Computer Engineering Major
Computer Engineering brings the best of the hardware and software worlds together. Graduates can work as:
- a programmer or software engineer in technology firms such as IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Google, or local tech companies,
- a systems engineer to be an integral part of manufacturing firms such as Sikorsky, Stanley Black & Decker, and Electric Boat, or
- a technology consultant at BCG or McKinsey thanks to both hardware and software skills combined with business awareness through collaboration with our business majors.
You might find yourself working on a submarine, an aircraft, a helicopter, or next generation of a car/vehicle. You might end up designing systems for Internet of Things or the next generation home automation systems like Nest or Alexa. You might be working at a power plant or next generation alternative energy companies.
Our Computer Engineering curriculum is designed with input from industry partners who actively hire computer engineers, ensuring alignment with current and emerging workforce needs. Students engage with state-of-the-art technologies, including robotics platforms such as drones and ground robots, which are integrated throughout the curriculum to prepare graduates for future industry trends.
Supported by dedicated faculty, the program is carefully structured to provide a cohesive, focused, and engaging learning experience that blends hardware and software concepts. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, with strong connections to entrepreneurship. Students regularly collaborate with business majors to develop products and prototypes, gaining valuable real-world experience.
The curriculum is also designed to allow students to complete a minor in Business Management or Physics without requiring additional coursework. In addition, students have full-time access to our 11,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art makerspace, the IDEA Lab, where they work alongside peers from other disciplines and develop valuable transdisciplinary skills.
Highlights of the program:
- Required internship and optional co-op program.
- A Physics and/or Business minor is embedded into the curriculum.
- Engagement with industry through our partners via competitions and business-oriented projects.
- Involvement in the best equipped makerspace in New England area through classes and special projects.
- Individual tutoring for fundamental math and engineering courses by upper level engineering students.
- Exposure to smart vehicle operations and autonomous system design principles.
Facilities
Our 11,000 sqft prototyping lab (IDEA Lab: Innovate|Design|Engineer|Apply) is the home for SHU Engineering programs. The lab facilitates a transdisciplinary, problem-based, community-engaged innovation environment through digital fabrication and advanced manufacturing, including desktop and commercial 3d printing functionalities, laser cutters, CNC systems, and characterization and assembly studio spaces. IDEA Lab is the space that dreams will come true, but you need to make it! The lab is supported by a full-time lab manager and student workers. Additional state-of-the-art computer labs that have been built at the university’s West Campus (previously headquarters of General Electric) with all necessary engineering and programming software such as MATLAB, Xilinx, Orcad, LabView, Adobe Suite, Visual Studio, SAP, and more.
Program Educational Objectives
Computer Engineering graduates of Sacred Heart University will:
- Have successful technical or leadership careers in software engineering and computer engineering industries, start-up companies and/or be able to successfully pursue an advanced degree
- Be able to work in an interdisciplinary environment with social and ethical responsibility
- Engage in ongoing, lifelong learning and professional development to advance their knowledge
Student Learning Outcomes
With the consideration of global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors and contexts, graduates will learn to:
- Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science and mathematics
- Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety and welfare as well as global, culture, social, environmental and economic factors
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts
- Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks and objectives
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data and use engineering judgement to draw conclusions
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
Major Requirements
Required Computer Science Courses for Computer Engineering Major
| CS 111 | Introduction to Structured Programming | 3 |
| CS 112 | Data Structures | 3 |
| CS 113 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CS 339 | Networking and Data Communication | 3 |
Required Supporting Courses for Computer Engineering Major
Electives
Take 3 courses totaling at least 9 credits from the list.
Required Engineering Courses for Computer Engineering Major
Must have a grade of "C" or better