Javascript is currently not supported, or is disabled by this browser. Please enable Javascript for full functionality.

   
    Dec 11, 2024  
2024/25 UM UMM Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024/25 UM UMM Undergraduate Catalog

Computer Engineering


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs

OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 124

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: To repeat any ECE course for which a grade of F, L, or WF has been recorded, a grade of C- or better in the course’s prerequisites is required. Dismissal from the program will be recommended if any required course in the program is taken twice without achieving a passing grade. This includes courses where   AU, L, or WF grades are received.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: Minimum of a cumulative 2.0 GPA for all courses taken. Minimum of a cumulative 2.0 GPA for all ECE courses taken.

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: ECE 403  

Contact Information:  Yifeng Zhu, Professor and Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 101 Barrows Hall, (207) 581-2499; yifeng.zhu@maine.edu


The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. For more comprehensive and  detailed information about the Department, its programs, career opportunities, scholarships, and  other resources, please visit our website at www.ece.umaine.edu.

The mission of the Computer Engineering program is to provide students with a strong foundation in computer engineering, enabling them to be nationally competitive and successful in their chosen careers and to be prepared for future graduate studies. To achieve this, within two to five years after graduation, graduates of the computer engineering program  are expected to:

  1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of computer engineering principles by holding positions that utilize their engineering training, advancing in their job responsibilities, or pursuing postgraduate education.
  2. Exhibit the ability to work effectively in a professional setting through independent thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication.
  3. Work as engineering professionals, with a commitment to ethical conduct, adhering to standards, and ensuring well-being of employees and the general population.
  4. Engage in lifelong learning activities to continuously enhance their professional development.

Program Description
The Computer Engineering curriculum provides students with the technical skills as well as the mathematical and scientific background required to advance current technology and to contribute to future developments in the computer engineering profession. The curriculum strives to instill critical written and oral communication skills while also providing a diverse background in the humanities and social sciences. Our graduates acquire a sense of professionalism as they become aware of an engineer’s responsibility to help solve societal problems. They also develop the ability to contribute to team solutions and an appreciation for the importance of lifelong learning.

Furthermore, the curriculum adopts a practical hands-on approach that combines classroom theory and laboratory experience.  This approach ensures that graduates are equipped to take a technical project from inception through to the successful implementation of a solution. The process begins in the first year of the program where students learn to prototype digital circuits and program microcontrollers. It continues through the senior year when they complete their capstone design projects. In this latter case, students typically collaborate in two-person teams over three semesters. Together, they propose, specify, create, present, and demonstrate a solution to a technical problem of their choosing.

To earn a BS degree in Computer Engineering, students must: (1) fulfill all University academic requirements, (2) meet all Computer Engineering curriculum requirements, (3) maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in all ECE courses, and (4) have a GPA of 2.0 or better in all computer courses. Retaking any ECE course for which a grade of F, L, or WF has been recorded requires a grade of C- or better in the course’s prerequisites. Dismissal from the program will be recommended if any required course in the program is taken twice without receiving a passing grade. This includes courses where a grade of AU, L, or WF is received.

Students do have the option to petition the ECE faculty for exceptions to any program requirements.  Lastly, it is important to note that the program in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, which can be found at http://www.abet.org.

Computer Engineering Degree Requirements


 

University General Education Requirements


Mathematics, Science, and Writing Competency: covered by required Computer Engineering courses

Capstone Experience: Fulfilled by completing ECE 405  , ECE 406  , and ECE 403 

Human Values and Social Context (HV&SC) (18 cr. covering the areas below):

  1. Western cultural tradition
  2. Social context and institutions
  3. Cultural diversity and international perspectives
  4. Population and the environment
  5. Artistic and creative expression

Ethics: A separate course, or a course in HV&SC category within the General Education requirements.

Required Courses


 

Technical Electives


The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering requires at least 19 credits of technical electives, of which 16 or more credits must meet the requirements of a “ECE/COS Technical Elective”.  Of the ECE/COS Technical Electives, 10 or more credits must satisfy the requirements of a “Computer Focus Technical Elective”.

Technical Electives are courses that are not used to satisfy other degree requirements that fall into the following three categories:

1. “Computer Focus Technical Electives” include:


a.  Specific ECE Courses that have been approved as “Computer Focus” by ECE faculty.  A list of approved courses is available in the ECE department. Examples of approved Computer Focus Technical Electives are:

b.  All COS courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level, excluding COS 397, COS 495, COS 497, and COS 499.

2. “ECE/COS Technical Electives include:


a.  All Computer Focus Technical Electives

b.  All other ECE courses at the 300, 400, or 500 level, excluding ECE 394

3. “Generic Technical Electives” include:


a.  All “ECE/COS Technical Electives” and “Computer Focus” Technical Electives

b.  Any 300, 400, or 500 level course with one of the following designations:  ECE, COS, CHY, PHY, BIO, BMB, BEN, CHE, CIE, GEE, MAT, STS, or Business course.

c.  A list of additional courses that have been approved by ECE faculty that do meet the above description is available in the ECE department.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs