New Mexico State University (NMSU) unveiled a newly introduced Bachelor of Science degree program in computer engineering on Sept. 11, offered through a collaboration between the Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering and the Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, according to a press release.
The computer engineering program at NMSU is centered on the development of secure hardware systems, with instruction provided by faculty members from both the engineering and computer science departments and the use of shared laboratory facilities. This program offers the potential for pursuing dual degrees due to the overlap between these two fields of study, according to the release.
“The need for this expertise is tremendous across the nation,” said Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Head Steven Stochaj, according to the release. “There are also tremendous opportunities for computer engineers within the state. Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, along with White Sands Missile Range and other industry partners nearby in Albuquerque, Tucson and Phoenix, such as Intel ABQ and the new Intel plant in Phoenix, are potential employers for our graduates. The employability and demand for the graduates of the degree will only grow as the initiatives from the CHIPS Act take hold.”
The CHIPS Act was designed to encourage investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing within the United States. Additionally, it aims to boost research and commercialization in advanced technologies like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, clean energy and nanotechnology while fostering the development of a skilled workforce, according to the release.
“The timing couldn’t be better,” said College of Engineering Dean Lakshmi N. Reddi. “The 2022 bipartisan passage of the CHIPS and Science Act will infuse $280 billion into the American economy to support competitiveness, innovation and national security. Much of that funding will go toward workforce development and research.”