The Computer Engineering program at UW-Stout is ideally suited to meet the needs of regional and national industries by providing computer engineers with a strong background in both electrical engineering and computer science. Graduates of this program are equipped to work with both hardware and software aspects of computer systems.
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Demand for computer engineers is strong, as computer systems of all sizes — from computer chips in cellular telephones to computer-controlled equipment in large manufacturing environments — are ubiquitous in present-day society.
UW-Stout’s Computer Engineering program is a calculus-based program which progresses from solid foundations in mathematics and science through analysis and design. The program includes a strong emphasis on laboratory activities and student engineering design projects, with a particular focus on the design of hardware and software for engineering systems that utilize embedded digital processors such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors and personal computers.
Two factors make UW-Stout an ideal location for a Computer Engineering program — our heritage and our resources. Throughout its history, UW-Stout has developed technical programs to meet the needs of industry. These programs focus on the direct application of technical knowledge to the solution of practical problems. Offering the Computer Engineering degree represents a natural direction for UW-Stout since it is surrounded by a nine-county area that is home to a number of large computer, electronics and computer component manufacturers.
Educational Objectives
The Computer Engineering program strives to develop computer engineers who:
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Are in demand by regional and national industries.
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Possess the fundamental skills and knowledge defined by the university’s approved goals for general education;
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Can competently and successfully perform in a career of their choice;
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Are able to learn and adapt to the changing environment created by societal and technical influences;
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Are capable of continued career growth and professional development; and
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Possess the skills and attitudes necessary to have healthy interpersonal relationships in professional, civic and personal life.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the B.S. in the Computer Engineer program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
- Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data.
- Design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability.
- Function on multidisciplinary teams.
- Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
- Understand professional and ethical responsibility.
- Communicate effectively.
- Understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
- Recognize the need for an ability to engage in life-long learning.
- Identify contemporary issues in the field.
- Use the techniques, skills and engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Preparing for UW-Stout
Students in the Computer Engineering program must have an aptitude for science and mathematics. We encourage you to take as many upper level math and science courses in high school as possible, including mathematics though algebra and trigonometry, physics and chemistry. Early development of computer skills is also very helpful.
Admission Requirements
In addition to fulfilling the university’s basic admission requirements, incoming freshman students must also rank in the top 40 percent of their graduating class or receive a composite score of 22 or greater on the ACT (or the corresponding equivalent on the SAT). In addition, an ACT math score of at least 22 is required. Additional entrance options are available for transfer students. Students not meeting the admission requirements may start in the Pre-Computer Engineering program.
Cooperative Education and Technology Transfer
Resources available to you include an outstanding cooperative education program, and the Stout Technology Transfer Institute. STTI is a nationally-recognized center that assists regional businesses in applying innovative technologies to become more competitive. As you progress toward your degree, both of these resources provide valuable opportunities for you to learn through practical, on-the-job experiences while still enrolled at UW-Stout.
Entry Positions
Computer engineers are uniquely suited to meet the needs of many industries. Ability to tackle both hardware and software issues in a wide range of computer systems provides the engineer with great flexibility in their choice of employment. UW-Stout is located in West Central Wisconsin, and is also very close to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. A large number of companies in the region have a demonstrated need for computer engineers.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for computer engineers is strong, and the average annual starting salary for computer engineers in 2007 was more than $56,000 (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition)