Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

The computer engineering major focuses on computer systems, combining elements of electrical engineering and computer science. Completion of our program will enable you to enter employment in positions involving computer hardware design and applications, computer software design and development, microcomputer-based applications, and computer networking. The program also leads to preparation for graduate studies in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering.

Program Details

• The Computer Engineering program is delivered on Scott Campus in Omaha and City Campus in Lincoln.
• The program is administered jointly by the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and the School of Computing.
• Hours Required: 124 credit hours

The Nebraska Difference

• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Industry Allies: Building futures through strong industry connections.
• Be a Complete Engineer: Unleash your potential and unlock core competencies.
• Innovate. Excel. Engineer: 80% of students receive a job offer before graduation.

Program Features

Real-World Focus and Diverse Career Paths

The computer engineering major provides a strong engineering foundation, preparing graduates for microprocessor/embedded system design, digital design, and computer architecture fields. An emphasis on ethics and sustainability ensures responsible solutions.

Extensive Hands-On Experience

Benefit from extensive laboratory work throughout the program, gaining practical skills every semester. The senior capstone project will hone your ability to plan, design, and execute engineering projects.

Collaborative Learning and Abundant Opportunities

Enjoy unique collaborative experiences with faculty on our campuses in Lincoln and Omaha. Our locations provide easy access to numerous engineering internships and part-time jobs, boosting your career prospects.

Notable Courses

• Microprocessor Applications (ECEN 106)
  • Explore assembly language programming of microprocessors/microcontrollers, assemblers, and debugging tool utilization.
  • Study microprocessor system hardware, control signals, and 'C' language micro-controller programming.
• Digital Design and Interfacing (ECEN 310)
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of digital design, covering circuit and system perspectives.
  • Explore digital integrated circuits, interface signal integrity, FPGA design and synthesis, software simulation, and practical lab exercises.
• Switching Circuits Theory (ECEN 313)
  • Study combinational circuit analysis, state machine analysis, synchronous/clock mode circuits, and asynchronous sequential circuits.
  • Cover minimization, race, hazard elimination, and implement circuits in discrete logic and in CPLD and FPGA devices.
• Communications Systems (ECEN 325)
  • Explore relevant communication systems, transmission and reception principles, amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation.
  • Study sampling theorem, pulse-code modulation, and delta modulation concepts.
• Assembly Language Programming (ECEN 332)
  • Learn architecture and assembly language programming of 8-bit and 32-bit microcontrollers.
  • Gain proficiency in assemblers, debugging tools, and hands-on utilization.
• Embedded Microcontroller Design (ECEN 435)
  • Study design, programming, and interfacing for embedded systems.
  • Cover advanced RISC-based architecture and serial communications, and design, build, and program the operation of a single microcontroller board with a specific application.

Career Opportunities

Internships

• Aviation software engineer, Garmin
• Hardware engineer, Springbok Inc.
• Cyber security notification system (CYNOT), Nebraska Public Power District-Cooper Nuclear
• Software quality analyst intern, Hudl
• Research student, Illinois Institute of Technology
• Intern, Tesla Motors

Careers

• Electronics engineer, National Air and Space Intelligence Center
• Product manager, Hudl
• Embedded systems engineer, Lockheed Martin
• Computer engineer, United States Department of Defense
• Software developer engineer, Microsoft
• Controls engineer, Anderson Industrial Engines

Graduate Schools

• Master's in Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of California
• Master's in Software Engineering, University of Sheffield
• Master's in Visualization, Texas A&M University
• Master's in Information Technology, University of Texas
• Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Areas, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Outside the Classroom

Be a Difference-Maker

Collaborate with industry professionals and your peers by joining clubs and professional organizations such as IEEE (the largest professional organization in the world), Engineers Without Borders, or UNL Robotics.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Research projects are available to undergraduate students and offer funding and valuable opportunities to discover what drives you in your academic area.

Make Valuable Career Connections

Career service professionals within the colleges and the university are here to help you connect with companies and organizations for paid internships and jobs via 1-to-1 counseling and career fairs.

Featured Faculty

• Alisa Gilmore
  • Professor of Practice, Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Came to Nebraska as a control systems engineer and soon found a passion for all-things robotics.
  • Involved in STEM programs across the state, including organizing the Nebraska Robotics Expo for many years for K-12 students.

Academics & Experiential Learning

• Tackle big challenges in your classes and work with faculty on research dedicated to solving global problems and saving lives.
• Engineering is a global profession; increase your knowledge and marketability through a study abroad opportunity.

Career Preparedness

• Youll gain career-level experiences right from the start of your academic adventure to prepare you to enter the career or graduate school of your choice.
• Participate in paid internships for valuable on-the-job experiences and to develop lifelong career contacts.

Community

• With more than 50 clubs and organizations in the College of Engineering, youll be able to connect with other students and faculty for fun and hands-on experiences.
• Participate in local hardware and software engineering competitions through UNL Robotics.