Computer engineering is a discipline that encompasses the science and technology of designing, developing, implementing, maintaining, and integrating applications and hardware components in modern computing systems and computer-controlled equipment. It focuses on the design and construction of computers and computer-based systems, involving the study of hardware, software, communications, and their interactions. The curriculum emphasizes the theories, principles, and practices of traditional electrical engineering and mathematics, applying them to the challenges of designing computers and computer-based devices.

One dominant area within computer engineering is embedded systems, which involves the development of devices with integrated software and hardware. Examples of such devices include cell phones, digital audio players, digital video recorders, alarm systems, x-ray machines, and laser surgical tools. These devices require seamless integration of hardware and embedded software, showcasing the impact and importance of computer engineering in today’s technological landscape.