2024-2025

Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

This degree is the first step towards immediate employment or further study in computer engineering. It opens the door to technical exploration in design, production, renewable energy, and future problem-solving.

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET / EAC).

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 31 units of mathematics and science requirements
  • At least 69 units of professional requirements
  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements
  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 123 units

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 123
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 239
University Honors Program Optional
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan Optional
Some online/blended coursework Required
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The BS in Computer Engineering will prepare you to work with other engineers and scientists to develop innovative consumer electronics, sensors and instrumentation, integrated circuits, communication systems, computers, and control systems.  Computer engineers use digital design and engineering skills to design microcontrollers, microprocessors, and computing systems of all sizes.
 
Coursework and learning experiences in our program provides students with professional preparation in the study and application of the principles of mathematics, computer science, physics, and the natural sciences for the analysis, design, test, manufacture, and maintenance of computing systems. In addition to the underlying principles of electricity and computing, our curriculum provides you with a solid foundation in problem-solving, analysis, design, project management and preparation for professional licensure. Students have multiple opportunities to learn and practice design starting with our introductory engineering design course and culminating in a Capstone experience that involves engineering design, project management, teamwork and significant client communication.
 
Our curriculum will help you pursue a career designing and developing the latest smart phone, electronic chips, and products in between that benefit people by connecting, healing, informing, entertaining, defending, and providing the essentials for life. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the degree, students will have the ability to:

  • Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  • Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Major Requirements

  • This major requires 100 - 101 units distributed as follows:

    • Mathematics and Science Requirements: 31 - 32 units
    • Professional Requirements: 69 units


    Take the following 100 - 101 units

  • Required courses must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better. No more than one D is allowed in professional electives. Up to six units of letter-graded individualized study (EE 485 or EE 497) may be used to meet degree requirements.

  • Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:

Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program

    • This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.

    • Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to start a Bachelor or Science in Computer Engineering and start a Master of Science in Computer Science at NAU.

      OR

      Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to start a Bachelor or Science in Computer Engineering and start a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at NAU.

      OR

      Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to start a Bachelor or Science in Computer Engineering and start a Master of Science in Informatics at NAU.

    • Students must apply to the master's program by the graduate program's application deadline, meet all admissions requirements listed in the policy Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs, as well as the admissions requirements for the specified master's plan to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year.

      Be sure to speak with the Master's Program Director/Coordinator regarding your interest in the accelerated plan.

    • Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:

    • Major Requirements
       

      This major requires 100 - 101 units distributed as follows:

      • Mathematics and Science Requirements: 31 - 32 units
      • Professional Requirements: 69 units


      Take the following 100 - 101 units

    • Required courses must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better. No more than one D is allowed in professional electives. Up to six units of letter-graded individualized study (EE 485 or EE 497) may be used to meet degree requirements.

    • Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:

General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 126 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.