Computer Engineers embed computers within complex systems, build computer networks, and solve other computer oriented problems. Computer Engineers work with and understand both the hardware and software of computer systems. They fuse together aspects of Electronics and Applied Computer Science.
The Computer Engineering program at RMC offers elective concentrations that allow you to focus on the Software Engineering aspects of computer system design or on the Electronic Systems Engineering aspects.
Software Engineering is Applied Computer Science. In the same way that engineering in general is the application of science to the building of new systems and solving new design problems, Software Engineering in the application of Computer Science to the design of new computer based products and systems. If you think you would be interested in designing new aircraft flight control systems, stabilized weapons and sensor turrets, automatic navigation systems, avionics or vehitronics then you are interested in Software Engineering. If you would like to apply Computer Science to computer network cyber defence and cyber warfare then Software Engineering is for you. Basically, if you would like to use Computer Science to solve real world problems and design new things then the Software Engineering concentration of the Computer Engineering program is for you.
The Electronic Systems Engineering concentration focuses more on the computer hardware aspects of system design. Here you study the application of electrical and electronic systems engineering to the design of computer based systems and the embedding of computer systems in more complex products. If you think you would like to be part of the mobile computing revolution, consider that it is driven by the integration of radios, computer apps, GPS, cameras, motion sensors, displays and computer networks in miniaturized environments. This is a classic computer systems engineering problem. Or consider, the integrated computer systems, electronic sensor systems, on-board computer networks, displays, weapons system controllers and communications that make up over 80% of the engineering cost in modern aircraft; if you are interested in aircraft systems design then the hardware side of Computer Engineering is for you. Likewise, these components are largest, most complex engineering design components of most new naval vessels and army vehicles.
Computer Engineers can work in career areas specializing in either hardware or software, or in careers requiring a professional with a deep understanding of both. The integration of computers as a part of larger more complex systems is happening everywhere — and driving the need for Computer Engineers. The military is investing heavily in embedding some of the most advanced and interesting computer based systems in all of their new equipment. Computer Engineers are a very important part of the engineering future in the Army, Navy and Air Force.