2008-2009 Academic Catalog

Engineering and Computer Science School of Natural and Applied Sciences Engineering and Computer Science 80 Cedarville University 2008–09 Mission Statement The Elmer W. Engstrom Department of Engineering and Computer Science offers accredited programs in Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Computer Science. Our philosophy centers on a rigorous, back-to-basics education that is rich with hands-on opportunities to apply classroom theory. Our faculty share a common vision that states: “We, the Elmer W. Engstrom Department of Engineering and Computer Science, seek to honor the Lord Jesus Christ in every endeavor and earnestly desire to cultivate technical professionals who are committed to moral excellence and who are exemplary in character, conduct, and skill. Therefore, we strive to provide an excellent educational environment that will nurture our students to honor the Lord in all things and help them to grow in spiritual maturity, wisdom, knowledge, and expertise for purposeful lives of service.” Programs of Study The department of engineering and computer science offers the following programs of study: Majors Computer Science (B.S.) • Computer Engineering (B.S.Cp.E.) • Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) • Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) • Minors Biomedical Engineering • Computer Science • Special Programs Cooperative Education Program • Engineering Honors Program • Accreditation The B.S.E.E. and B.S.M.E. programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Accreditation for Computer Science and Computer Engineering is pending approval in July 2007. Registration as a Professional Engineer Senior engineering majors and graduate engineers are eligible to take the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination offered by the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers. This exam is the first of two required to become a registered professional engineer and is offered each spring at Cedarville University (CU). CU seniors have passed the FE exam at a rate that is consistently higher than the national pass rates. Personal Requirements Students interested in one of the programs housed within the department of engineering and computer science should possess a strong aptitude in mathematics and physical sciences. Those students who flourish in our programs typically enjoy applying their aptitude toward solving problems. Successful engineers and computer scientists are individuals who enjoy designing solutions to problems. Department Requirements New Students Entering students are required to have an ACT composite score of at least 22 (or an SAT of at least 1010) in order to declare a major in the department. Students who do not meet this standard or do not demonstrate equivalent competency may request admission to the department on a provisional status. To prepare for engineering or computer science, high school students should take a college preparatory curriculum that includes: 4 units of English • 4 units of mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and • advanced mathematics or precalculus) 4 units of science (physical science, biology, chemistry, and • physics) 3 units of social science • 2 units of the same foreign language • Experience with spreadsheets and word processors is helpful, but not required for entry. Retention Requirement Engineering students must demonstrate proficiency in certain lower-level courses to advance into upper-level 3000- and 4000-level courses. Therefore, all students must earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 by the end of their sophomore year. In addition, each program within the department has its own specific retention requirements as follows. Computer Engineering To advance into the junior year, CpE majors must earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 in the following engineering courses: EGCP-1010, EGGN-1110, EGEE-2010, and EGME-1810 and 2510. In addition, CpE majors must earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 in the following cognate courses: CS-1210, 1220, and 2210; MATH-1710, 1720, 2740 and MATH-3110; and PHYS-2110 and 2120. Electrical Engineering To advance into the junior year, EE majors must earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 in the following engineering courses: EGCP-1010, EGGN-1110, EGEE-2010, and EGME- 1810, 2510, and 2630. In addition, EE majors must earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 in the following cognate courses: CS-1210; MATH-1710, 1720, 2710, and 2740; and PHYS-2110 and 2120.