This program was established in 1990, making it the first of its kind in the Arab world at Palestine Polytechnic University. It was introduced in response to the rapid advancements in the computer field and its widespread use, as well as the fast-paced technological revolution happening globally. The curriculum for this program offers students the opportunity to study the computer system comprehensively, covering its fundamental components: hardware and software, in a well-balanced manner.

The study plan for this program is consistently improved and updated to ensure that graduates can stay up-to-date with the latest technologies. New courses are developed or added to the curriculum, enabling students to keep pace with modern advancements. Additionally, the program includes a diverse range of elective courses that allow students to specialize in specific tracks or topics related to computer systems.

The objectives of this program are as follows:

• Educating proficient computer engineers who are capable of working with computer systems and applying both hardware and software components.
• Equipping the Palestinian community with computer engineers who can integrate Palestine into the global scientific community in the field of computers and keep up with the latest advancements.
• Empowering the Palestinian community by training individuals who possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to computerize administrative and financial processes in local and regional institutions using advanced scientific and engineering methods.
• Enhancing the development of Palestinian society and the private sector by fostering competent engineering professionals who can establish independent entities specializing in computer maintenance and programming.
• Contributing to the growth of Palestinian human resources by producing graduates in modern engineering disciplines at an internationally advanced level.
• Graduating qualified computer engineers who can pursue further academic careers in the field, thereby providing the Palestinian and regional academic and scientific research sectors with highly educated professionals holding postgraduate degrees in computer systems engineering.

The Computer Engineering Department has introduced the Information Security and Network Protection track to equip computer systems engineers with a wide range of skills in the area of information security and network protection.

To be eligible for admission to the Computer Engineering program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• General Certificate of Secondary Education Exam (Tawjihi) in the scientific stream.
• An average score of 80% or higher in the Tawjihi exam.

To be eligible for admission to the Information Security Engineering program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• General Certificate of Secondary Education Exam (Tawjihi) in the scientific stream.
• An average score of 90% or higher in the Tawjihi exam.
• An average score of 80% or higher in the three compulsory courses (cryptography, cybersecurity, and cryptanalysis).

The Computer Engineering Department has developed the Information Security and Network Protection track to equip computer engineers with a range of skills in the field of information security and network protection. These skills include:

• Gaining knowledge about different encryption algorithms by taking the compulsory encryption systems course.
• Understanding the significance of information and the importance of securing it, as well as ensuring secure information exchange through the compulsory cybersecurity course.
• Developing the ability to build and secure networks for information exchange through the optional computer network security course.
• Assessing various systems and being able to identify any security vulnerabilities.
• Acquiring the capability to educate employees of companies and institutions about the seriousness and sensitivity of information and data, as well as the necessary rules for handling this data, through the compulsory encryption systems course.
• Learning about decryption and hacking algorithms, advanced data encryption methods, privacy, evaluation of encryption systems, and the application, programming, and use of encryption systems through the compulsory cryptanalysis course.
• Enhancing skills in securing wireless networks by taking the optional wireless and mobile network security course.
• Obtaining accreditation certificates for completing security courses through the compulsory special topics in information security course.
• Familiarizing oneself with the principles of ethical hacking through the optional ethical hacking course.

Course Outcomes in Computer Engineering (students will be able to):

• Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
• Design and conducting experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data.
• Design systems, components, or processes that meet specified requirements while considering factors such as economics, environment, social impact, politics, ethics, health and safety, manufacturing capacity, and sustainability.
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary groups.
• Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
• Understand and adhere to professional and ethical responsibilities.
• Communicating effectively.
• Grasp the broader educational context necessary to comprehend the global, economic, environmental, and social implications of engineering solutions.
• Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and actively engage in it.
• Have knowledge of current and relevant issues in the field of engineering.
• Utilize modern engineering techniques, skills, and tools in practical engineering work.

Course Outcomes in Computer Systems (students will be able to):

• Analyze and design computer systems, encompassing both software and hardware components.
• Utilize modern technologies, skills, and tools to engage in computing practices.
• Integrate IT-based solutions into user environments.

• Engineering companies specializing in providing engineering solutions based on computer systems, including both hardware and software components.
• Maintenance and information technology companies focused on computer systems.
• Design and installation of computer networks in various industries.
• Mobile application development companies.
• Technology education and capacity building sectors.
• Development and management of database programs.