ECE’s Embedded Systems and Internet of Things Program launches into its first year

The Bachelor of Science in Embedded Systems and the Internet of Things (ESIOT), is the latest bachelor’s degree program offered by The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, at the University of Maryland, College Park, and the first undergraduate engineering program to be held at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland. The first cohort enrolled in the ESIOT program started in Fall 2020.

The program’s curriculum is a combination of relevant topics from electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and networking, designed and developed by University of Maryland faculty members, in collaboration with experts in industry. It is a two-year program intended for transfer students pursuing a STEM program at any community college in Maryland.

The curriculum is unique and provides rigorous training in hardware and software with specializations in networks, cybersecurity, and machine learning. Students develop foundational knowledge in their junior year, including analog circuits, discrete mathematics, computer organization, networks, and microelectronics. Students also learn C, Python, Java, and Verilog coding. Senior-level coursework includes courses on firmware development, real-time operating systems, network security, hardware security, machine learning focused on embedded systems, and a year-long culminating capstone design project.

The balance between theory and real-world, hands-on experience firmly ground students in solid engineering principles that prepare them to pursue exceptional careers in software and hardware development, data analytics, application development, cybersecurity analytics, and much more.

Due to the pandemic, the cohort of students were issued individual lab instrumentation and components to allow them to be able to do work remotely this year.

“Embedded systems and IoT have been transformative in many facets of our economy,” says ESIOT Program Director and Professor Romel (Mel) Gomez. “This includes manufacturing, transportation, building infrastructure, healthcare, logistics, weather prediction, disaster management, agriculture, energy sustainability, intelligent homes, and of course, entertainment, to name a few. Many companies utilize this technology to improve products and services, reduce cost, and expand markets while protecting from malicious cyber threats.”

To learn more about the program, visit shadygrove.ece.umd.edu, or contact the ESIOT Program Coordinator, Ms. Glenn Kasten-Sportes, at es-sg@umd.edu.

Published April 8, 2021