Computer Engineering
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Computer Engineering

If systems and technology, especially ones involving electronics, computer interfacing, robotics and digital concepts, intrigue you, a major in computer engineering could be the perfect choice.

About

Computer engineering connects electrical engineering and computer science. It integrates issues of hardware and software and focuses on research, design, development and testing of computer systems and applications.

Why Computer Engineering is in Demand:

  • Data from CareerBuilder.com shows that college backgrounds in computers and engineering are among the most in demand in today’s marketplace. 
  • According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for computer hardware engineers was more than $128,170 in May 2021. 
  • Technical skills in written and verbal communication, information technology, analytical thinking and research are key characteristics valued by employers. 

Is it for me?

Are you:

  • Detail-oriented and thorough?
  • Good at solving complex problems?
  • An analytical thinker?

Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for Computer Engineering

1.
Hands-on learning.   Research, internships and detailed senior-year design projects supplement classroom learning and provide professional experience for computer engineering students.
2.
Dedicated faculty.   Professors in electrical engineering and in computer science have exceptional academic expertise as well as practical experience in their fields. Scranton faculty members are known for their strong connections with students as mentors and advisers.
3.
Jesuit education.   Academic excellence, the liberal arts tradition, a commitment to service and social justice, and focus on the individual are all facets of a Jesuit education that benefit computer engineering students.
4.
Small classes/close-knit community.   With a strong focus on undergraduate programs, Scranton provides small classes with quality interactions. Faculty members are generous with their time and attention, both inside and outside of class. Clubs, associations and honor societies enhance learning and help to build a united and friendly campus community.
5.
Interdisciplinary approach.   The interactions that are key to computer engineering are mirrored in the academic collaboration in this major. Students learn from professors in both electrical engineering and computer science. The liberal arts approach ensures that graduates are broadly educated and have strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus

    You'll Learn How To:

    • Think critically, analyze and solve complex problems
    • Use your creativity to design systems
    • Maintain a high standard of professional ethics
    • Interact with others in a broad range of fields
    • Communicate effectively through written and spoken word

    Internships 

    Nearly all upper-class students obtain paid engineering internships during the summer. Here are some examples of internships:

    • Buro Happold
    • Herley
    • Iridium Communications
    • National Security Agency (NSA)
    • Penn DOT
    • Sanofi Pasteur
    • Continental Tide Defense Systems
    • Hyland Associates
    • Lockheed Martin
    • PECO
    • PPL Susquehanna - Berwick Nuclear Power Plant
    • SEF (Sustainable Energy Fund)

  • What You'll Learnplus or minus

    Curriculum

    The computer engineering curriculum at The University of Scranton emphasizes design and analysis, using a project-based course structure to teach students how to apply their knowledge and analytical skill to create engineering solutions both independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

    Students have, for example, designed web applications to serve as an online information system using Java, designed a Tic-Tac-Toe game using TTL logic circuits, and made a stopwatch using a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) programmed in VHDL.

    Students concentrate on computer design throughout their four years as undergraduates. First-year students gain a strong foundation in science and mathematics. In the second and third years, students study computer algorithms, digital system design, computer architecture and programming, among other courses.

    These courses provide the foundation for an in-depth, two-term senior capstone project where teams of students must design, construct, program and debug an autonomous robot.

    • Engineering students won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards at the 2017 IEEE Region 2 Activities Conference (SAC) at The Ohio State University. Read more here.
    • Three engineering students placed 3rd in The 2015 Intel-Cornell Cup, a prestigious national college-level engineering competition. The device they developed is a universal motor controller capable of operating a movable device in multiple dimensions. 

    Click here to see the curriculum.


    The University of Scranton's IEEE Student Branch, the IEEE Region 2 Student Activities Conference (SAC), and the IEEE Lehigh Valley Morton Contest enhance our program and play an important educational role in leadership and professional development for our students.

    • Nathan Williams ‘16, is the current president of Scranton's IEEE branch where he coordinates engineering teams for competitions at the SAC conference. In addition, he has participated in faculty-mentored research projects open to both electrical engineering and computer engineering majors. Supervised by Professor Nicholas Truncale, Nathan filed a US Patent Disclosure “Celestial Body Digital Tracking System) in February 2014. Read more here.

  • Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus

    Technology solves problems, and computer engineers are in a unique position to play an important role.

    Computer systems are essential in nearly every aspect of work and life in today's society. In addition to managing and refining current systems, computer engineers imagine, design and create solutions for the future.

    In addition to the technical knowledge and experience gained at Scranton, students are challenged to explore ethical issues surrounding computer engineering. They are inspired to approach their field as an opportunity to provide service and to make the world a better place.

    Through rigorous coursework rooted in Jesuit values, computer engineering at The University of Scranton has taught me to be a smart engineer, but also an engineer with ethical values and integrity.

    – Hardik Patel, Class of 2014
    Process Control Engineer, Alcoa Mill Products

Careers

Where will computer engineering take me?

The computer engineering field is broad and rapidly evolving. Some of the areas of employment for majors are:

  • Computational medicine
  • Oceanic engineering
  • Office automation
  • Robotics
  • Software engineering
  • Hardware engineering
  • Computer systems design

Top Graduate Schools

Many students choose to continue their studies and earn advanced degrees either full-time or part-time. Computer engineering graduates are well prepared for and successful in these programs throughout the country.

Some of the prestigious graduate schools which have admitted recent graduates:

  • Drexel University
  • Lehigh University
  • Michigan State University Law School
  • Penn State University
  • SUNY Binghamton
  • The University of Scranton
  • University of Miami
  • Yale University

Leading Employers:

You’ll find Scranton computer engineering graduates working a wide range of companies and organizations including:

  • Alcoa Mill Products
  • BAE Systems
  • Cartwheel
  • Cinram
  • Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)
  • Con Edison, New York
  • Continental Tide Defense Systems
  • Infinera
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Multivision, Inc.
  • PPL Susquehanna
  • Telstar Life Science Solutions
  • Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge

Competitive Edge

The interdisciplinary approach of the computer engineering program, as well as the commitment to liberal arts education at Scranton, results in graduates prepared for a broad range of professional options. They also have the flexibility to adapt to changes in their own priorities as well as the opportunities in the workforce.

In addition, the strong personal advocacy provided by faculty members enable students to successfully transition from undergraduate to graduate study or employment. The individual attention of professors helps students to tap into their talents and make the connections necessary to move forward in their careers.

How is Scranton different than other universities for computer engineering? Although computer engineering has a technical focus, we are also exposed to the humanities, which has enabled us to become more rounded individuals with sense of mission and purpose. We are comfortable interacting with people at all levels and from all walks of life.

Zack Haupt, Class of 2014

Accreditation

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For More Information

Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu

Department of Physics/Engineering
Andrew Berger, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Physics/Engineering
(570) 941-4056
wandrew.berger@scranton.edu

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