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Intelligent Systems Engineering, B.S.

Preparing Engineering Students to Succeed in the AI and Autonomy Economy
  • 1st

    Intelligent Systems Engineering Bachelor of Science Program in North Carolina

AS AN ISE ENGINEER, YOU COULD WORK IN

With a deep foundation in AI and machine learning, you can work as an AI engineer, the fastest-growing and most lucrative job today.

Your studies in embedded systems, robotics, sensor development, and edge AI will position you to work across the autonomy domain, aerial, terrestrial, and marine.

As a systems engineer with a robust knowledge of embedded systems and AI you may work in the growing space industry or design the next generation of autonomous aerial vehicles.

Your strong AI and machine learning background will open opportunities in these industries.

Coursework in robotics will provide opportunities to work in all areas of robotics, surgical, field, service, and manufacturing.
Your ISE training will prepare you for a career developing the next generation of smart medical devices.

ISE curriculum prepares students to forge a path in the startup landscape, quantum computing and devices, and more.

Learn To

Use your AI and machine learning tools to solve challenging social and professional problems, ensuring that the solutions do not demonstrate bias and are ethical

Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and different engineering disciplines

Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data

Function on multidisciplinary teams

Intelligent Systems Engineering Program Overview

Become a "SMART" Engineer

Intelligent Systems Engineering (ISE) is the future of engineering. This program creates the “SMART” engineer through an interdisciplinary program that combines Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Design, and the Internet of Things.

Reinventing Engineering

The ISE program will train the next generation of engineers that create intelligent software and hardware devices that sense and react to the environment in clever ways. While engineering, in general, is all about problem-solving, ISE offers next-level solutions by leveraging advanced computing, pattern recognition, machine learning, and other forms of artificial intelligence to design and build complex engineered solutions.

ISE-generated solutions can take many forms, from autonomous vehicles, smart appliances, hypersonic jet engines and smart networking devices, to cybersecurity devices, Medical Internet of Things, robotics, and more. 

By the time students graduate with a Bachelor of Science in ISE, they will have demonstrated fundamental knowledge in:

  • Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Pattern Recognition
  • Cybersecurity and Cyber-Physical Systems
  • Hardware and Software Programming
  • Embedded and IoT Systems
  • Physics and Advanced Math
  • Robotics
  • Systems Engineering

Internationally Recognized Faculty

Your engineering professors and instructors are world-renowned, with decades of commercial and academic research experience. ISE instructors bring their research into the classroom, providing the students with cutting-edge instruction.

ISE faculty hold multiple AI and machine learning patents and decades of experiential research with the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and other sponsored research agencies. As an undergraduate, you can work closely with the faculty on research projects.

ISE faculty have an entrepreneurial mindset. Do you want to build the next great technology company? The first step is joining the ISE program.

A closeup of a biosensor used for cybersecurity

Core Course Work in Intelligent Systems Engineering

Sample Courses
ISE 102 Intro to Intelligent Systems
ISE 221 & ISE 251 Intelligent Systems Engineering 1 & 2
ISE 250 Embedded Systems
ISE 350 Principles of Cyber-Physical Systems
ISE 360 Intro to Robotics
ISE 461 & 462 Capstone Project I & II
ISE 410 Human-Centered Design & Engineering

Important Curriculum Notes

Intelligent Systems Engineering coursework is sequential, and most classes are offered only once per year. Students who do not follow the sequence may not complete the program in four years.

Because of the progressive nature of the degree, students must meet with their academic advisor each semester to review the status of their courses/degree.

Students not ready to enroll in Calculus I (MAT 161) in the fall semester of their freshman year will likely need five years to complete the B.S. Intelligent Systems Engineering degree.

See the Full Curriculum

How Do I Get Started?

Once accepted to UNCW, you should enroll in the combined EGN 101/UNI course, which will satisfy the University Studies requirement for First-Year Seminar. This three-credit course will be your first chance to start learning about the basics of engineering.

Other important information about your first year at UNCW will be provided during orientation. If you have questions about getting started, we encourage you to contact the first-year academic advisor, Scott Judson, at judsons@uncw.edu, (910.962.7902).

If you are a sophomore or transfer student, you should enroll in EGN 101, a two-hour Introduction to Engineering course. You will not need the additional UNI component. Transfer students should contact the Intelligent Systems Engineering program coordinator, Dr. Clayton Ferner, at cferner@uncw.edu.

Math is critical to the program; therefore, students who are not ready to take MAT 161 in the fall of their freshman year will likely need an extra semester to complete the degree.

Any questions can be directed to the program coordinator:

Dr. Clayton Ferner
ise-info@uncw.edu
910.962.7129

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B.S. Intelligent Systems Engineering

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Are You an International Student?

This is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM designated program that allows eligible F1 international students to apply for a 24-month optional practical training extension.

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