Computer Engineering - Department of Physics, Computer Science and Engineering - Christopher Newport University

Department of Physics, Computer Science and Engineering

Computer Engineering

ABET Accredited

Our engineering programs are fully accredited and praised by ABET specifically for: 

  • our liberal arts background enhances career opportunities;
  • our faculty-student advising is exceptional; and
  • our strong relationships with local employers lead to networking, internship, and job opportunities.

Computer engineering involves the design and analysis of hardware and software systems, and engineering problem-solving in a dynamic technological environment, including:

  • Digital systems
  • Computer architecture
  • Software engineering
  • Microprocessor control of systems
  • Robotics
  • Automation
  • Data acquisition and signal processing

The program educational objectives of the computer engineering program are to ensure that within a few years after graduation:

  • Our graduates will have established themselves in professional positions in industry, government or nonprofit organizations that utilize the skills and abilities associated with liberally educated computer engineers, and/or will be enrolled in programs of graduate or professional study.
  • Our graduates, collectively, will be competent working with both computer hardware and software, and will have applied their knowledge and skills in a wide variety of fields. Furthermore, our graduates will have demonstrated their commitment to professional growth and life-long learning.
  • Our graduates should be leading lives of significance by demonstrating initiative, leadership and ethical behavior, and by serving society in part through their professional contributions.

Our computer engineering graduates will have:

  • 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

Academic Year Total Enrollment Degrees Awarded
2020/21 88 18
2019/20 89 16
2018/19 100 16
2017/18 110 14
2016/17 106 11

Sample Courses

An introduction to the methods of modeling, analysis, design and computer programming in the solution of engineering problems. A consideration of the impact of technological artifacts on society. Questions of professional ethics. Student design projects required.

Digital design methodology and techniques, control and timing, machine organization, instruction sequencing and data for flow control, control unit design, and techniques.

Engineering design course focuses on applications of computer engineering. Engineering skills developed through supervised design projects. Design projects incorporate techniques and concepts developed in previous courses. Topics include field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) implementation, micro-programmable controllers, device interfacing, design for test and design for manufacturing techniques. Development systems and Electronic Design Automation software are used throughout the course. May be taken as research intensive.

Accessible Undergraduate Catalog
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