Department Head's Message

Welcome to the Department of Computer Engineering at the American University of Sharjah. In the following text, I would like to answer some of the most commonly asked questions.

What is computer engineering?

Computer engineering includes the science and technology of design, construction, implementation and maintenance of software and hardware components of modern computer-controlled systems. It uniquely combines aspects of electrical engineering and computer science. Computer engineers have in-depth knowledge in hardware, software design as well as hardware-software integration. They are involved in all aspects of computing, from the design and use of individual microprocessors, circuit design and large-scale system integration, to databases, networking, security, robotics and telecommunications.

What does the computer engineering curriculum look like?

Our curriculum is a four-year program with 140 credit hours that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCoE). It provides the necessary theoretical background and combines it with practical hands-on experience in order to prepare graduates for their future careers. The program focuses on computer architecture and design, computer networks, databases, software engineering and computer applications in industry. It is geared towards the needs of IT industry to ensure a smooth transition from university to employment.

Is the computer engineering program accredited?

Yes. Our program is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education in the UAE, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the US, and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET accreditation makes our graduates eligible to apply for licensing as a professional engineer in many countries.

We continue to review our curriculum to meet international standards and consult with industry and alumni to ensure the relevance of our curriculum to today’s working environment.

Who are the professors?

Our faculty are dedicated teachers and researchers. Their aim is to provide students with the best educational experience possible. All of them have PhD degrees from North America or Europe. Please visit their personal web pages on this website to find out more about their background and their research.

What do your graduates do now?

Our graduates have moved on to start exciting careers in the UAE, the Gulf Region and all across the world. Our top students have taken leadership positions in industry or continued their education by doing graduate studies in North America and Europe. Job opportunities continue to expand as more and more IT experts are needed all across the world. Here in the Gulf Region, most of our graduates work in telecommunications, the oil and gas industry, hospitality, transportation, etc. They are employed by top employers, such as Schlumberger, Siemens, Etisalat, du, Burj Al Arab, Nokia, Petrofac, Honeywell, DEWA, Adgas, Thuraya, etc.

I sincerely hope that I could answer your most pressing questions. If you need any further information, please feel free to contact us.

Armin Eberlein
Department Head