Computer Engineering (B.S.)
Career gold! In our bachelor’s in computer engineering at Illinois Tech, you’ll develop advanced expertise in computer hardware and software that employers are seeking.
Your Pathway to an Impactful Career in a Growing Field Begins with Illinois Tech’s B.S. in Computer Engineering
Do you want a career at the cutting edge of computing technology? You can make that goal a reality with the B.S. in Computer Engineering at Illinois Tech, a dynamic degree program that emphasizes hands-on learning using the latest, industry-leading computing systems. A career in computer engineering can offer you both financial security and numerous job opportunities. Illinois Tech computer engineering faculty are leaders in their fields, bringing their innovative research and industry insights into the classroom. You’ll graduate ready to make an impact from day one, both in your career roles and as you become a leader in moving computing forward in the future.
Program Overview
Prepare for exciting technology-driven careers across industries with our B.S. in Computer Engineering. You’ll focus on project-based courses and get extensive lab experience so that you’ll develop a broad-based theoretical and practical understanding of the field. You’ll work with professional computer-aided design (CAD) tools and engage in real-world design projects to build critical practical expertise and skills, including training in algorithmic techniques, hardware and software integration, artificial intelligence infrastructure, cybersecurity, embedded systems, and the Internet of Things. And the program is continuously updated to include the latest technological advances to keep you at the forefront of industry trends.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the bachelor’s in computer engineering degree at Illinois Tech are prepared for well-paying, in-demand job roles such as:
- Computer hardware engineer
- Computer and information research scientist
- Computer and information systems manager
At Illinois Tech, you’ll dive into hands-on projects that develop your industry-focused knowledge and skills. Check out some of the engaging courses in our computer engineering bachelor’s degree program:
ECE 429 Introduction to VLSI Design
Learn the intricacies of very large-scale integration (VLSI) circuit design, fabrication, and CAD tool application. VLSI increases processing power, speed, and energy efficiency, which makes data processing faster and more efficient. Working in the laboratory, you will gain hands-on experience creating, analyzing, and simulating circuit layouts as design projects.
ECE 441 Smart and Connected Embedded Systems
Put your learning into practice by engaging in a major design project in which you apply knowledge from earlier coursework to create a smart, connected system under engineering standards and constraints. The system you build will bring together components such as Internet of Things, the health care system, artificial intelligence and machine vision, wireless sensor network, smart security system, smart city, smart power grid, smart power electronic devices, smart transportation, factory automation, agriculture automation, and home automation.
ECE 443 Introduction to Computer Cybersecurity
Gain foundational knowledge in cybersecurity threats and defenses, backed by algorithmic and mathematical principles. Course projects will provide valuable hand-on experience with languages, libraries, and tools supporting state-of-the-art cryptography applications.
Admission to all undergraduate programs at Illinois Tech is evaluated via a holistic approach that takes various factors under consideration, including your high school performance and essays. Your choice of major will impact this process as well, because each major has its own criteria for admission.
To learn more about our admission selection process, recommended high school coursework, and our admitted student profile, please visit our admission website.
Tuition and Fees
Learn more about the university’s general tuition and fees, visit the Student Accounting website.
To get a more in-depth idea of the tuition and fees for the B.S. in Computer Engineering, you can utilize the net price calculator tool.
Featured Faculty
Yu Cheng
Ken Choi
Erdal Oruklu
Jafar Saniie
Jia Wang
Won-Jae Yi
Saurabh S. Says...
“Illinois Tech played a major role in shaping who I am today. Students are encouraged to explore new ideas and push their limits academically. The coursework closely aligns with my current career as I use much of those lessons in my everyday work.”
—Saurabh Saluja (CPE, M.S. CPE ’23), Software Engineer, John Deere
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between computer engineering and computer science?
A: Computer engineers and computer scientists frequently collaborate to create and maintain computer systems and software, but their functions are different.
- Computer engineers design and build computer hardware systems, which includes everything that has computer components, such as cell phones, laptop and desktop computers, robotics, and other tech devices. They create new machines, work to improve the capabilities and efficiency of existing computer equipment, and ensure that computer hardware and software are properly integrated.
- Computer scientists are primarily focused on computer software systems, machine learning algorithms, and advanced programming skills.
Because computer hardware and software are critically important for all types of businesses and organizations, both computer engineering degrees and computer science degrees are versatile and support a variety of career paths.
Q: Does Illinois Tech’s B.S. in Computer Engineering offer time in the lab?
A: Yes, practical training is an important feature of this program. Many of the courses include extensive hands-on laboratory exercises and projects for students to put their classroom learning into real-world practice.
Q: What does the future of computer engineering look like with AI?
A: Computer engineers are applying artificial intelligence to improve speed, efficiency, automation of routine functions, and performance in the systems that they build. They play a pivotal role in responsibly integrating AI tools into processes and systems, trouble shooting and debugging, and building reliable, innovative technologies.
Get In Touch
To learn more about the program, please reach out to the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at ece@illinoistech.edu.