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Computer Engineering FAQ's


Q: I like computers. Is CE for me?

A: "Computer engineers put computers in things." Specifically, computer engineers apply an engineering approach to select and design appropriate computer hardware and software to solve real-world problems. Some computer engineers design the components and subsystems that make up desktop and laptop computers, but many more work in the areas of embedded computer system development. (See the next question for an overview of embedded computer systems.)

Q: What is the difference between Computer Engineering (CE), Computer Science (CS), and Software Engineering (SE)?

A: While all of these majors involve a significant amount of coursework in software, they apply it in different ways.

Computer engineering graduates are ideally prepared for careers in developing embedded computer systems-products and devices that have computer chips (microcontrollers) embedded into them, such as iPods, video cards, cell phones, and flight control systems. Computer engineering students study computer software development (e.g., Java), embedded software development (e.g., an assembly language, C, and C++), digital logic, electronic circuits, interfacing computers to the physical world, and design of computer networks and protocols.

Software engineering programs do not stress computer hardware and electronics, but instead focus on enterprise-level software development practices and processes. Both computer and software engineering build on the discipline of computer science, which is the study of computation and algorithms.

Computer scientists pursue the scientific topics that underlie these engineering fields in greater depth, including algorithm analysis and computer language analysis and design.

 

Q: What is the difference between Computer Engineering (CE) and Electrical Engineering (EE)?

A: EE has much less software depth than CE and does not include CE topics like computer networking, operating systems, and computer graphics. But, EE has greater depth in analog electronic circuits, power, electromagnetics, and communications (how information is transmitted).

Q: I have no previous programming experience. Can I still be successful in CE at MSOE?

A: Certainly. While programming experience is an asset and will give you a leg-up in certain freshman classes, it is not required or expected, and many, perhaps the majority, of computer engineering freshmen have little or no programming experience.

Q: What are my prospects after graduation?

A: The CE program is proud to announce that 100% of 2006 graduates are working in their field. (2007 numbers are not available at the time this document is being written.) Hiring in 2007 continued to be very strong, with most students receiving multiple employment offers as many of the companies MSOE's CE program works closely with are increasing their engineering staff and/or hiring successors for the many baby boomers who will retire in large numbers in the coming years. MSOE CE graduates work for a wide variety of companies, including Rockwell Automation, GE Healthcare, Johnson Controls, Motorola, Rockwell Collins, Direct Supply, Plexus, and NVIDIA.

Q: We are coming to campus; can we meet a professor?

A: You certainly can. Let the admission staff know that you would be interested in talking to a professor and they will arrange a meeting during your visit.

Q: Do you accept AP credit?

A: Yes, please check with your admission counselor for details. The most popular AP credit courses that are applicable to CE students are calculus and computer science.

Q: What courses should I take in high school to prepare myself for computer engineering?

A: You should take the best mathematics and science courses that are available to you. Courses in physical sciences (e.g., physics and chemistry) are more directly tied to the computer engineering curriculum than courses in life sciences (e.g., biology), but the knowledge and analytical skills that you gather in all of these courses will serve you well during your college experience.

Although prior computer programming and electronics experience is not required for entry into the CE program, if you are able to study these topics in high school, you should take advantage of the opportunity.

Communication, both written and oral, is very important in engineering. Your high school English courses help prepare you to be a more successful communicator and learner in college, and throughout your career.

A successful CE is a well rounded individual. You probably have access to various academic and extracurricular opportunities at your high school. Take advantage of them by pursuing activities that interest you.

Q: How difficult is it to get into MSOE?

A: MSOE has roughly 2200 undergraduate students, approximately 130 of whom are studying computer engineering. The average high school GPA of an MSOE CE freshman varies between about 3.35 and 3.50, with the average ACT score varying from 26.0 to 27.5.

Q: Who can I contact for more information?

A: Please contact the Admission Office for questions about applications, visiting MSOE, meeting with faculty, etc. For specific questions about the CE program, please contact CE Program Director Dr. Durant.