Institution Submitting Proposal:
UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY
Institutional Contact Person Available
To Answer Questions:
Kathie Debenham
College:
College of Technology and Computing
Department:
Computer Science
Program Title:
Computer Engineering
Recommended Classification of Instructional
Programs (CIP) Code:
14.0902
Degree to be Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
(BSCE)
Proposed Beginning Date:
Fall, 2012
Institutional Signatures:
_________________________________________________________
Kirk Love
Department Chair, Computer Science
_________________________________________________________
Ernest L. Carey
Dean, College of Technology and Computing
_________________________________________________________
Ian Wilson
Vice President, Academic Affairs
_________________________________________________________
Matthew S. Holland
President, Utah Valley University
Date: Jan. 31, 2012
Executive Summary
Utah Valley University
BS Computer Engineering
1/31/2012
Program Description
The bachelor degree in computer engineering prepares students for careers that deal with computer
systems, including both hardware and software aspects of the system, from design through
implementation. These computer systems, sometimes referred to as embedded systems, are components
of many commercial products such as cell phones, smart mobile devices, fuel injection systems in vehicles,
and controller units in washing machines. They can also be found in medical products such as x-ray
machines. This degree is different from the existing Computer Science and Software Engineering degrees
at UVU. All three degrees complement each other. Each fulfills a specific market demand in the computing
area.
Role and Mission Fit
The proposed engineering program supports the institutional mission statement and roles in many ways.
UVU’s mission statement specifies that UVU meets regional educational needs. The BSCE program
“prepares professionally competent people of integrity” and provides a quality academic learning
opportunity while at the same time promoting “economic and cultural development” throughout the region
and State with a strong commitment to meet current and future talent-force needs. This engineering
program will provide occupational, technical, and career opportunities to students. UVU expects this
program to grow as the technical industry base grows in Utah County—developing, broadening, and
strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships with business and industry to provide an increasingly
educated workforce and to enhance economic growth and development in the community. The BSCE will
allow students currently enrolled in the Computer Engineering emphasis to receive a degree that more
accurately reflects the course work completed, thus increasing employment opportunities for those
graduates and providing one more area of specialization to the ever-expanding computer technology
companies in Utah. The BSCE graduates also provide a larger pool of candidates for graduate students at
other USHE institutions.
Faculty
Number of faculty with Doctoral degrees
Tenure
9
Number of faculty with Master’s degrees
Tenure
5
Other Faculty
Adjunct
4
**These faculty teach in all programs offered in the Computer Science Department.
Market Demand
The U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics lists computer systems design and related
services as third for industries having the largest wage and salary employment growth in 2008-2018.
(http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecopro.t03.htm) According to www.careeroutlook.us, the state of Utah
expects high job creation rate in the areas of computer system software developers and electrical
engineers. (The website does not list computer engineers as a separate category. The job functions of
system software developers and electric engineers are closely related to that of the computer engineer.)
For example, the growth rates for electrical engineers and computer hardware engineers are 2.11% and
2.97% respectively. The job growth rate for the computer system software engineers is 5%. These growth
rates indicate that there is a strong demand for computer engineers in the near future in the state of Utah. A
1
recent survey of 78 Utah companies (results distributed to members of the Utah Technology Council
1/27/2012) employing 4,203 engineering and computer scientists showed 432 current open positions for
which the minimum requirements is a BS degree. An additional 1,642 openings are expected in the next
12 months. Those 78 companies represent only a fraction of the total number of companies in Utah
employing similar engineers and developers.
Student Demand
The Computer Science department offered the Computer Engineering emphasis in the Computer Science
degree for the first time in Fall 2001. In Fall 2011, it had 102 declared majors. A survey of 345 computer
science students (across all areas of emphases) was conducted by the Computer Science department at
UVU in 2011. The survey revealed (with 93% confidence) that the current Computer Engineering emphasis
students would choose a Computer Engineering degree if it were offered at UVU. This survey also
indicated that if UVU offered a Computer Engineering degree, 45% of the Computer Science majors in
other areas of emphasis would be interested in pursuing that degree.
Statement of Financial Support
Legislative Appropriation ..........................
Grants .......................................................
Reallocated Funds....................................
Tuition dedicated to the program ..............
Other* .......................................................
*Tuition growth in other programs.
Similar Programs Already Offered in the USHE
The University of Utah, Utah State University and Brigham Young University have Electrical and Computer
Engineering departments offering BS in Computer Engineering degrees. Weber State University started a
BS program in Electronics Engineering in 2010. The proposed BS degree program in Computer
Engineering at Utah Valley University would take advantage of the unique background of the UVU faculty
and their research areas, placing emphasis on the programming aspect of embedded systems. UVU has
offered the computer engineering curriculum as an emphasis in the BSCS since 2001 with little or no
impact to other USHE institutions offering the BSCE. The proposed BS Computer Engineering degree at
UVU will provide students with a diploma that better describes the courses they have taken; we anticipate it
will not negatively impact other institutions.
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Section I: The Request
The UVU Department of Computer Science requests approval to offer the Bachelor of Science in Computer
Engineering (BSCE) Degree effective Fall Semester 2012.
Section II: Program Description
Complete Program Description
The UVU Department of Computer Science would like to offer students the opportunity to obtain a B.S.
degree in Computer Engineering. This degree will enhance UVU’s offering in the computing area.
Computer engineering as an academic field encompasses the broad areas of computer science and
electrical engineering. According to Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), the field of computer
engineering is defined as follows:
“Computer engineering is a discipline that embodies the science and technology of design, construction,
implementation, and maintenance of software and hardware components of modern computing systems
and computer-controlled equipment. Computer engineering has traditionally been viewed as a combination
of both computer science (CS) and electrical engineering (EE).”
(http://www.acm.org/education/education/curric_vols/CE-Final-Report.pdf)
Hence, the bachelor degree in computer engineering prepares students for careers that deal with computer
systems, including both hardware and software aspects of the system, from design through
implementation. These computer systems, sometimes referred to as embedded systems, are components
of many commercial products such as cell phones, smart mobile devices, fuel injection systems in vehicles,
and controller units in washing machines. They can also be found in medical products such as x-ray
machines.
This degree is different from the existing computer science and software engineering degrees at UVU.
According to ACM, software engineering is defined to be the “discipline of developing and maintaining
software systems that behave reliably and efficiently, are affordable to develop and maintain, and satisfy all
the requirements that customers have defined for them.”
(http://www.acm.org/education/education/curric_vols/CC2005-March06Final.pdf, p. 15) ACM also states
that a “software engineering degree and computer science degree may have many courses in common.
Software engineering students learn more about software reliability and maintenance and focus more on
techniques for developing and maintaining software that is correct from its inception”. All three degrees
complement each other. Each fulfills a specific market demand in the computing area.
Purpose of Degree
Upon approval, the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCE) degree at UVU will prepare
graduates to enter the computer-engineering-related, high technology fields ready to be productive in the
companies that employ them. They will be prepared to design and implement hardware and software
systems to meet the needs of the enterprise. The students will be able to create specification and design
documents, become skilled in the use of comprehensive, up-to-date design tools, have worked in teams,
and have completed a number of complex projects as part of their education.
3
Currently at UVU, Computer Engineering is an emphasis area within the Bachelor of Science in Computer
Science degree. UVU proposes moving this specialized area into its own Bachelor of Science degree in
Computer Engineering (BSCE) for the following reasons:
1. Student Employment: For the graduates in the Computer Engineering emphasis, their degree is a
BS degree in Computer Science, when in reality they have received specialized training in the area
of Computer Engineering. Some government entities, e.g., Hill Air Force Base and many other
federal agencies, have strict regulations in hiring. They can hire individuals with a BSCE degree
but not individuals with a BSCS degree with an emphasis in Computer Engineering. With a BSCE
degree program, UVU graduates will be able to seek employment that matches their education in
all employment sectors.
2. Student Education: Since the current UVU Computer Engineering program is an emphasis area in
the BSCS program, some students have transferred to other emphasis areas within the UVU
BSCS program because they believed their diploma would not allow them to compete for BSCE
jobs. Some students have transferred to other institutions in order to obtain a CE diploma. With the
implementation of a BSCE degree program, both groups of students will be able to stay at UVU for
their entire collegial experience in a program that clearly identifies their area of study and provides
greater opportunities for employment in their chosen field.
3. Labor Market: According to data published by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor
Statistics, “computer systems design and related services industry is among the economy’s largest
and fastest sources of employment growth” in the 2004 to 2014 time period. (Employment outlook:
2004-14, Industry output and employment projections to 2014.) Computer Engineering is among
the top paying occupations in the United States. In the state of Utah, the Governor and the
Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) have repeatedly stated that Utah needs
more engineers to cope with the economic growth in the state of Utah. In a 2011 survey conducted
by the Computer Science Department at UVU of 39 Utah County companies who currently employ
84 computer engineers, the companies indicated the need to hire an additional 27 computer
engineers in the coming year. With the implementation of a BSCE program, UVU will attract and
retain more students and increase the number of engineer graduates in the state.
4. Population Growth in Utah County: According to the Utah Process Economic and Development
Model (UPED) data used by the State, Utah’s school-age population will increase by 163,000
students in the next ten years. The Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) at the
University of Utah predicts that the college-aged population will see a steady increase from 2009
and see a boom period between 2016 and 2025. According to a 2007 U.S. Census Bureau report,
four Utah County cities are among the top ten fastest growing cities in Utah. “In 2010 (Utah)
exported more than $1.8B in computer and electronic parts…Clearly, our technology companies
continue to be the lifeblood of our state.” (Richard Nelson, Utah Technology Council, UVBB blog
post, June 21, 2011) As the number of computing companies in Utah County continues to grow,
the new BSCE degree will help UVU better meet the demands for a highly skilled workforce in an
industry critical to the economic success of Utah.
4
Institutional Readiness
Currently, the Computer Engineering emphasis in the Computer Science program is housed in the
Department of Computer Science in the College of Technology and Computing. The proposed BSCE
degree will be housed in the same department. The administrative structure is adequate to support the new
degree program. Since all the courses for the new BSCE degree program are being offered as the
Computer Engineering emphasis in the BSCS program, the new degree program will not impact the
delivery of existing courses or other departmental resources in the first three years of the new degree
program. Since the purpose of the new degree is to enhance UVU’s offering in the computing area, the new
degree will not change the current administration organization at the College level. The name of the college
will remain the College of Technology and Computing.
Faculty
The courses for the proposed degree program have been offered to support the emphasis in the Bachelor
of Science in Computer Science program since 2001. Thus the faculty required for this degree program is
in place. Currently, there are 14 full-time and four adjunct faculty members in the Computer Science
Department; all of these faculty members are supporting the Computer Engineering emphasis area. The
additional sections needed for the projected growth in this proposed program will be taught by existing
salaried faculty. Adjunct faculty members (existing and/or new) will be used to teach some lower division
courses currently being taught by salaried faculty.
Staff
The Computer Engineering emphasis is currently being supported by the staff in the Computer Science
Department and the IT staff in the Dean’s Office of the College of Technology and Computing. No new
staffing will be required to support the new degree program upon its approval.
Library and Information Resources
The library at Utah Valley University is positioned to be able to support the proposed degree in computer
engineering. Because of the rapidly changing nature of computer science and computer engineering,
journals and conference proceedings are central to literature needed by students in these fields. The UVU
library subscribes to the ACM electronic library that includes the publications and proceedings of that major
professional society. The UVU library also subscribes to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) Online “core” collection of journals and conference proceedings.
The UVU library currently houses a collection of over 210,000 titles supporting the college’s major fields of
study. The library is a member of the Utah Academic Library Consortium (UALC). Through partnership with
other libraries, UVU is able to provide over 40,000 full-text periodicals accessible from the library
homepage (http://www.uvu.edu/library). As full-text journal databases become available, the library and
consortium endeavor to subscribe to them. UVU’s ability to provide journals continues to grow and is
already providing excellent support to a successful Computer Engineering emphasis in the Computer
Science degree program.
Another benefit from UALC is a resource sharing agreement that allows UVU students and faculty to
borrow items from any college or university library in the state using their UV ID card. If the library does not
have a book a student needs, the student can check library catalogs of other UALC libraries by doing a
catalog search from the UVU Library homepage, then either travel to that institution or use the Interlibrary-
5
loan service (ILL) from the link on the Library homepage to request a book or article from another library.
The ILL manager then orders the book or article, and within a few days (for articles) or a week (for books)
the items will be at the library for pick-up. This service is provided free to students and faculty.
The library provides an “Information Commons” (a combination computer lab and reference area) where
students can research, select and print or file-save full text articles and other materials, as well as use the
most common desktop applications. The library is also part of the campus-wide wireless network which
students and faculty can access free of charge. The library also provides numerous data ports where
students can wire-connect their notebook computers for access to the campus network.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the BS degree program in Computer Engineering, a student will be required to complete
the following courses with an overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
MATH
MATH
PHYS
CS
CS
CS
EENG
EENG
EENG
EENG
1210
1220
2210
1400
1410
2810
1020
2700
2705
2250
Calculus I
Calculus II
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
Fundamentals of Programming
Object-Oriented Programming
Computer Organization and Architecture
Computer Engineering Problem Solving with MATLAB
Digital Design I
Digital Design I Lab
Circuit Theory
Student Advisement
Two department advisors are currently in place, one who advises Computer Science and Information
Systems and Technology students and one who advises Computer Science and Pre-engineering students.
They currently assist students in planning and tracking their programs. These advisors will be familiar with
all of the college requirements, as well as the requirements for the BSCE degree. Faculty will mentor the
students as needed to help them understand the academic and professional aspects of the computer
engineering discipline.
Justification for Graduation Standards and Number of Credits
The curriculum of the proposed degree program was developed in 2001 based on the ACM and IEEE
curriculum guidelines for Computer Engineering programs. It has been under constant review and
improvement since 2001. The existing curriculum received the Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology (ABET) accreditation in 2002 and 2010 as an emphasis in the BSCS program. The proposed
curriculum for this program requires the completion of 126 credit hours which is in the range allowed for a
BS degree by the Board of Regents. (The courses for the proposed program are listed in Appendix A.)
External Review and Accreditation
At the inception of the Computer Engineering emphasis in 2000, Dr. Gordon Stokes, then Associate Dean
of the School of Computer Science and Engineering Technology, consulted with Dean Douglas Chabries
(Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology and former chair of the Electrical and Computer
Engineering Department at Brigham Young University) to design an ABET-accreditable program in
Computer Engineering. In 2000, the program was reviewed by Dr. Willis King, then President of the IEEE
6
Computer Society. Dr. King provided useful feedback that was incorporated into the original program. Dean
Warren R. Hill (College of Applied Sciences and Technology at Weber State University) also reviewed the
curriculum and helped clarify some of the requirements.
Since 2001, UVU’s Computer Engineering curriculum has been systematically reviewed and modified
based on the ACM and IEEE curriculum guidelines. These changes were reviewed and approved through
the normal curriculum review process. The emphasis program was also accredited by ABET in 2002 as
part of the BSCS accreditation process. The new Bachelors degree program has been designed to meet
the requirements of the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. ABET accreditation
requires that the programs seeking accreditation have graduates of the program that have met all of the
program requirements. Upon approval, the new BSCE program will apply for ABET accreditation in January
2015.
In May 2011, the UVU administration invited Shahram Latifi, Ph.D., P.E., IEEE Fellow, and Professor of
Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, to review the existing
Computer Engineering emphasis as offered in UVU’s Computer Science Department. His evaluation was
based on criteria specified for Baccalaureate Level Engineering Programs as articulated in the ABET
2010‐2011 Accreditation cycle. Dr. Latifi’s final report was published May 17, 2011. This report can be
summarized as follows:
“Classrooms, laboratories and equipment are adequate. Equipment in general is new (with the
exception of some scopes that are 10 years old but will be replaced soon). A new Logic Analyzer is
added recently. The NI ELVIS breadboards provide a suitable prototyping platform in design
courses. Available software tools include MATLAB and Altera. The latter is used in EENG 3740 to
design digital circuits while the former provides a numerical computing environment for engineering
courses. The CodeWarrior Development tool is also available and used in the design of embedded
systems.
“The administration is highly supportive of the program and aware that more resources should be
made available to attract, retain, and provide for the continued professional development of a
well‐qualified faculty. In addition, support personnel and institutional services must be adequate to
meet program needs.
“The computer engineering discipline appears to be at the appropriate level to be designated as a
full‐fledge program offering a BS degree in computer engineering. This designation, nonetheless,
is largely dependent on the success in recruiting a new faculty in computer engineering in the
upcoming year. The administration should be commended for running such a viable program
successfully despite limited resources.”
The complete review report is available upon request. There was a concern regarding the number of faculty
members available for Computer Engineering courses. This concern has been addressed by UVU
administration. A new faculty position was created and filled in Fall 2011.
Projected Enrollment
The estimated student population growth for the BSCE degree program at UVU is shown in the following
chart. As shown in Appendix C, the Computer Science Department has 14 tenured or tenure-track faculty
7
members teaching courses in the Computer Engineering emphasis. However, only four current faculty
members are involved in teaching upper division computing engineering courses. This number was used in
the table to calculate the FTE-to-Faculty Ratio. Based on actual enrollments, additional adjunct faculty will
be used to handle additional teaching load.
Projected Enrollment Table
Year Student Headcount* # of Faculty** Student-to-Faculty Ratio*** Accreditation Req’d Ratio
1
102
7
14.6
About 30:1****
2
115
7
16.4
About 30:1
3
120
8
15.0
About 30:1
4
122
8
15.25
About 30:1
5
124
8
15.5
About 30:1
*Student Headcount represents new majors only
**# of Faculty represents the portion of the departmental faculty headcount anticipated to support
this new program
***Student-to-Faculty Ratio represents the Student Headcount (new majors only) divided by the #
of Faculty; this ratio is comparable to the Fall 2011 student-to-faculty ratio for the Computer
Science Department
****The language used in ABET criteria is: “There must be sufficient faculty to accommodate
adequate levels of student-faculty interaction, student advising and counseling, university service
activities, professional development, and interactions with industrial and professional
practitioners, as well as employers of students.” This statement is being interpreted as
approximately a 30:1 ratio.
Expansion of Existing Program
The Computer Science Department has both two-year and four-year degree programs in Computer
Science and Software Engineering. The four-year Computer Science degree has emphases in Computer
Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Networking, and Database Engineering. The Bachelor of
Science in Computer Engineering (BSCE) program will replace the existing Computer Engineering
emphasis. The BSCE program will adopt the approved curriculum of the Computer Engineering emphasis
without adding any new courses. The new degree will utilize existing courses from the Computer Science
programs. The enrollment history of the past five years is provided in the table below. Many of the students
who declare a major in the Computer Engineering Emphasis need remedial work in math courses which is
one of the reasons that UVU has a delay in headcount increase in the major courses.
Computer Science BS degree program student enrollment history
Year
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
CS Program
350
349
338
468
CE Emphasis
39
51
87
102
2010-11
544
102
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Section III: Need
Program Need
Utah County is a rapidly growing area of the State with a large high technology industry segment. To
support the continued growth of the high technology sector of the economy in the county, it is necessary
that a growing supply of people educated in high technology fields be readily available. UVU currently has a
thriving Computer Science program that meets part of this need. The requested degree program would
complement the Computer Science program and provide additional talent to the high technology employee
pool needed in Utah County and in the state of Utah. With this relatively low cost expansion to its programs,
UVU will be positioned to better accommodate the needs of the local student population. Just as
significantly, a UVU Computer Engineering degree will enhance the position of the state of Utah in
providing an attractive environment for high technology industries and increase the number of students
eligible for graduate programs in computing.
Labor Market Demand
The U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics lists computer systems design and related
services as third for industries having the largest wage and salary employment growth in 2008-2018.
(http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecopro.t03.htm)
According to www.careeroutlook.us, the state of Utah expects high job creation rate in the areas of
computer system software developers and electrical engineers. (The website does not list computer
engineers as a separate category. The job functions of system software developers and electric engineers
are closely related to that of the computer engineer.) For example, the growth rates for electrical engineers
and computer hardware engineers are 2.11% and 2.97% respectively. The job growth rate for the computer
system software engineers is 5%. These growth rates indicate that there is a strong demand for computer
engineers in the near future in the state of Utah. A recent survey of 78 Utah companies (results distributed
to members of the Utah Technology Council 1/27/2012) employing 4,203 engineering and computer
scientists showed 432 current open positions for which the minimum requirements is a BS degree. An
additional 1,642 openings are expected in the next 12 months. Those 78 companies represent only a
fraction of the total number of companies in Utah employing similar engineers and developers.
Student Demand
The Computer Science department offered the Computer Engineering emphasis in the Computer Science
degree for the first time in Fall 2001. In Fall 2011, it had 102 declared majors. A survey of 345 computer
science students (across all areas of emphases) was conducted by the Computer Science department at
UVU in 2011. The survey revealed (with 93% confidence) that the current Computer Engineering emphasis
students would choose a Computer Engineering degree if it were offered at UVU. This survey also
indicated that if UVU offered a Computer Engineering degree, 45% of the Computer Science majors in
other areas of emphasis would be interested in pursuing that degree.
Similar Programs
The University of Utah, Utah State University and Brigham Young University have Electrical and Computer
Engineering departments offering BS in Computer Engineering degrees. Weber State University started a
BS program in Electronics Engineering in 2010. The proposed BS degree program in Computer
Engineering at Utah Valley University would take advantage of the unique background of the UVU faculty
and their research areas, placing emphasis on the programming aspect of embedded systems.
9
UVU has offered the computer engineering curriculum as an emphasis in the BSCS since 2001 with little or
no impact to other USHE institutions offering the BSCE. The proposed BS Computer Engineering degree at
UVU will provide students with a diploma that better describes the courses they have taken; we anticipate it
will not negatively impact other institutions.
Collaboration with and Impact on Other USHE Institutions
UVU has carefully reviewed the programs at the University of Utah, Utah State University, and Brigham
Young University in the last few years. UVU’s existing Computer Engineering emphasis is similar to these
successful Computer Engineering programs. UVU participated in the annual Major’s meeting to ensure that
the common courses are aligned with other USHE institutions. It is anticipated that graduates from the
BSCE program at UVU will provide a larger pool of candidates for graduate degrees at other USHE
institutions.
Benefits
It is anticipated that the proposed new degree will increase student retention and graduation in the
computer engineering area. With only minimal increase in the use of adjunct faculty the number of
graduates will increase on a regular basis.
From the perspective of community engagement, the image of Utah Valley University as a partner to area
industry will be enhanced. The ability to have engineering programs available to support local employee
development programs will assist in the attraction of high quality technical employees to the area. Welltrained, high-quality engineers produced by an additional state institution of higher education will
demonstrate the system’s ability to support economic growth efforts throughout the state. The program will
also be a source of well-trained students ready to enter the graduate programs at the other state
institutions. Additionally, having a program within Utah County will help provide a cadre of “home-grown”
engineers who will foster more growth in the program in future years.
Consistency with Institutional Mission
The proposed engineering program supports the institutional mission statement and roles in many ways.
UVU’s mission statement specifies that UVU meets regional educational needs. The BSCE program
“prepares professionally competent people of integrity” and provides a quality academic learning
opportunity while at the same time promoting “economic and cultural development” throughout the region
and State with a strong commitment to meet current and future talent-force needs. This engineering
program will provide occupational, technical, and career opportunities to students. UVU expects this
program to grow as the technical industry base grows in Utah County—developing, broadening, and
strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships with business and industry to provide an increasingly
educated workforce and to enhance economic growth and development in the community.
10
Section IV: Program and Student Assessment
Program Assessment
The BS in Computer Engineering (BSCE) program presented in this document is designed to meet ABET
accreditation requirements. The current emphasis in CE is ABET accredited as part of the Computer
Science degree. ABET lists 8 criteria for baccalaureate level programs. Computer Science and
Engineering accreditation criteria are the same, except for criterion 2 and criterion 3. Criterion 2 and
criterion 3 for the BSCE, as listed in the 2011-2012 ABET Engineering Criteria document, are listed below:
Criterion 2. Program Educational Objectives
Each engineering program for which an institution seeks accreditation or reaccreditation must have in
place:
(a) detailed published educational objectives that are consistent with the mission of the institution
and these criteria;
(b) a process based on the needs of the program’s various constituencies in which the objectives
are determined and periodically examined;
(c) a curriculum and processes that ensure the achievement of these objectives;
(d) a system of ongoing evaluation that demonstrates achievement of these objectives and uses
the results to improve the effectiveness of the program.
Criterion 3. Program Outcomes and Assessment
Engineering programs must demonstrate that their graduates have:
(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet the desired needs within realistic
constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety,
manufacturing, and sustainability;
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
(g) an ability to communicate effectively;
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global,
economic, environmental, and societal context;
(i) a recognition of the need for, and the ability to engage in life-long learning;
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues;
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for
engineering practice.
The UVU BSCE program will have an assessment process with documented use of results. Evidence
will be given that the results are applied to the further development and improvement of the program.
The assessment process will demonstrate that the outcomes important to the mission of the institution
and the objectives of the program, including those listed above, are being measured. Evidence that will
be used includes, but is not limited to the following: student portfolios, including design projects;
nationally-normed subject content examinations; alumni surveys that document professional
11
accomplishments and career development activities; employer surveys; and placement data of
graduates.
The UVU BSCE program presented in this document has been designed to meet the ABET requirements
and the goal or objective statements that follow have been derived with that intent. The goals or objectives
that are presented were designed using information from programs that have successfully met the ABET
accreditation standards.
The BSCE program at UVU will use the following assessment mechanisms:









Conventional assignments and exams in individual courses.
Student Rating of Instruction in individual sections of courses.
Exit Survey of student results.
Survey of students three years after graduation.
Annual Faculty Curriculum Committee evaluation of courses in the curriculum
Utah Valley University program assessment instruments
Utah State Board of Regents 3 year new program review
Utah State Board of Regents 7-year program review
Northwest Accreditation self-study and review
Expected Standards of Performance
The table below relates each BSCE program goal and performance objective or outcome with the
associated assessment mechanisms.
Program Goal 1: To provide graduates with a thorough grounding in the key principles and practices of
engineering and computing, and the basic mathematical and scientific principles that underpin them.
Outcomes
Computer Engineering students
will demonstrate proficiency in
the areas of programming
languages, algorithms, operating
systems, computer architecture,
digital and analog circuits, and
engineering design.
Students will demonstrate
proficiency in relevant aspects of
mathematics as well as the
appropriate concepts from
physics and electrical circuits and
devices.
ABET
2012-2013
Criterion
3.(a-k)
a, c, d, e,
g, i, k
a, i, k
Assessment Methods and Feedback
Mechanisms
Evaluate student proficiency in these tasks by
assigning suitable laboratory tasks in appropriate
courses, and by conducting mid-term and final
examinations in various courses. The results of
these evaluations will be used by the individual
instructors and the department curriculum
committee to improve the various courses.
Evaluate via examinations and appropriate
assignments how well students have acquired the
required technical knowledge. Provide this
information to the faculty involved in teaching this
material.
12
Outcomes
Students will successfully apply
these principles and practices to
a variety of problems.
ABET
2012-2013
Criterion
3.(a-k)
a, b, c, e,
k
Students will demonstrate an
understanding of differential and
integral calculus, advanced
engineering mathematics,
discrete structures, probability
and statistics, physics, and other
areas of science pertinent to
engineering.
Students will apply modern
engineering tools necessary for
computer engineering practice
including computer based
analysis, design, and simulation
tools.
a, b, e, k
Students will have the ability to
work with others and on
multidisciplinary teams in both
classroom and laboratory
environments.
Students will demonstrate critical
and abstract thinking.
d
k
a, e
Assessment Methods and Feedback
Mechanisms
Evaluate in advanced courses, including the
capstone design courses, students’ ability to apply
the principles and practices they have acquired in
earlier courses. The department curriculum
committee will use these results to improve the
curriculum.
On a long term basis, use feedback from employee
and supervisor surveys to gauge graduates’ ability
to apply these principles and practices in the
workplace.
Evaluate via examinations and appropriate
assignments, in courses where students apply
these skills, as well as in courses where these skills
are acquired, how well students are able to use the
required technical knowledge. Provide feedback to
the faculty teaching this material.
Provide laboratory and classroom assignments that
require the use of the engineering tools for the
solution of problems. Evaluate the students’
proficiency in the use of these tools.
Survey alumni and employers to see how well the
graduates are able to use the tools.
Evaluate the individual and team performance in
courses organized to provide team experiences.
Use feedback from graduates of the program and
from employers to gauge how well graduates are
able to function as team members in the workplace.
Provide coursework and laboratory exercises that
are designed to require critical and abstract
thinking.
Student performance on these exercises will be
examined and evaluated for the students’ ability to
apply these skills. Feedback will be provided to the
instructors in these courses.
13
Program Goal 2: To provide graduates with an understanding of the overall human context in which
engineering and computing activities take place.
ABET
2012-2013 Assessment Methods and Feedback
Criterion Mechanisms
3.(a-k)
Students will demonstrate an
g
Assign design documents and other technical
ability to communicate effectively.
communication as part of the required work in
several courses. Evaluate the student’s
performance in both written and oral
communication. Provide feedback to the courses
where the communication skills are taught.
Outcomes
Students will obtain familiarity
with basic ideas and
contemporary issues in the social
sciences and the humanities.
Students will obtain an
understanding of social,
professional, and ethical issues
related to engineering.
g, j
f, h, j
Survey employers to see how effectively the
graduates communicate in the workplace.
Review on a regular basis the course content of the
programs required courses that cover these issues.
Provide feedback to the department curriculum
committee.
Review on a regular basis course content and
student performance in the courses required by the
department that cover these issues. Provide
feedback to the department curriculum committee.
Program Goal 3: To prepare graduates for immediate employment in the Computer Engineering
profession and for admission to graduate school.
Outcomes
The majority of the graduates will
be immediately employed in hightechnology companies that utilize
their computer engineering skills.
Strong graduates from the
program will be prepared to enter
graduate programs.
ABET
2000
Criterion
3.(a-k)
e, k
a, b, c, e,
h, i
Assessment Methods and Feedback
Mechanisms
Use data from the placement office to obtain
information about how actively the graduates are
being recruited by high-tech companies.
Use survey data from graduates and from
employers to see how successful the graduates are
in the workplace.
Use data from departmental exit surveys to see how
many of the graduates are accepted to graduate
programs.
14
Section V: Finance
Financial Analysis Form for All R401 Documents
Students
Projected FTE Enrollment*
Cost Per FTE*
Student/Faculty Ratio*
Projected Headcount**
Projected Tuition
Gross Tuition
Tuition to Program
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
5.47
$5,052.00
10.93
102
6.83
$5,957.00
9.76
115
7.20
$5,902.00
10.29
120
7.47
$6,805.00
9.33
122
7.67
$6,835.00
9.58
124
$21,561.00 $26,951.00 $28,397.00 $29,449.00 $30,237.00
See Notes See Notes See Notes See Notes See Notes
5 Year Budget Projection (for new courses/sections only)
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Expense***
Salaries & Wages
Benefits
Total Personnel
Current Expense
Travel
Capital
Library Expense
Total Expense
Revenue***
Legislative Appropriation
Grants & Contracts
Donations
Reallocation
Tuition Generated by new FTE
Fees
Other (Tuition growth in other programs)
Total Revenue
Difference
Revenue-Expense
Year 5
$20,000.00 $29,120.00 $30,285.00 $35,996.00 $37,435.00
$2,120.00 $3,087.00 $3,210.00 $3,816.00 $3,968.00
$22,120.00 $32,207.00 $33,495.00 $39,811.00 $41,404.00
$500.00 $3,000.00 $3,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00
$0.00
$500.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00
$5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$27,620.00 $40,707.00 $42,495.00 $50,811.00 $52,404.00
$21,561.00 $26,951.00 $28,374.00 $29,449.00 $30,237.00
$6,059.00 $13,756.00 $14,098.00 $21,363.00 $22,166.00
$27,620.00 $40,707.00 $42,495.00 $50.811.00 $50,404.00
$
- $
- $
- $
- $
-
Comments
*Projected FTE Enrollment, Cost Per FTE, and Student/Faculty Ratio are for the additional sections of
existing courses ONLY. Given the nature of these courses, the Student/Faculty Ratio for these
additional sections will be lower than that of the entire Computer Science Department
**Projected number of majors in this new program
15
***Expenses and Revenues are for the additional sections of existing courses ONLY
Notes: UVU does not allocate tuition revenues directly to any programs. Increased tuition revenue from
general UVU growth and/or additional enrollment growth tax fund support would be allocated
through UVU’s Planning, Budgeting, and Accountability (PBA) process.
Funding Sources
Utah Valley University utilizes a Planning, Budgeting, and Assessment (PBA) process to allocate new and
reallocate existing resources (including tuition from enrollment growth). As part of this process, the College
of Technology and Computing (T&C) continually assesses student demand in all of its programs and
identifies and prioritizes initiatives for funding consideration. Given historic and projected enrollment growth,
UVU anticipates additional tuition revenue from growth sufficient to support the proposed budget. Further,
new base funding provided through the Engineering Initiative can be directed to support this program.
Reallocation
No reallocation is anticipated.
Impact on Existing Budgets
Since the computer engineering emphasis has been in existence since 2001, the impact on the existing
budgets will be minimal once the new degree is approved. The new degree will use the existing
administrative structure to support its operation.
16
Appendix A: Program Curriculum
All Program Courses
Course Number
General Education
ENGL 1010
ENGL 2020
American Institutions choice
PHIL 2050
HLTH 1100
or PES 1097
COMM 1020
COMM 2110
Fine Arts Choice
Biology Choice
Core Courses
MATH 1210
MATH 1220
MATH 2210
MATH 2040
PHYS 2210
PHYS 2215
PHYS 2220
PHYS 2225
CHEM 1210
CHEM 1215
CS 1400
CS 1410
CS 2300
CS 2420
CS 2600
CS 2810
COMP 301R
CS 305G
CS 3060
CS 3240
CS 4380
EENG 1020
Title
Introduction to Writing
Intermediate Writing: Science and
Technology
American Institutions choice
Ethics and Values
Personal Health and Wellness
Fitness for Life
Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communications
Fine Arts Choice
Biology Choice
Sub-Total
Calculus I*
Calculus II
Calculus III
Principles of Statistics
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I**
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab
Physics for Scientists and Engineers II**
Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Lab
Principles of Chemistry I
Principles of Chemistry I Lab
Fundamentals of Programming
Object-Oriented Programming
Discrete Structures I
Introduction to Algorithms and Data
Structures
Computer Networks I
Computer Organization and Architecture
Digital Lecture Series
Global Social and Ethical Issues in
Computing
Operating Systems Theory
Introduction to Computational Theory
Advanced/High-Performance Computer
Architecture
Computer Eng Problem Solving with Matlab
Credit
Hours
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
26.0
5.0
5.0
3.0
4.0
4.0
1.0
4.0
1.0
4.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
1.0
17
Course Number
EENG 2700
EENG 2705
EENG 2250
EENG 2255
EENG 3720
EENG 3740
EENG 3750
EENG 3770
EENG 4730
EENG 4760
EENG 4765
EENG 4800
Title
Digital Design I
Digital Design I Lab
Circuit Theory
Circuit Theory Lab
Interfacing to Microprocessors
Digital Design II
Engineering Analysis
Signals and Systems
Embedded Systems
Electronic Systems
Electronic Systems Lab
Computer Engineering Senior Design Project
Sub-Total
Elective Courses
Any CS 3000 or 4000 level class
Any CS or EENG 3000 or 4000 level class
Sub-Total
Credit
Hours
3.0
1.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
94.0
6.0
6.0
Track/Options (if applicable)
Sub-Total
Total Number of Credits
* Fulfills general education math requirement
** Fulfills general education physical science requirement
126.0
New Courses to be Added in the Next Five Years
No new courses are needed to implement the degree. The necessary courses are already delivered in the
Computer Engineering emphasis in the Computer Science BS degree.
18
Appendix B: Program Schedule
Computer Engineering
1st Semester
MATH 1210
CS
1400
EENG 1020
ENGL 1010
GE Elective
2nd Semester
MATH 1220
PHYS 2210
PHYS 2215
CS
1410
CS
2810
3rd Semester
PHYS 2220
PHYS 2225
CS
2420
EENG 2700
EENG 2705
EENG 3750
4th Semester
MATH 2210
CHEM 1210
CHEM 1215
EENG 2250
EENG 2255
ENGL 2020
5th Semester
CS
2300
CS
2600
CS
3060
COMP 301R
EENG 3720
COMM 2110
Calculus I
Fundamentals of Programming
Computer Eng Problem Solving with Matlab
Introduction to Writing
Biology
Total
5.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
15.0
Calculus II
Physics for Scientists and Eng. I
Physics for Scientists and Eng. I Lab
Object Oriented Programming
Computer Organization and Architecture
Total
5.0
4.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
16.0
Physics for Scientists and Eng. II
Physics for Scientists and Eng. II Lab
Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures
Digital Design I
Digital Design I Lab
Engineering Analysis
Total
4.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
15.0
Calculus III
Principles of Chemistry I
Principles of Chemistry I Lab
Circuit Theory
Circuit Theory Lab
Intermediate Writing–Sci/Tech
Total
3.0
4.0
1.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
15.0
Total
3.0
3.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
16.0
Discrete Structures I
Computer Networks I
Operating Systems Theory
Digital Lecture Series
Interfacing to Microprocessors
Interpersonal Communication
19
Computer Engineering (cont.)
6th Semester
MATH 2040
CS
3240
EENG 3740
EENG 3770
COMM 1020
Principles of Statistics
Introduction to Comp. Theory
Digital Design II
Signals and Systems
Public Speaking
Total
7th Semester
CS
305G Global Social and Ethical Issues in Computing
CS
4380 Advanced/High Performance Comp. Arch.
EENG 4730 Embedded Systems
Technical Elective
GE Elective
Health/PE
GE Elective
American Institutions
Total
th
8 Semester
EENG 4760 Electronic Systems
EENG 4765 Electronic Systems Lab
EENG 4800 Computer Engineering Senior Design Project
Technical Elective
PHIL 2050 Ethics and Values
GE elective
Fine Arts
Total
TOTAL HOURS BSCE PROGRAM
4.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
16.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
17.0
3.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
16.0
126.0
20
Appendix C: Faculty
The following salaried faculty will be supporting the proposed new program:
Charles Allison
M.S. Applied Math/Computer Science University of Arizona
 Completed Ph.D. coursework in Applied Math/CS, University of Arizona
 Over 20 years industrial experience
1985
Roger K. deBry
Ph.D. Electrical Engineering University of Utah
 Over 25 years as a practicing engineer with IBM
1973
Brian Durney
Ph.D. Computer Science University of Oregon
 17 years of teaching experience at BYU Hawaii and UVU
 3 years industrial experience
1994
Dennis Fairclough
M.S. Electrical Engineering University of Santa Clara
 Completed doctoral coursework in EE Brigham Young University
 Extensive industrial experience as a practicing computer engineer
1968
Neil Harrison
M.S. Computer Science Purdue University
 Ph.D. Student Computer Science University of Groningen
 24 years industrial experience
 5 years teaching experience
1982
Dave Heldenbrand M.S. Computer Science John Hopkins University
 Over 18 years teaching experience in Computer Science
1991
Kirk Love
M.S. Computer Science Brigham Young University
 Over 26 years industrial experience
 10 years of teaching experience
1987
Afsaneh Minaie
Ph.D. Electrical Engineering University of Oklahoma
 BS and MS in Electrical Engineering
 4 years industrial experience
 17 years teaching experience in Electrical and Computer Engineering
1989
Keith Olsen
Ph.D. Mathematics University of Utah
 28 years experience teaching computer science
1965
Cheol Hwan Oh
Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Eng. Purdue University
 2 years post-doctoral research experience
 3 years teaching experience
2005
Todd Peterson
Ph.D. Computer Science University of Alabama
 10 years teaching experience
1999
21
Reza Sanati-Mehrizy Ph.D. Computer Science University of Oklahoma
 20 years teaching experience
1987
Timothy D. Stanley Ph.D. Electrical Engineering University of New Mexico
 22 years industrial experience
 8 years teaching experience
 CS faculty, UVU since 2011
1985
Curtis Wellborn
Ph.D. Computer Science Texas Tech. University
 20 years of industrial experience
 5 years teaching experience
2005
The following adjunct faculty will be supporting the program:
Abraham Teng
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering Brigham Young University
10 years industrial experience in software production and automation projects
Charles Knadler
Ph.D. Computer Science, George Washington University
36 years of industrial experience in software development
Harold Harken
M.S. Computer Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology
25 years of industrial experience in software development
John Jolley
B.S. Computer Science, Utah Valley University
18 years of industrial experience in software development
22