Contact Information
Scott E. Rausch
Interim Department Head/Instructor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering/Physics 311
(605) 394-1219
E-mail: Scott.Rausch@sdsmt.edu
Faculty
Professors Corwin, Sohraby and Weiss; Associate Professors Pyeatt, McGough, Hoover, Tolle, and Montoya; Assistant Professor Zhao; Instructor Linde; Professor Emeritus and Senior Lecturer Batchelder; Professors Emeritus Cox, McNeil, Meiners, Opp, and Oliver.
Computer Engineering
The computer engineering curriculum prepares students for life-long careers by providing them with the engineering and technical education appropriate to meet modern technological challenges. The basic curriculum includes required coursework in mathematics, basic sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fundamental engineering topics in circuit analysis, electronics, electrical systems, digital systems, assembly language, data structures, operating systems, and software engineering. Computer engineering students are required to select a number of senior elective courses from a wide variety of subject areas to fit their particular interests. Elective subject areas include digital signal processing, microprocessor-based system design, computer networks, computer vision, robotics, and computer architecture.
The bachelor of science program in computer engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org, 415 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; Phone (410) 347-7700.
Mission
The mission of the computer engineering program, in support of the mission of School of Mines, is to provide computer engineering students with education that is broadly based in the fundamentals of the profession so that graduates will be able to maintain a high degree of adaptability throughout their professional careers. It is also intended that the students will develop a dedication to the profession, assume leadership roles, and an ability to maintain professional competency through a program of life-long learning.
Objectives
- Graduates will be able to successfully practice computer engineering and related fields regionally, nationally, and globally.
- Graduates will be well-educated in the fundamental and applied concepts of computer engineering and be able to continue their professional development throughout their careers.
- Graduates will be skilled in clear communications and teamwork and capable of functioning responsibly and ethically in diverse environments.
- Graduates will be prepared to demonstrate leadership in outreach, innovation and invention.
Program Strengths
A two-semester capstone design experience requires computer engineering students to conduct their own design project in a simulated industrial environment. They are encouraged to work on team projects, which are often multidisciplinary. This foundation provides students with a broad base of understanding that allows them to apply their knowledge of scientific and engineering principles to the practical and innovative solutions of existing and future problems.
Students are required to develop a high level of written and oral communication skills and to work well as a member of a team. They must develop a social and ethical awareness so they understand their responsibility to protect both the occupational and public health and safety and to implement these factors in their professional activities. Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of professional societies, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), to enhance their educational and social life while on campus and to gain professional contacts for their careers. Students have opportunities to participate in cooperative education and summer intern programs whereby they elect to seek employment to experience engineering work before they complete their degree requirements. Students gain insight into future opportunities and are often hired by their intern companies after graduation.
Integration of Design Concepts
One of the key elements of the undergraduate computer engineering education experience is to integrate design throughout the curriculum. Students experience various design concepts in a variety of settings:
- Hands-on laboratory projects (including team projects);
- Effective integration of computer applications;
- Senior elective courses;
- Senior capstone experience; and
- Participation in competitive team projects such as the Robotics team, the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Team, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team, Lunar Regolith Mining, and the Formula SAE Mini-Indy Team.
Graduate School Opportunities
The undergraduate curriculum is broad based to give graduates flexibility in their career paths. Qualified students may study areas of interest in more depth and specialize further by pursuing a graduate program at the School of Mines.
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