Degree Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Biometric Systems Engineering (B.S.B.S.E.)
Nature of the Program
Biometric systems engineering allow for personal identification based upon fundamental biometric features that are unique and time invariant, such as features derived from fingerprints, faces, irises, retinas, and voices. Biometric systems are composed of complex hardware and software designed to measure a signature of the human body, compare the signature to a database, and make a decision based on this matching process. The Bachelor of Science in Biometric Systems Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.
WVU's Bachelor of Science in Biometric Systems Engineering degree program trains engineers in the skills needed to design, build, test, and modify biometric systems, as well as the application and interpretation of data from these systems. Biometric Systems Engineering majors take fundamental coursework in circuits and electronics; in digital and computing systems; and in in computer programming, similar to our Computer Engineering majors. During their junior and senior years, Biometric Systems Engineering majors take advanced classes in image processing; in computer security; in biometric devices; and in biomedical systems. During their senior year, all Biometric Systems Engineering majors complete a two semester Capstone project in which they work with a team of students to design, build and test a device, systems or application which makes use of biometric techniques. Required courses in biology and statistics provide Biometric Systems Engineering students with a specialized skill set that distinguishes this major from other engineering disciplines. In addition, students can choose from five concentration areas for their technical electives: Microsensors and Circuits, Signal Processing, Statistics, Software Systems, and Cybersecurity.
Graduates of the Biometric Systems Engineering degree program are in high demand for engineering positions in law enforcement agencies, as well as government agencies and contractors in the defense and security fields. Demand for biometric systems engineers is also rapidly growing in commercial fields such as banking, manufacturing and consumer products that enhance the human computer interface. The continued rapid advance of integrated sensor, signal/image processing, computer, and mass storage technology promises to extend these applications further into our daily lives with even the most inanimate objects able to identify, interact with, and assist their users.
Program Educational Objectives
The Program Educational Objectives (PEO) of the Biometric Systems Engineering (BSE) program at West Virginia University is to produce graduates who will apply their knowledge and skills to achieve success in their careers in industry, research, government service or graduate study. It is expected that in the first five years after graduation our graduates will achieve success and proficiency in their profession, be recognized as leaders, and contribute to the well-being of society.
Click here to view the Suggested Plan of Study
Curriculum in Biometric Systems Engineering
General Education Foundations
Please use this link to view a list of courses that meet each GEF requirement.
NOTE: Some major requirements will fulfill specific GEF requirements. Please see the curriculum requirements listed below for details on which GEFs you will need to select.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Foundations | ||
F1 - Composition & Rhetoric | 3-6 | |
Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research | ||
or ENGL 103 | Accelerated Academic Writing | |
F2A/F2B - Science & Technology | 4-6 | |
F3 - Math & Quantitative Reasoning | 3-4 | |
F4 - Society & Connections | 3 | |
F5 - Human Inquiry & the Past | 3 | |
F6 - The Arts & Creativity | 3 | |
F7 - Global Studies & Diversity | 3 | |
F8 - Focus (may be satisfied by completion of a minor, double major, or dual degree) | 9 | |
Total Hours | 31-37 |
Please note that not all of the GEF courses are offered at all campuses. Students should consult with their advisor or academic department regarding the GEF course offerings available at their campus.
Degree Requirements
Students must meet the following criteria to qualify for a Bachelor of Science in Biometric Systems Engineering degree:
- Complete a minimum of 126 credit hours
- Satisfy WVU's undergraduate degree requirements
- Satisfy Statler College's undergraduate degree requirements
- Complete all courses listed in the curriculum requirements with the required minimum grades
- Attain an overall grade point average of 2.00 or better
- Attain a WVU grade point average of 2.00 or better
- Attain a Statler grade point average of 2.00 or better
- A maximum of one math or science courses with a grade of D+, D, or D- may apply towards a Statler College degree
- Complete a survey regarding their academic and professional experiences at WVU, as well as post-graduation job placement or continuing education plans.
The Statler GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU with a subject code within Statler College (BIOM, BMEG, CE, CHE, CPE, CS, CSEE, CYBE, EE, ENGR, ENVE, ETEC, IENG, IH&S, MAE, MINE, PDA, PNGE, SAFM, SENG) excluding ENGR 140, ENGR 150, and CS 101. The WVU GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU. The Overall GPA is computed based on all work taken at WVU and transfer work.
Curriculum Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
University Requirements | 16 | |
Fundamentals of Engineering Requirements | 5 | |
Math and Science Requirements | 38 | |
Biometric Systems Engineering Program Requirements | 67 | |
Total Hours | 126 |
University Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
General Education Foundations (GEF) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (31-37 Credits) | ||
Outstanding GEF Requirements 1, 5, 6, and 7 | 15 | |
ENGR 191 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
Total Hours | 16 |
Fundamentals of Engineering Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
A minimum grade of C- is required in all Fundamentals of Engineering courses. | ||
ENGR 101 | Engineering Problem Solving 1 | 2 |
Engineering Problem Solving (Select one of the following): | 3 | |
Introduction to Chemical Engineering | ||
Engineering Problem-Solving 2 | ||
Introduction to Nanotechnology Design | ||
Introduction to Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Design | ||
Total Hours | 5 |
Math and Science Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
A minimum grade of C- is required in all Math and Science courses. | ||
BIOL 115 & 115L | Principles of Biology and Principles of Biology Laboratory (GEF 8) | 4 |
CHEM 115 & 115L | Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 and Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 Laboratory (GEF 2B) | 4 |
Calculus I (GEF 3): | 4 | |
Calculus 1 | ||
Calculus 1a with Precalculus and Calculus 1b with Precalculus | ||
MATH 156 | Calculus 2 (GEF 8 ) | 4 |
MATH 251 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
MATH 261 | Elementary Differential Equations | 4 |
Math Elective (Select one of the following): | 3 | |
Discrete Mathematics | ||
Introduction to Linear Algebra | ||
Introduction to Cryptography | ||
Applied Modern Algebra | ||
PHYS 111 & 111L | General Physics 1 and General Physics 1 Laboratory (GEF 8) | 4 |
PHYS 112 & 112L | General Physics 2 and General Physics 2 Laboratory | 4 |
STAT 215 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
Total Hours | 38 |
Biometric Systems Engineering Program Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
ECON 201 | Principles of Microeconomics (GEF 4) | 3 |
BIOM 201 | Introduction to Biometrics Systems | 1 |
BIOM 426 | Biometric Systems | 3 |
CSEE 380 | Engineering Professionalism Seminar | 1 |
CSEE 480 | Capstone Project - Design | 2 |
or CSEE 480S | Capstone Project - Design | |
or BIOM 480 | Capstone Project - Design | |
CSEE 481 | Capstone Project - Implementation | 3 |
or CSEE 481S | Capstone Project - Implementation | |
or BIOM 481 | Capstone Project - Implementation | |
CPE 271 | Introduction to Digital Logic Design | 3 |
CPE 271L | Digital Logic Laboratory | 1 |
CPE 310 | Microprocessor Systems | 3 |
CPE 310L | Microprocessor Systems Laboratory | 1 |
CS 110 & 110L | Introduction to Computer Science and Introduction to Computer Science Laboratory | 4 |
CS 111 & 111L | Introduction to Data Structures and Introduction to Data Structures Laboratory | 4 |
CS 350 | Computer System Concepts | 3 |
CS 465 | Cybersecurity Principles and Practice | 3 |
EE 221 | Introduction to Electrical Engineering | 3 |
EE 221L | Introduction to Electrical Engineering Laboratory | 1 |
EE 223 | Electrical Circuits | 3 |
EE 223L | Electrical Circuits Laboratory | 1 |
EE 327 | Signals and Systems 1 | 3 |
BIOM 425 | Bioengineering | 3 |
EE 465 | Introduction to Digital Image Processing | 3 |
Bioscience Elective (Select one of the following): | 3 | |
Human Physiology | ||
Cellular Machinery | ||
Area of Emphasis in Cybersecurity or Concentration Area (CA) Coursework | 12 | |
CA1: MicroSensors and Circuits | ||
Digital Electronics and Digital Electronics Laboratory | ||
Choose two of the following: | ||
Introductory Modern Physics | ||
Optics | ||
Analog Electronics and Analog Electronics Laboratory | ||
Device Design and Integration | ||
Introduction to Microfabrication | ||
CA2: Signal Processing | ||
Digital Electronics and Digital Electronics Laboratory | ||
Signals and Systems 2 and Signals and Systems Laboratory | ||
Choose one of the following: | ||
Data and Computer Communications | ||
Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals | ||
Advanced Image Processing | ||
CA3: Statistics | ||
Choose either the Applied or Theory Option | ||
Applied Option | ||
Intermediate Statistical Methods | ||
Choose two of the following: | ||
Introductory Design and Analysis | ||
Sampling Methods | ||
Statistical Analysis System (SAS) | ||
Theory Option | ||
Intermediate Statistical Methods | ||
Introduction to Probability Theory | ||
Theoretical Introduction to Statistical Inference | ||
CA4: Software Systems | ||
Introduction to Software Engineering and Introduction to Software Engineering Laboratory | ||
or CPE 484 | Real-Time Systems Development | |
Choose two of the following: | ||
Introduction to Digital Computer Architecture | ||
or CS 455 | Computer Architecture | |
Advanced Software Engineering | ||
Operating Systems Structure and Operating Systems Structure Laboratory | ||
Data and Computer Communications | ||
Artificial Intelligence | ||
Total Hours | 67 |
Suggested Plan of Study
It is important for students to take courses in the order specified as much as possible; all prerequisites and concurrent requirements must be observed. A typical B.S.B.S.E. degree program, which completes degree requirements in four years, is as follows.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
CS 110 & 110L | 4 | CHEM 115 & 115L (GEF 2) | 4 |
ENGL 101 (GEF 1) | 3 | CS 111 & 111L | 4 |
ENGR 101 | 2 | ENGR 102 | 3 |
ENGR 191 | 1 | MATH 156 (GEF 8) | 4 |
MATH 155 (GEF 3) | 4 | PHYS 111 & 111L (GEF 8) | 4 |
GEF 5 | 3 | ||
17 | 19 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
BIOL 115 & 115L | 4 | BIOM 201 | 1 |
EE 221 | 3 | CPE 271 | 3 |
EE 221L | 1 | CPE 271L | 1 |
MATH 251 | 4 | EE 223 | 3 |
PHYS 112 & 112L | 4 | EE 223L | 1 |
ENGL 102 (GEF 1) | 3 | ||
MATH 261 | 4 | ||
16 | 16 | ||
Third Year | |||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
BIOM 426 | 3 | CPE 310 | 3 |
CS 350 | 3 | CPE 310L | 1 |
BIOM 425 | 3 | CS 465 | 3 |
EE 327 | 3 | EE 465 | 3 |
STAT 215 | 3 | Bioscience Elective | 3 |
CSEE 380 | 1 | Math Elective | 3 |
16 | 16 | ||
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
CSEE 480 | 2 | CSEE 481 | 3 |
ECON 201 (GEF 4) | 3 | AoE or CA Course 4 | 3 |
AoE or CA Course 1 | 3 | GEF 6 | 3 |
AoE or CA Course 2 | 3 | GEF 7 | 3 |
AoE or CA Course 3 | 3 | ||
14 | 12 | ||
Total credit hours: 126 |
Areas of Emphasis
Area of Emphasis in Cybersecurity
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
A minimum grade of C- is required in each course. | ||
CS 453 | Data and Computer Communications | 3 |
CS 465 | Cybersecurity Principles and Practice | 3 |
CYBE 366 | Secure Software Development | 3 |
CYBE 467 | Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing | 3 |
Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Computer Incident Response | ||
Host Based Cyber Defense | ||
Total Hours | 15 |
MicroSensors and Circuits Area of Emphasis Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
EE 251 & 251L | Digital Electronics and Digital Electronics Laboratory | 4 |
Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
Introductory Modern Physics | ||
Optics | ||
Analog Electronics and Analog Electronics Laboratory | ||
Device Design and Integration | ||
Introduction to Microfabrication | ||
Total Hours | 10 |
Signal Processing Area of Emphasis Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
EE 251 & 251L | Digital Electronics and Digital Electronics Laboratory | 4 |
EE 329 & 329L | Signals and Systems 2 and Signals and Systems Laboratory | 4 |
Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
Data and Computer Communications | ||
Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals | ||
Advanced Image Processing | ||
Total Hours | 11 |
Statistics Area of Emphasis Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Choose either the Applied or Theory Option | 9 | |
Applied Option | ||
Intermediate Statistical Methods | ||
Choose two of the following: | ||
Introductory Design and Analysis | ||
Sampling Methods | ||
Statistical Analysis System (SAS) | ||
Theory Option | ||
Intermediate Statistical Methods | ||
Introduction to Probability Theory | ||
Theoretical Introduction to Statistical Inference | ||
Total Hours | 9 |
Software Systems Area of Emphasis Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
CS 230 & 230L | Introduction to Software Engineering and Introduction to Software Engineering Laboratory | 3-4 |
or CPE 484 | Real-Time Systems Development | |
Choose two of the following: | 6 | |
Introduction to Digital Computer Architecture | ||
or CS 455 | Computer Architecture | |
Advanced Software Engineering | ||
Operating Systems Structure and Operating Systems Structure Laboratory | ||
Data and Computer Communications | ||
Artificial Intelligence | ||
Total Hours | 9 |
Program Educational Objectives
The Program Educational Objectives (PEO) of the Biometric Systems Engineering (BSE) program at West Virginia University is to produce graduates who will apply their knowledge and skills to achieve success in their careers in industry, research, government service or graduate study. It is expected that in the first five years after graduation our graduates will achieve success and proficiency in their profession, be recognized as leaders, and contribute to the well-being of society.
Major Learning Outcomes
Biometric Systems Engineering
Upon graduation, all Bachelor of Science in Biometric Systems Engineering students will have:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
- An ability to understand the significance of biometric traits, explain the components of a biometric system, and assess its performance.