Computer Engineering Advising Guide

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

What is Computer Engineering?

From microchips to smart phones to game consoles to computers, computer engineers truly make the future come alive. Little wonder that computer engineering has growing numbers of job openings! Computer engineers study both computer software and computer hardware, increasing their versatility and employability.

Career Opportunities in Computer Engineering 

"Learn How to Become" Online, a career-tracking resource that follows current job trends, discusses the various roles computer engineers can take on as they enter the field: 

Computer engineers work with hardware and software, ensuring that the two are seamlessly integrated and functioning properly. Computer engineers focus on innovation—making computing systems safer, faster, and more powerful. At the career level, there are two main avenues: hardware and software engineering. Hardware engineers focus their skills on computer systems and components, designing microprocessors, circuit boards, routers and other embedded devices. On the software side, these engineers created, test and debug programs and applications that run on computers, mobile devices and more.¹

Computer engineers are employed by companies that design and build networks, computer security, autonomous vehicle systems, smart devices, and robotics.

Salary Trends in Computer Engineering 

"Learn How to Become" also notes promising salary trends in the field of computer engineering:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for this profession was $108,430 in 2014, but the top-earners make more than $160,000. Salaries vary between regions and industries. Scientific research pays a more modest wage, while computer equipment manufacturing is more lucrative.²

High School Preparation

To best prepare for a Computer Engineering program, take trigonometry and calculus classes in high school. If you have access to AP/IB classes or the opportunity to take classes at a community college, those too will give you a good idea of the expectation and preparation for the classes you will be expected to take in college. Also, any programming classes or circuit classes will be beneficial.

How to Major in Computer Engineering 

To major in Computer Engineering, students must take a total of 18 hours of general education classes (not including English Composition I and II). It is important that students make adequate progress in the Computer Engineering program.  Satisfactory completion of a set of fundamental courses is required before a student is allowed to take advanced courses.  Professional Component Standing (PCS) is awarded by the chair of the department when the student completes the College of Engineering PCS requirements and the ECE departmental PCS requirements.

Computer engineering students are strongly recommended but not required to take the Computer Engineering discipline specific Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination in Alabama or another state prior to graduation. All electives must be approved by the student's advisor. 

Satisfactory completion of the 130 hour program outlined in the Bulletin leads to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Students must also comply with the College of Engineering Requirements for a Degree, which are covered in the Bulletin under the College of Engineering.

Special Programs, Co-ops, and Internships

Students are encouraged to intern and/or co-op once they’ve completed their fundamental classes. Accepting a co-op could potentially extend graduation. Should a student apply and accept a co-op, with the knowledge of postponing graduation, they should register their co-op with Career Development so that the co-op will reflect on their official transcripts.
 

Study Abroad Opportunities 

The College of Engineering has agreements with six German Universities for exchange programs. Please contact the College of Engineering or Study Abroad Office for more information and details on the exchange program. More study abroad opportunities specific to engineering are being planned.

Academic Plan

Following an academic plan will help you stay on track to graduate in four years. 

To see a sample academic plan for Computer Engineering, please click here.  Degree plans provide only a suggested schedule; make sure to meet with your academic advisor to find the actual schedule that is right for you.

For additional degree information, visit the undergraduate bulletin.

For More Information

For more information, please contact the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at (251) 460-6117 or email Derik Wolfe (wolfe@southalabama.edu).

You can find us on campus at:

College of Engineering
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Shelby Hall, Room 4122
150 Student Services Drive
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
5991 USA Drive North

Website: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/engineering/ece/

*The information on this page should be considered general information only. For more specific information on this and other majors, please refer to the USA bulletin or contact the Department/College directly. 

^{1 https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/computer-engineer/} 

^{2 https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/computer-engineer/}