Computer Engineering

Fundamentals

Computer engineers design and develop hardware and software ranging in software applications, communication networks, embedder sensor, computer security, machine learning and artifice intelligence.

At The University of Akron (UA), students in the Computer Engineering Program gain the same foundation in programming, operating systems, and computer systems that our computer science students do, while also studying circuits, electronics, and analog and digital hardware alongside our electrical engineering students. This gives our computer engineering students a unique perspective of how software and hardware work together in computing systems.

Branches of computer engineering include:

  • operating systems
  • embedded systems design
  • digital circuits
  • algorithms
  • software design
  • computer architecture

Important applications include:

  • wired and wireless networks
  • simulation
  • automation
  • digital control
  • sensing
  • robotics
  • apps and data management

Recent University of Akron (UA) graduates with a B.S. in Computer Engineering go on to work at companies such as Burns & McDonnell, John Deere, Diebold Nixdorf, LTA Research and Exploration, Rockwell Automation, Sanctuary Software Studios and The RoviSys Company, among others.

More Information

Our faculty

  • hold doctoral degrees in a wide range of areas in electrical and computer engineering
  • are actively engaged in both teaching and research
  • direct industry and government-funded research and development projects
  • bring their extensive practical experience into the classroom
  • advise undergraduate and graduate students in their research and design projects

Akron Advantage

Hands-on learning

Our students experience computer engineering firsthand through educational and research laboratories, including facilities for:

  • circuits
  • analog electronics
  • digital electronics
  • digital hardware and embedded systems
  • computer architecture
  • software engineering
  • programming languages
  • networks
  • electromagnetics compatibility and signal integrity
  • alternative energy
  • sensors and instrumentation
  • integrated circuit design and high-temperature electronics
  • automation and wireless sensor networks
  • communications

Real-world experience

Gain important practical professional experience through the optional cooperative education program in the engineering field of your choice. Through co-op, you’ll alternate semesters of work and school following your sophomore year. As an added benefit, you’ll earn a competitive salary.

Starting in the first year, students can join a wide variety of competition teams, working on projects ranging from a robot that mines for materials on a lunar surface to Formula Electric Car. Students learn to manage large projects, deal with budgets, and interact with students from other disciplines and at other universities. With their advisers, students travel to competitions across the country. 

Student organizations

Interact with other engineering students and professionals in the field through organizations such as:

  • Tau Beta Pi (engineering honors society)
  • Society of Women Engineers
  • National Society of Black Engineers
  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
  • Association for Computing Machinery

Sample Curriculum


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Career Opportunities

A degree in computer engineering prepares you to: 

  • design and develop software for embedded and networked systems
  • solve technical problems
  • design, develop and test computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems and related equipment

Outlook

There is a shortage of IT talent in the region and the demand continues to grow. According to Team NEO, the IT workforce in NE Ohio grew by 18% from 2016 to 2019.

Career services

Career Services helps students and alumni explore and reach career goals. They connect students to employers for internships, jobs, and careers.