Bachelor of Biometric Systems Engineering at West Virginia University

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. 

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. 

Biometric Systems Engineering

Upon graduation, all Bachelor of Science in Biometric Systems Engineering students will have:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. 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.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
8. An ability to understand  the significance of biometric traits, explain the components of a biometric system, and assess its performance.