Bachelor of Science in
Computer Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at ERAU combines in-demand computer engineering skills with a focus on advancing the aerospace, aviation, military, and commercial industries.
The program curriculum prepares students for in-demand roles after graduation by emphasizing real-time embedded systems that work to serve today’s most sophisticated vehicles. Computer engineering students at both Embry-Riddle residential campuses are provided access to knowledge and expertise in a vast array of aviation and aerospace areas. This distinction offers those graduating from this degree a clear advantage and a defined path into an industry that represents trillions of dollars globally.
Year after year, employers return to ERAU to hire the program’s graduates because of their technical skills and their real-world experiences.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth in overall employment for computer hardware engineers between 2016 and 2026, and indicates they have some of the highest starting salaries in the engineering field, with the 2018 median pay averaging $114,600 per year.
Beyond projects in the curriculum, student projects are available through professional organizations like the student branches of the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or competition hosts like the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).
The Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Earning a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Embry-Riddle will introduce students to digital hardware and software systems design, programming, circuit theory, computer design, and software engineering.
The applications are unlimited in gaming, unmanned aircraft, robotics, biomedicine, computer defense, security systems, and beyond.
DEGREE DETAILS
This degree is offered at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
About Computer Engineering at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus
Students earning their B.S. in Computer Engineering at ERAU’s Daytona Beach Campus get a chance to develop practical engineering knowledge and skills by working with hands-on projects, combining real-world system design and development practices with the fundamentals of computer engineering. Both individually and in teams, students learn to work with and develop embedded, real-time computer systems like those that lie at the heart of everything from mobile phones to spacecraft.
The B.S. in Computer Engineering degree is housed in the Electrical, Computer, Software, and Systems Engineering department of the College of Engineering.
- Students begin this program by completing the College of Engineering’s Freshman Engineering Program. The program includes a general education core of Speech and College Success, introductions to engineering and computing, plus courses in calculus and analytical geometry and physics for engineers.
- Graduates of this program are prepared to engineer computer systems critical to aviation, aerospace, and related industries.
- Computer Engineering students at the Daytona Beach Campus benefit from a wide range of hardware and software development tools and resources that are available in our Team Software Development environments and Real-Time Systems laboratories.
- Accelerated degrees are available: combining the B.S. in Computer Engineering with the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering, M.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering, or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Learn more about our Combined and Accelerated Degree Programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree gives the student the opportunity to acquire a broad background in computer design, including embedded control systems, real-time systems, telecommunication systems, and software engineering. The curriculum includes courses in general education, computer science, software engineering, and electrical engineering, and features a capstone senior design. The program’s emphasis on real-time embedded control systems and hardware/software interfaces give program graduates employment opportunities beyond graduates of traditional computer engineering programs, including positions in the aerospace and defense industries.
In a few years of completing their undergraduate degree, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering:
- Have established themselves in successful engineering careers in aviation, aerospace, and related fields and/or are pursuing advanced degrees.
- Are serving society and their professions as involved and responsible citizens, leaders, and role models.
- Are problem solvers, systems thinkers, and innovators.
The program curriculum is designed to facilitate accomplishment of these objectives by program graduates. The program includes significant project work designed to prepare students to work as part of a team on the development of complex systems involving both software and hardware. It allows the student opportunities to develop capabilities in teamwork, designing to requirements, and quality assurance techniques. The Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering can be earned in eight semesters assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Successful completion of a minimum of 127 credit hours is required. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is needed for all required CEC, CS, EE, SE and EGR courses that fulfill any degree requirement. To enter this program, students should have demonstrated competence in mathematics, physics, and computer programming in high school, and they should be prepared to enter Calculus and Analytical Geometry I and Computer Science I. If necessary, students can prepare for the program by taking MA 143 before taking MA 241. Students should check the course descriptions before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing.
See the Common Year One outline in the Engineering Fundamentals Program Introduction. CS 223 is a required course for this degree program.
Accelerated MSECE Option
Exceptional students in undergraduate engineering programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program, are invited to apply to the Accelerated Master of Science Option in Electrical and Computer Engineering. This program enables students to pursue a MSECE degree with only one additional year of studies beyond the BS degree. For additional details, see the Accelerated MSECE section of the catalog.
Suggested Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| See the common Year One outline in the College of Engineering introduction. | 32 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Year Two | ||
| CEC 220 | Digital Circuit Design | 3 |
| CEC 222 | Digital Circuit Design Laboratory | 1 |
| CEC 320 | Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
| CEC 322 | Microprocessor Systems Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| CS 222 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CS 225 | Computer Science II (3 credits lecture, 1 credit laboratory) * | 3-4 |
or COM 219
|
Speech | |
| EE 223 | Linear Circuits Analysis I | 3 |
| EE 224 | Electrical Engineering Laboratory I | 1 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0-34.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| CEC 300 | Computing in Aerospace and Aviation | 3 |
| CEC 315 | Signals and Systems | 3 |
| CEC 330 | Digital Systems Design with Aerospace Applications | 4 |
| CEC 450 | Real-Time Systems | 3 |
| CS 420 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| EC 225 | Engineering Economics | 3 |
| EE 302 | Electronic Devices and Circuits | 3 |
| EE 304 | Electronic Circuits Laboratory | 1 |
| MA 412 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| SE 300 | Software Engineering Practices (3 credits lecture, 1 credit lab) | 4 |
| HU/SS Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| CEC 420 | Computer Systems Design I (2 credits lecture, 1 credit lab) | 3 |
| CEC 421 | Computer Systems Design II (1 credit lecture, 2 credits lab) | 3 |
| CEC 460 | Telecommunications Systems | 3 |
| CEC 470 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CEC/EE 3/4 Elective (3 credits lecture, 1 credit lab) ** | 4 | |
| HU/SS Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Specified Electives *** | 9 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 28.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 127 | |
| * | Students in the Computer Engineering program are encouraged to take CS 225 during the first year, postponing COM 219 until the second year. |
| ** | EE 401/EE 402, CEC 410/CEC 411, other CEC/EE (300/400) with the approval of the program coordinator. |
| *** | Specified electives are courses to be selected, with the approval of the program coordinator, to support acquiring a minor, an identified concentration of domain knowledge (for example, aerospace, aviation, business, communications, human factors, mathematics, etc.) or further depth in computer engineering or related disciplines. |
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Degree Summary
127 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
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Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
The Engineering Programs
Daytona Beach, FL Campus
‘White Hat’ Hacking Challenge in Spain Illustrates Aviation Cybersecurity Threats
Student-Run Project VALHALLA Aims to Launch Rockets at the Edge of Space
Military Times Names Embry-Riddle One of the Nation's Best for Veterans
General Motors Donates SUV for Students to Rebuild as Hybrid, Autonomous
Embry-Riddle President Calls for Innovative Solutions to Increase the Ranks of Women in Aviation, STEM
Wind Tunnel Insights Help Make Ship-Deck Landings Safer
Army ROTC Honors Record Six Cadets with National Distinction
Grad Student's Journey Features Jeff Bezos, Rockets, and Now — 'Gas Stations in Space'
- ‘White Hat’ Hacking Challenge in Spain Illustrates Aviation Cybersecurity Threats
- Student-Run Project VALHALLA Aims to Launch Rockets at the Edge of Space
- Military Times Names Embry-Riddle One of the Nation's Best for Veterans
- General Motors Donates SUV for Students to Rebuild as Hybrid, Autonomous
- Embry-Riddle President Calls for Innovative Solutions to Increase the Ranks of Women in Aviation, STEM
- Wind Tunnel Insights Help Make Ship-Deck Landings Safer
- Army ROTC Honors Record Six Cadets with National Distinction
- Grad Student's Journey Features Jeff Bezos, Rockets, and Now — 'Gas Stations in Space'
About Computer Engineering at the Prescott, AZ Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree program at Prescott applies Embry-Riddle's traditional strengths in computer science and engineering with the emerging field of digital hardware and software systems, including cell phones, digital audio players, digital video recorders, alarm systems, avionics systems, and other devices with embedded computers. Students master programming languages, circuit theory and other knowledge and skills by working with hands-on projects, combining real-world system design and development practices with the fundamentals of computer engineering.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree is housed in the Department of Computer, Electrical, and Software Engineering in the College of Engineering.
The B.S. in Computer Engineering (BSCE) covers everything from analog electronic systems to high-level programming and operating systems. Students advance through courses that give them advanced knowledge in computing, programming languages, digital and analog circuits, digital computer design, telecommunication systems, microprocessor-based systems, embedded control systems, hardware/software systems integration, real-time systems, and software engineering.
The program provides students with the opportunity to acquire a broad background in computing, programming languages, circuit theory, computer design, telecommunication systems, embedded control systems, real-time systems, and software engineering.Students at the Prescott Campus benefit from world-class facilities dedicated solely to undergraduate students.
At Prescott, you’ll also have the opportunity to join the student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), which has been recognized as the outstanding student chapter in the Phoenix Region.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering provides the student with the opportunity to acquire a broad background in computing, programming languages, circuit theory, computer design, telecommunication systems, embedded control systems, real-time systems, and software engineering. The curriculum includes courses in general education, computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, and the capstone sequence of senior design classes.
This added emphasis on real-time embedded control systems and hardware/software interfaces places the Computer Engineering program in a unique position to increase employment opportunities after graduation. In addition, the program includes significant project work that is designed to prepare students to work as part of a team on the development of complex systems including both software and hardware. It allows the student opportunities to build capabilities in teamwork, designing to requirements, and quality assurance techniques.
The overall objective of the Computer Engineering program at Prescott is to produce graduates who will be successful practitioners of computer engineering. The program objectives to measure our accomplishment of this goal are engineers who:
- Demonstrate achievements in their chosen profession
- Contribute to the development of the profession
- Engage in professional growth
- Contribute to the welfare of society through service
The Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering can be earned in eight semesters assuming appropriate background and full-time enrollment. Successful completion of a minimum of 127 credit hours is required.
Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or corequisites. Check the course descriptions section of this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing. The B.S. degree requires that students have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all CEC, EE, SE, CS, and EGR courses that fulfill any degree requirement.
The Computer Engineering degree includes a Space Option in which, AE 427 and AE 445 substitute for CEC 420 and CEC 421, and EP 394 is taken as one of the technical electives.
The Computer Engineering degree also includes a robotics track. This track is a joint track with the EE and ME students who are also interested in robotic applications within their major.
Computer engineering majors are required to have a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses for courses with the CS, CEC, EE, EGR, ES, or SE prefixes.
Suggested Program of Study
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| CEC 220 | Digital Circuit Design | 3 |
| CEC 222 | Digital Circuit Design Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| EGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 |
| Humanities Lower-Level Elective * | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Lower-Level Elective * | 3 | |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 |
| PS 150 | Physics for Engineers I | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success *** | (1) |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| CEC 320 | Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
| CEC 322 | Microprocessor Systems Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| CS 125 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| EE 223 | Linear Circuits Analysis I | 3 |
| EE 224 | Electrical Engineering Laboratory I | 1 |
| MA 225 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| PS 160 | Physics for Engineers II | 3 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| CEC 460 | Telecommunications Systems | 3 |
| CS 420 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| EC 225 | Engineering Economics | 3 |
| EE 302 | Electronic Devices and Circuits | 3 |
| EE 314 | Signal and Linear System Analysis | 3 |
| EE 315 | Signal and Linear System Analysis Laboratory | 1 |
| EE 401 | Control Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| EE 402 | Control Systems Laboratory | 1 |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| MA 412 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| SE 300 | Software Engineering Practices | 3 |
| Technical Elective ** | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| CEC 420 | Computer Systems Design I | 3 |
| CEC 421 | Computer Systems Design II | 3 |
| CEC 450 | Real-Time Systems | 3 |
| CEC 470 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| HU 330 | Values and Ethics | 3 |
| Humanities or Social Sciences Upper-Level Elective * | 3 | |
| Open Elective | ||
| Technical Elective ** | 6 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 24.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 127 | |
Suggested Program of Study for Robotics Track
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| Lower-Level Humanities OR Social Sciences * | 3 | |
| CEC 220 | Digital Circuit Design | 3 |
| CEC 222 | Digital Circuit Design Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| EGR 101 | Introduction to Engineering | 2 |
| EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | 3 |
| Humanities Lower-Level * | 3 | |
| MA 241 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry I | 4 |
| MA 242 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry II | 4 |
| PS 150 | Physics for Engineers I | 3 |
| PS 160 | Physics for Engineers II | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success *** | (1) |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| CEC 320 | Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
| CEC 322 | Microprocessor Systems Laboratory | 1 |
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| CS 125 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| EE 223 | Linear Circuits Analysis I | 3 |
| EE 224 | Electrical Engineering Laboratory I | 1 |
| ES 207 | Fundamentals of Mechanics | 3 |
| MA 243 | Calculus and Analytical Geometry III | 4 |
| MA 335 | Introduction to Linear and Abstract Algebra | 3 |
| MA 345 | Differential Equations and Matrix Methods | 4 |
| PS 250 | Physics for Engineers III | 3 |
| PS 253 | Physics Laboratory for Engineers | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| CEC 460 | Telecommunications Systems | 3 |
| CS 420 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| EE 302 | Electronic Devices and Circuits | 3 |
| EE 314 | Signal and Linear System Analysis | 3 |
| EE 315 | Signal and Linear System Analysis Laboratory | 1 |
| EE 401 | Control Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| EE 402 | Control Systems Laboratory | 1 |
| ES 204 | Dynamics | 3 |
| MA 412 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| ME 302 | Introduction to Robotics I | 3 |
| ME 406 | Robotics II | 3 |
| ME 406L | Robotics II Laboratory | 1 |
| SE 300 | Software Engineering Practices | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 33.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Upper-Level Humanities OR Social Sciences * | 3 | |
| COM 420 | Advanced Technical Communication I | 1 |
| COM 430 | Advanced Technical Communication II | 2 |
| CEC 450 | Real-Time Systems | 3 |
| CEC 470 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| EC 225 | Engineering Economics | 3 |
| HU 330 | Values and Ethics | 3 |
| MA 225 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| ME 407 | Preliminary Design for Robotic Systems with Laboratory | 4 |
| ME 420 | Detail Design of Robotic Systems with Laboratory | 4 |
| Credits Subtotal | 29.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 127.0 | |
Footnotes
| * | Embry-Riddle courses in the General Education categories of Humanities and Social Sciences may be chosen from those listed in the section below, assuming prerequisite requirements are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified above in the Computer Engineering vertical outline. |
| ** | Technical electives include EGR 200, CS 225, and any AE, CEC, CS, EE, EP, ES, MA, ME, PS, SE, or SYS course 300 level or above. Other courses may be approved by the CE/SE department chair. |
| *** | UNIV 101 is taken in excess of degree requirements or meets open elective credit. |
General Education Electives
| Humanities | ||
| Lower-Level | ||
Any course in the HU/RS series under 300 level | ||
Any Language course 300 level or above | ||
| Upper-Level | ||
Any course in the HU/RS/L series equal to or above 300 level | ||
| Social Sciences | ||
| Lower-Level | ||
Any SS/EC/PSY course under 300 level | ||
| Upper-Level | ||
PSY 350 | Social Psychology | |
Or any SS or EC course equal to or above 300 level | ||
SIS and RS courses may be substituted for Humanities and Social Sciences courses at the appropriate level.
Get Started Now:
Degree Summary
127 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
Embry-Riddle: We Are Hands-On
Prescott, AZ Campus
Wings Out West Airshow Wins Award for Best in the Country
Embry-Riddle Safety Science Program Receives Donated Aircraft from Honeywell
The Blue Origin of Aerospace Engineer Matt Boban
Are You Cyber-Safe at Hotel Business Centers?
Embry-Riddle Flight Team Wins Regional Competition for 33rd Consecutive Year
For Girls in Aviation Day, Embry-Riddle Offers Face-to-Face Fun and Virtual Learning
More Women Will Earn Their Wings, Thanks to New Women’s Network
Prescott Campus Selected as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
- Wings Out West Airshow Wins Award for Best in the Country
- Embry-Riddle Safety Science Program Receives Donated Aircraft from Honeywell
- The Blue Origin of Aerospace Engineer Matt Boban
- Are You Cyber-Safe at Hotel Business Centers?
- Embry-Riddle Flight Team Wins Regional Competition for 33rd Consecutive Year
- For Girls in Aviation Day, Embry-Riddle Offers Face-to-Face Fun and Virtual Learning
- More Women Will Earn Their Wings, Thanks to New Women’s Network
- Prescott Campus Selected as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education