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Computer Engineering
Computers are everywhere. From our phones to our watches to our refrigerators (yes, our refrigerators). If you have a strong interest in computers and how they can improve the lives of all people, consider studying computer engineering at Dordt. Along with designing software and hardware, you’ll learn how to engage the field of computer engineering from a Christian perspective.
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Program Overview
A blend of electrical engineering and computer science makes computer engineering a challenging, rewarding major. You’ll develop skills to implement and test new software systems. You’ll be inspired to dream up innovative technologies. And you’ll see how to weave your Christian faith into your work. As contemporary life continues to go digital, now is the time to jump into this fast-growing and important field of engineering.
A Top Undergraduate Engineering Program
Dordt’s engineering program was listed as a top program within the “Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No Doctorate)” list by U.S. News and World Report. To qualify, a school must have an undergraduate engineering program accredited by ABET.
What You'll Learn
You’ll explore advances in programming, circuitry, and electronic materials. You’ll work with classmates on practical, real-world projects. And you’ll apply new tools and technologies to every assignment you tackle. In the classroom, you’ll start with a strong foundation of engineering courses. You’ll also choose from class options such as computer systems, embedded microcontroller systems, and data communications.
What You Can Do With A Computer Engineering Concentration
When it comes to computer engineering, you can choose from a variety of different career options such as the ones listed below. Whatever you choose to do, with your identity firmly rooted in Christ, you’ll be equipped to live out your faith every day.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers design and manage scripts and code that allow computer software and applications to function properly.
Technical Support Specialist
Technical Support Specialists use their technical knowledge to provide computer support.
Computer Systems Manager
A Computer Systems Manager manages computer-related activities and systems to ensure they are meeting the organization’s technology needs.
Career Preparation
Ƶ's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Ƶgraduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Ƶeducation provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
Students who choose the computer engineering concentration will complete two engineering courses, four computer science courses, and two courses from a special selection of engineering and computer science courses, in addition to completing the general requirements for an engineering degree.
- Introduction to Microprocessors and Digital Circuits: Digital circuits are covered, from simple logic gates through elementary microprocessor architecture. The course begins with elementary logic for binary systems, Boolean algebra, binary integer number formats and arithmetic, and combinational design. Intermediate topics include synchronous state machine design and register level concepts. The course concludes with topics in microprocessor architecture that include elementary assembly language and interfacing. Laboratory provides hands-on experience in logic design and microprocessor interfacing and includes two formal design projects. This course serves both computer science and engineering students.
- Electronics I: A study of the flow of electricity in, and application of, semiconductor devices. Topics include basic signals and amplifier characteristics, operational amplifiers models and applications, diodes and applications, field effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors, and methods of amplification with single-transistor circuits. The laboratory includes a number of short design problems.
- Computer Systems: An introduction to the organization and inner workings of a modern digital computer and its components. Topics include introductory digital logic and circuits, CPU components, memory systems, input/output, storage systems, and introductory operating systems concepts. Students gain experience in working on computers in the laboratory component of this course. Three lectures and one laboratory period of two hours per week. Strong algebra skills required.
- Programming II: A continuation of Computer Science 115. The course includes advanced programming techniques, in-depth examination of object-oriented principles, good programming style including documentation, basic data structures including array lists and linked lists, and basic algorithm design, with attention to the sorting problem.
- Data Structures: A study of the various types of information forms handled by a computer, including the format of data and the design and analysis of algorithms to manipulate data. Topics include the use of functional programming and multi-threaded algorithms.
- Advanced Topics in System-Level Programming: A study of the relationship between the instruction set architecture of a computer and the software running on it, as mediated through the operating system. Topics include assembly-language programming, processor modes, memory management and virtual storage, multiprocessing, multithreading, deadlock, and systems security.
- Mechatronics and Instrumentation: An introduction to engineering mechatronics with applications of engineering measurement, data acquisition, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, digital and analog signal fundamentals, automatic control, and other electro-mechanical system interfacing.
- Embedded Microcontroller Systems: A course on the design of microcontroller-based systems and the associated software and hardware. Software issues such as modular design, interrupt-driven I/O, and design for reliability are covered. Hardware issues such as serial and parallel interfacing, bus structures, grounding and shielding, and D/A and A/D conversions are also studied. Lab exercises provide design experience using a particular microcontroller or a softprocessor foundation in an FPGA.
- Electronics II: A continuation of Engineering 322. Topics include biasing strategies for discrete and integrated circuit designs, current mirrors, differential and multistage amplifiers, frequency response, feedback, and stability. The laboratory includes construction of a kit, which introduces students to power output stages, tuned amplifiers, and demodulator circuits. The laboratory also includes a short design problem.
- Dynamic Systems and Process Control: A study of the dynamics and automatic control of systems. Topics include dynamic system modeling, feedback, steady-state operation, transient response, root loci, state-space representation, frequency response, stability criteria, and compensation. A variety of system types are modeled and analyzed, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, and chemical systems. Structured modeling approaches using Laplace transform methods and state equations are explored.
- Control Systems Lab: A laboratory course in the dynamic modeling and automatic control of mechanical and electrical systems.
- Introduction to Communication Systems: A study of analog and digital communication systems performance and theory with applications in radio, satellite, telephone, computer networking, and radar systems. Topics include linear modulation (AM, SSB, etc.), exponential modulation (FM and PM), sampling theory, the discrete-time and discrete-frequency domains, and basic digital modulation methods such as m-ary PSK, DPSK, OFDM, etc. The topic of noise is considered at the most elementary level sufficient to distinguish the performance of various modulation methods in the presence of noise.
- Introduction to Data Communications: A study of the concepts, issues, and technology involved in the transmission of data. Topics include network configurations, communications protocols, data coding schemes, and transmission hardware. Prerequisite: completion of Core Program mathematics requirement.
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Science and Technology Center
While studying computer engineering, you'll have the opportunity to spend time in Dordt's Science and Technology Center. Informally known as the "Science Building," the Science and Technology Center is home to labs for mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, and computer-aided design.
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Student Stories
Ƶstudents and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
When Worlds Collide
Becca Groninga Merging rap music and an engineering degreeEngineering and rap seem like two separate worlds, but at Dordt, Becca was able to pursue both interests.
Becca Groninga Merging rap music and an engineering degree
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