Engineering, B.S.E Computer Engineering Concentration

Engineering, B.S.EComputer Engineering Concentration

Program Overview

PLNU’s Engineering B.S.E. with a concentration in Computer Engineering blends computer science, electrical engineering, physics, and mathematics to prepare you for careers at the forefront of technology. This concentration is ideal if you’re interested in areas like systems engineering, network engineering, computer chip design, or cybersecurity.

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ABET Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.

Why Choose Engineering at PLNU?

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Industry Recognition

Our computing programs are recognized by San Diego’s EDC as a preferred provider of engineering and manufacturing talent, giving you a competitive edge in one of the nation’s top tech regions. 

Required Internship

All students complete an internship, ensuring you graduate with professional engineering experience. ABET commended this as a program strength.

Capstone Project with Purpose

You’ll complete a year-long senior design project with real-world clients. Recent projects have included designing engineering systems for mission projects in Guatemala.

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Personalized Mentorship

Small class sizes and one-on-one faculty advising provide individualized support for academic planning, career goals, and graduate school preparation.

Diverse Options 

Computer Engineering is one of several emphases within PLNU’s engineering program, alongside Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. 

Faith + Future Focus 

As you grow in technical expertise, you'll also be challenged to explore how your work in engineering can serve people, honor your calling, and make a meaningful impact. 

Community Connections 

The department maintains strong connections with local organizations, offering students access to internships, entry-level job opportunities, and hands-on projects, including a partnership with the nearby Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific. 

What You’ll Study

Alongside a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, you’ll complete core engineering coursework and specialize in computer engineering with subjects such as:

  • Digital Logic and Computer Architecture
  • Microprocessors
  • Electronics and Circuit Design
  • Software Engineering
  • Signals and Systems
  • Computer Networking
  • Engineering Design and Project Management

Your education culminates in an internship and a two-semester senior design project, where you’ll create solutions for real clients.

Graduates of PLNU’s Engineering program pursue careers in:

  • Electrical Engineer
  • Computer Hardware Engineer
  • Network Engineer
  • Cybersecurity and Systems Engineer

With its balance of rigorous academics, hands-on experience, and ABET accreditation, PLNU’s Computer Engineering concentration prepares you to launch directly into industry or pursue graduate study in engineering and technology.

Scientific Minds, Real-World Impact

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Faculty Spotlight: Michelle Chen, Ph.D.

Where Tech Meets Innovation

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Matthew Sailer Leads Climatology for the U.S. Navy Alum Matthew Sailer combines his love for science and his country by serving in the U.S. Navy in climatology. Discover
Faculty Spotlight: Michelle Chen, Ph.D. To explain her field of study, Dr. Michelle Chen, PLNU professor of physics and engineering, refers to a ball on her desk. It is hand-sized and made up of hexagons, like a soccer ball you can see all the way through. She points to each part and explains: each intersection of lines symbolizes a carbon Discover
Erika Weisdorfer: Engineering Good While she was a student at PLNU, Erika Weisdorfer felt a calling to use her engineering physics degree to help others. Discover
Teaching Machines to Learn Not only was she pushing herself outside of her comfort zone exploring this new field, Dotter was also getting to ask questions of purpose and meaning, questions at the intersection of both computer science and biology. How can we teach a computer to learn the way we do? While many people have wondered that very Discover

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Engineering, B.S.E Computer Engineering Concentration program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

Start Application

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Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

Are you curious about the driving forces behind machinery and infrastructure? Utilize a degree in computer engineering to learn about power generation, digital interfacing, and much more so that you can flourish in the engineering industry. 

What can you do with an engineering degree with a computer engineering concentration?

Many PLNU graduates have gone on to work in careers in academia, aerospace, computer technology, research, satellite or cellular communications, semiconductors, and solar technology (just to name a few). All are equipped with thorough knowledge and tools for their roles within these industries. 

Some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and components for everything from power generation to electronics and communications. They work in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, aerospace, and research.

  • Median Pay: $118,780/year
  • Number of Jobs: 287,900
  • Job Outlook (2024–2034): +7%
  • Employment Change: +19,700 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineers research, design, develop, and test hardware components such as circuit boards, processors, and memory devices. They often work in industries like manufacturing, research labs, and tech hardware companies.

  • Median Pay: $155,020/year
  • Number of Jobs: 76,800
  • Job Outlook (2024–2034): +7%
  • Employment Change: +5,600 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Computer Network Architect

A Computer Network Architect designs and builds data communication networks such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud-based systems that ensure reliable and secure connectivity. They plan network infrastructures, evaluate performance, and implement new technologies to optimize efficiency and scalability. Computer Network Architects can work in technology firms, telecommunications companies, government agencies, or large corporations, with opportunities in network engineering, systems design, and IT infrastructure management.

  • Median Pay: $130,390/year
  • Number of Jobs: 179,200
  • Job Outlook (2024–2034): +12%
  • Employment Change: +21,400 jobs
View Full BLS Profile

Where Logic Meets Innovation

"Called to Care"
"Intelligence with Intent"

Big Data, Bold Minds

Quotes (2)
Pictures (5)
Called to Care
"I had amazing professors at Point Loma. I was part of the honors scholars program and had an excellent experience working with faculty. The Christ-centered education really influenced what I feel is my calling to work in healthcare. I really think that everything I learned during my time at PLNU has informed my choice to always explore opportunities to use my skills in a way that could help others."
Erika Weisdorfer Engineering and Physics B.S.E.
Intelligence with Intent
"I’ve been given the ability to understand certain parts of education like math and engineering. We’re all given different abilities from God. My talents and my intelligence are gifts, and I have to use them to continuously find His purpose."
Marissa Dotter Physics and Engineering B.S.

Department Faculty

Get Involved

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Physics and Engineering Senior Project

All engineering majors work on a capstone engineering project.

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Physics and Engineering Internships

Combine the skills and knowledge you gain from your physics and engineering coursework with valuable corporate experience through a semester-long internship.