Intelligent Systems Engineering at DePaul University

Apply to DePaul Intelligent Systems Engineering!

The Intelligent Systems Engineering (ISE) program at DePaul University is a cutting-edge degree that integrates software, circuits/physical systems, and artificial intelligence. Designed to train the next generation of disruptive thinkers, entrepreneurs, and creative technologists, the ISE program prepares students for roles either leading technical teams or working on them as engineers (research, prototyping, systems) and software developers (firmware, full-stack, AI). Students will be well prepared for creative roles in robotics, design, engineering, and project management.

Applications are due by February 1st!

Apply Now!

Experience our state-of-the-art facilities at the IRL makerspace, where innovation meets creativity.

The Forge: A Cornerstone Community for Freshmen ISE Students

The Forge is an immersive sequence for talented freshmen, modeled after MIT graduate coursework. Led by MIT alum Dr. David Ramsay, this unique experience builds community and offers hands-on work and personalized mentorship with a small passionate group of peers. Over your first two quarters at DePaul, you will create a project of your choice each week, fostering creativity and rapid skill development. Your first quarter starts with this:

Week 1: Build a personal website to host your work (See examples here!)

Week 2: 3D Modeling

Week 3: Laser Cutting

Week 4: Fabricating a Working Circuit Board

Week 5: Writing Code to Run on your Circuit Board

Week 6: Designing Your Own Circuit Board

Week 7: Demonstrate a New Input Device (e.g., Light, Magnetic, Capacitive, Distance Sensors)

Week 8: Control an Output Device (e.g., Speaker, Motor, or Screen)

Quarter Final: A Project Combining 3D Printing/Laser-Cutting with a Custom Circuit Board + Code

Join a culture that celebrates creativity and making. Live in the makerspace, make lifelong friends, and become fearless in mastering and building with the latest technology. Check out some of the projects from our inaugural student class (2024) below; these were all finished within 3 months of joining our program:

Student Project Spotlights

Mugsworth

by Nate Seligson

Mugsworth is a coaster that stirs your drink for you and pays you a novel, AI-generated compliment in a British accent when your drink is ready. Check out the project website here.

The Bean Machine

by Matthew Reichard

The Bean Machine is a Simon game that rewards you with a handful of jellybeans when you win! Check out its website.

Auto-Pot

by Leah Richerson

Auto-Pot is a smart-pot that automatically waters your plant from a hidden reservoir when the soil is dry.

About Dr. David Ramsay

Dr. David Ramsay runs the DePaul Idea Realization Laboratories, teaches 'The Forge' introductory program, and mentors student researchers as part of the 'Principled Interfaces' research group. He holds a PhD from the MIT Media Lab and has extensive experience in hardware manufacturing, AI-edge development, and more. After 3 years as a research engineer at Bose R&D—alongside two summers working at Google focusing on AI-edge technology and two summers in Shenzhen, China mastering hardware manufacturing—Dr. Ramsay joined DePaul's School of Computing to help build a culture of boundary-breaking, creative research at the limit of current technology. Dr. Ramsay holds numerous publications and patents, with award-winning work covered by NPR and hosted by the MIT Museum. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of makers and thought leaders.

Read more about David's work on his website. For questions, feel free to contact him at david.ramsay@depaul.edu.