Purdue University Northwest

What you'll study

Coursework typically covers core topics that bridge hardware and software:

• Digital logic and design — Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential circuits, and hardware description concepts.
• Microprocessors and embedded systems — CPU architecture basics, assembly/low-level programming, and microcontroller applications.
• Interfacing and peripherals — Input/output, sensors, actuators, and communication protocols.
• Applied programming — C/C++ for embedded platforms, real-time considerations, and debugging methods.
• Laboratory and project work — Hands-on labs and a capstone-style project to integrate hardware and software elements.

Entry requirements

Admittance to the minor normally requires enrollment in an undergraduate degree at the same institution. Students should have foundational coursework in calculus and introductory programming or consent of the department. Specific prerequisites and credit residency rules are set by the faculty administering the minor and should be confirmed with academic advising.

Career prospects

The minor equips students for roles that demand cross-disciplinary skills: embedded systems developer, firmware engineer, hardware test engineer, or roles in robotics, IoT, and industrial control. Combined with a complementary major, it enhances employability in industries that integrate electronics and software.

Scholarships & funding angle

Funding for students in a Computer Engineering minor usually comes through university-wide scholarships, departmental awards for engineering students, research assistantships if involved in faculty projects, and external industry-sponsored scholarships. Prospective applicants should explore institutional scholarships, merit- and need-based aid, and targeted awards for STEM students, and consult the financial aid office for eligibility and application guidance.