What is Computer Engineering? What are the working areas of Computer Engineers?

Computer Engineering is a field that involves the design, development, and maintenance of the software and hardware components of computer systems. In recent years, with the rapid progress in technology, systems developed by Computer Engineers are used in almost every area of life.

Today, computer engineers commonly work in areas such as software design and development, web design, business and process automation in various industries, software development for embedded systems and microprocessors, digital circuit and board design, operating systems, computational algorithms, artificial intelligence applications, data communication, digital control systems, mobile phones, digital audio and video players/processors/recorders, alarm systems, and information systems management and operation.

 

Why should I study Computer Engineering at Atılım University?

The Computer Engineering Department at Atılım University was established in 1998 and is currently the largest department in the Faculty of Engineering in terms of the number of students and faculty members. The academic staff consists of members who have received degrees from well-known national and international institutions.

Because the department is committed to excellence in education, research, and social activities, it closely follows the newest teaching methods and laboratory techniques. The aim is to create a productive environment and build strong relationships with students so they can become qualified individuals who can produce effective solutions using engineering approaches in the computer field.

The department’s academic staff is also actively involved in scientific research, consultancy, and community services.

Our undergraduate program is carefully designed and is periodically updated according to international standards to meet the needs of professional work environments after graduation. The curriculum helps students gain knowledge about developing and maintaining computer and software systems in laboratory environments.

Another aim of the courses is not only to teach technical knowledge but also to develop teamwork, communication, leadership, and independent learning skills. Undergraduate students are encouraged to conduct research through project-based courses under the supervision of faculty members before graduation.

Both the university and the department are research-oriented. This allows students to learn the latest technologies and gain experience in applying this knowledge in real life.

 

What are the differences between Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and Information Systems Engineering?

The field of Computer Engineering is rapidly developing worldwide and in Turkey, and it is increasingly divided into subfields. Today, many titles exist in the information technology field such as hardware engineer, software engineer, system analyst, database administrator, web designer, and quality manager.

Many universities offer undergraduate programs under names such as Computer Science, Information Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Software Engineering. These programs provide more specialized education in specific areas.

The advantage of our department is that students can decide their areas of interest later and specialize through elective courses. Students can also pursue double major or minor programs in related fields such as Software Engineering and Information Systems Engineering.

 

Is there a Double Major opportunity in your department?

Our university offers successful students the opportunity to study and receive a diploma in a second field. Our department has double major programs with:

  • Information Systems Engineering

  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering

  • Mechatronics Engineering

  • Software Engineering

More information can be found at: https://www.atilim.edu.tr/en/compe/page/4664/double-major-programs

 

What is the size of your academic staff?

As of March 2026, the Computer Engineering Department has 445 students enrolled. There are 7 full-time faculty members and 3 research assistants. When needed, experienced part-time academics who are experts in their fields also contribute to the program.

 

Does your department provide education according to certain standards? Is it accredited?

Our Computer Engineering undergraduate program has been accredited until 2030 by the Engineering Education Programs Evaluation and Accreditation Association (MÜDEK), an independent organization that contributes to improving the quality of engineering education in Turkey.

The program has also received the EUR-ACE label, which is recognized across Europe.

 

What are the features of your curriculum?

Our curriculum includes courses that provide the knowledge and skills needed by the industry and is regularly updated according to current needs.

To ensure students graduate ready for the industry, practical laboratory work and project-based courses are emphasized.

There is also a wide range of elective courses allowing students to specialize in areas such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Virtualization

  • Embedded Systems

  • Image Processing

  • E-Government

  • Computer Games

  • Computer Networks

  • Parallel Computing

  • Cloud Computing

  • Big Data

  • Computer and System Security

Students can also participate in scientific research projects during their undergraduate education, gaining experience in research and teamwork while applying the knowledge they learn in their courses.

 

What is the Cooperative Education Program?

Atılım University implements a Cooperative Education Model, which combines academic education with work experience. This program allows students to gain real-world experience while studying.

Students who meet the requirements in the Computer Engineering program can participate in the cooperative education program.

More information: https://www.atilim.edu.tr/en/cpa/page/3042/cooperative-education-program

 

What are the internship opportunities?

Students in the Computer Engineering Department must complete two summer internships:

  • After the 4th semester – at least 20 working days

  • After the 6th semester – at least 30 working days

During internships, students’ work is monitored by faculty members. Being located in Ankara provides advantages due to cooperation with public institutions and companies. Leading companies in the sector also request interns from the university.

What international opportunities are available (Erasmus, etc.)?

Our university participates in the Erasmus+ Exchange Program, allowing students to study at partner universities abroad.

Some partner universities include:

Country

University

Austria

Graz University of Technology

Sweden

Stockholm University

Spain

University of Granada

Polonya

Lublin University of Technology

Serbia

Megatrend University

Czech Republic

University of Ostrava

Denmark

Roskilde Universitet International Team

Malta

University of Malta

France

Universite de Technologie de Compiegne

Poland

University of Economy in Bydgoszcz

Poland 

Radom Academy of Economics 

Poland

Poznan University of Technology

Czech Republic

Prigo University

https://ic.atilim.edu.tr/partner-universities/

Students may also work abroad after graduation or do internships abroad if academic requirements are met.


Where can graduates work?

Since we live in the Information Age, Computer Engineering is one of the most popular professions.

Computer engineers are needed in almost every sector for the development, testing, and operation of computer systems.

Graduates usually work in private companies or public institutions in positions such as:

  • Project or team member

  • Project or team manager

  • System operator

Some graduates start their own companies with institutional support, while others pursue academic careers as researchers or lecturers. Many also work abroad as software developers or continue their education with master’s and doctoral programs.

How many graduates has the department produced?

Since 2002, the department has produced more than 900 graduates.

Communication with graduates is maintained through social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook, as well as through the university’s Alumni Association and Alumni Communication Office, which organize events connecting graduates and students.


Cooperative Education Program – Questions and Answers

Question: Who can participate in the Cooperative Education Program?
Answer: Participation in the program is open to students from all departments of our university. For participation, it is sufficient that the program related to the department and the partner companies have been determined. In the Computer Engineering Department, the first implementation of this program started in the 2019–2020 summer term.

 

Question: How are the companies selected for your department?
Answer: Our cooperative education coordinators first conduct preliminary research about companies using external information sources. After the initial evaluation, meetings are held with the officials of suitable companies. In addition, the companies are visited on-site and evaluated in terms of whether they can be beneficial for our students within the framework of the Cooperative Education Program. After all these processes, agreements are made with the appropriate companies.

 

Question: Which companies have agreements with the Computer Engineering Department?
Answer: As of 2026, we have agreements with more than 30 companies. The names of these companies (in alphabetical order) are:

  1. AKGÜN YAZILIM
  2. ADALET BAKANLIĞI BİGM
  3. ANTE GRUP BİLİŞİM
  4. ARD GRUP
  5. ATOS BİLİŞİM
  6. BARİKAT
  7. BAŞARSOFT
  8. CS-TECH BİLİŞİM
  9. C/S INFORMASYON
  10. DEEPCASE
  11. DEMİRÖREN TEKNOLOJİ
  12. DİGİTEST ELEKTRONİK
  13. HAVELSAN
  14. HTR
  15. ICTERRA
  16. INNOVA
  17. INTECRO ROBOTİK
  18. JFORCE
  19. MAY SİBER TEKNOLOJİ
  20. MİA TEKNOLOJİ
  21. MINDTRO
  22. ONEDIO
  23. ONUR MÜHENDİSLİK
  24. ÖZGÜR YAZILIM
  25. PAPILON SAVUNMA
  26. PROVEN BİLİŞİM
  27. REDDLYNE
  28. SEBİT
  29. SIGNUMTTE
  30. SOFTTECH YAZILIM
  31. STM
  32. STYX YAZILIM
  33. TUBITAK SAGE
  34. TURKTRUST

 

Question: What are the requirements to participate in the Cooperative Education Program?
Answer: To participate, the student must have a GPA of at least 2.00, there must be available program quotas, and the company must select the student. First, students choose their preferred companies, and efforts are made to place them according to their preferences. If more students apply to the same company than the available quota, ranking is done based on GPA. Additionally, if more students apply than the company’s quota, interviews may be conducted and final acceptance is determined based on mutual preference between the company and the student.

 

Question: Which class levels can participate in the Cooperative Education Program?
Answer: Students can participate at the end of their third year, after completing the first 6 semesters. The program covers the summer period after the 6th semester and the 7th semester.

 

Question: Can students participate in the program during the last semester of their final year?
Answer: No. The program cannot be joined in the final semester because it is considered a part of the university education rather than the beginning of professional work life. Therefore, students must continue their university education for at least one more semester after completing the program. However, if a student completes all courses by the end of the 7th semester and qualifies for graduation, flexibility may be provided so that the student can graduate without studying an additional semester.

 

Question: What is the duration of the program?
Answer: The program lasts approximately 6–7 months.

 

Question: Is the program only done by working at a company for a certain period?
Answer: No. The program may include different implementations. For example, a student may complete a graduation project or course project under the supervision of an industry professional, focusing on solving a real-world problem.

 

Question: Must the program be completed as full-time work?
Answer: In our department, the program is implemented by working full-time at the workplace for one semester without attending classes at the university.

 

Question: Does a participating student earn credits toward graduation?
Answer: Yes. Participation in the program is defined as credit-bearing coursework, so students earn academic credits during the program and their graduation is not delayed. The number of credits depends on the courses defined in the program.

 

Question: Which courses provide credit for students participating in the program?
Answer: The courses defined for the Computer Engineering program include:

  • CMPE 499 – Summer Internship

  • CMPE 494 – Graduation Project (Compulsory course)

  • CMPE 481 – Cooperative Education Project 1 (Field elective)

  • CMPE 483 – Cooperative Education Project 2 (Field elective)

  • CMPE 485 – Cooperative Education Project 3 (Non-field elective)

  • CMPE 487 – Cooperative Education Project 4 (Non-field elective)

More information: https://www.atilim.edu.tr/en/compe/page/3581/cooperative-educaiton

 

Question: Does participation in the program extend the graduation period?
Answer: No. The program is part of the normal education period and included in the curriculum.

 

Question: Do students receive payment from the company during the program?
Answer: The company may provide payment. The amount depends on the program structure, duration, and the agreement made with the company.