Professional Communication | 4 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| ECE 312 | Communication Networks | 4 |
| CSSE 332 | Operating Systems | 4 |
| HSSA Elective | 4 | |
| Math/Science Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ECE 332 | Computer Architecture II | 4 |
| ECE 343 | High-Speed Digital Design | 4 |
| ECE 362 | Principles of Design | 3 |
| HSSA Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| ECE 460 | Engineering Design I | 3 |
| ECE Area Elective | 4 | |
| Restricted Science Elective | 4 | |
| HSSA Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Winter | ||
| ECE 461 | Engineering Design II | 4 |
| ECE Area Elective | 4 | |
| Technical Elective | 4 | |
| HSSA Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ECE 462 | Engineering Design III | 2 |
| ECE Area Elective | 4 | |
| HSSA Elective | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Free Elective | 4 | |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 194 | |
- 1
CPE students who are also earning the robotics minor MUST take ECE 320 Linear Control Systems.
Area Electives
A total of 12 credit hours are required in this category. Eight of these credit hours must bear an ECE prefix; the other four can bear either ECE or CSSE prefix. At least eight of these credit hours must be at the 400 level or above; the other four can be at the 300 level or above. No more than 4 credit hours of ECE 498 Undergraduate Projects can be counted towards Area Electives and ECE 398 Undergraduate Projects cannot be counted as Area Elective credit. Area Elective credits cannot be double-counted towards the MSEE or MECE degrees; they may be double-counted for other graduate degrees. Exceptions can be made to these requirements with ECE Department Head and Advisor approval.
Technical Electives
CHEM and BIO 100 level courses or other courses at the 200 level or above NOT bearing an HSSA prefix. Exceptions can be made with Department Head and Advisor approval.
Free Electives
Free electives may be selected from any RHIT courses other than ECE 206 Elements of Electrical Engineering, ES 213 Electrical Systems or ES 213L Electrical Systems Lab.
Restricted Science Elective
(4 credit hours required) Must take one of the following electives including the lab:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| PH 255 | Foundations of Modern Physics | 4 |
| PH 405 | Semiconductor Materials & Applications | 4 |
| BIO 101 | Essential Biology | 4 |
| BIO 110 | Cell Structure and Function | 4 |
| BIO 120 | Comparative Anatomy & Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 130 | Evolution & Diversity | 4 |
Math/Science Elective
MA100-Level and PH100-Level credits cannot be used to satisfy this elective. MA 351-356 Problem Solving Seminar may not be used for these electives. Courses that are cross-listed with any engineering courses will not satisfy these electives.
CPE Program Educational Objectives
Computer Engineering graduates shall:
- Leverage a solid foundation in computer engineering in order to practice excellence in their chosen profession within a changing global environment;
- Function independently, collaboratively, and in leadership positions within multidisciplinary and diverse teams;
- Acquire and share new knowledge, master emerging technologies, and pursue topics about which they are curious or passionate;
- Practice innovation, creative problem solving, effective communication, strategic thinking, and networking in professional and community environments;
- Serve the interests of diverse stakeholders through an understanding of risks, opportunities, ethical challenges, and tradeoffs.
CPE Student Learning Outcomes
At the time of graduation, students will have demonstrated:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- 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
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
The computer engineering program 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.