Meeting the Needs of a Constantly Connected World

Almost everywhere you look these days, you’re greeted by a gadget. Weber State’s computer science and electrical engineering programs are bolstering the workforce that creates those gadgets and much more.

Since 2010, combined enrollment in both programs has grown by more than 45 percent, with a total of 961 students currently declared.

As the world advances technologically, both computer science and electrical engineering fields are in high demand. What better place to earn a degree in those fields than a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)? Both Weber State’s computer science and electrical engineering programs have that qualification, which employers like Hill Air Force Base desire. Further, both the computer science and electrical engineering programs have a job placement rate of close to 100 percent.

“There’s a consistent demand for our graduates,” said Brian Rague, chair of WSU’s Department of Computer Science.

Rague said it’s possible to have an additional 1,000 computer science students in the next three years. Meanwhile, the electrical engineering department is continually searching for more available space and faculty to meet the demand.

“It’s the right kind of problem to have,” said Kirk Hagen, chair of WSU’s Department of Engineering.

In Demand: Computer Engineers

Weber State University now offers a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering and an accelerated five-year Master of Science degree in computer engineering. More than 25 students were expected to enroll in fall 2015, with anticipated growth to more than 110 by 2020. The programs are housed in WSU’s College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (formerly the College of Applied Science & Technology).

With the continued growth of digital technologies, more industries are expected to have demand for engineers. This sparked WSU’s initiative and ongoing commitment to meet the educational needs of both private industry and government, including Hill Air Force Base.