Computer Engineering (BS)
At its core, computer engineering is at the forefront of technological innovation, blending the realms of electrical engineering and computer science to sculpt the future of computing. It's the art and science of crafting the digital architecture that underpins tomorrow's world, where the boundaries between hardware and software blur into seamless integration.
In this ever-evolving landscape, computer engineers are the architects of progress, shaping the next generation of intelligent systems, from advanced robotics to quantum computing. They're the trailblazers who harness the power of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things to engineer solutions that redefine what's possible.
Core Courses
The electrical and computer engineering curricula share core courses comprising a substantial portion of the first three years of study. Many of the core courses are offered three times a year in fall, spring, and summer. A strong emphasis is placed on fundamental concepts in core courses so that graduates are prepared for rapid technological changes common in the electrical and computer engineering professions. A comprehensive foundation in mathematics and the physical sciences in the freshman year is followed in subsequent years by additional core courses in mathematics, physics, electric circuit theory, digital logic, computer systems, electronics, electromagnetics, and linear systems. Laboratory work is designed to demonstrate fundamental principles and to provide experience in designing and testing electronic hardware and computer software. Both curricula have a required two-semester senior design project which gives students comprehensive experience in designing, building, and testing physical systems.
Curricula
In addition to the core courses described above, students in the computer engineering curriculum take courses in discrete mathematics, data structures, embedded systems, and complex digital systems, along with four specialization electives in areas of their choice and one technical elective. A variety of elective courses are also offered in communications, computational intelligence, controls, digital signal processing, digital systems, nanotechnology, mechatronics, microelectronics, networking, robotics, and VLSI design. There are typically a dozen or more of these courses offered each fall and spring semester and two or three available each summer.
Plan Requirements
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| CH 101 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science 1 | 3 |
| CH 102 | General Chemistry Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| E 101 | Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 2 | 1 |
| E 115 | Introduction to Computing Environments | 1 |
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 2 | 4 |
| MA 141 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ECE 109 | Introduction to Computer Systems 2 | 3 |
| MA 241 | Calculus II 1 | 4 |
| PY 205 & PY 206 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I and Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| Select one of the following Economics Courses: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics | ||
| Introduction to Agricultural & Resource Economics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Fundamentals of Economics | ||
| E 102 | Engineering in the 21st Century | 2 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ECE 200 | Introduction to Signals, Circuits and Systems 2 | 4 |
| ECE 209 | Computer Systems Programming 2 | 3 |
| MA 242 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PY 208 & PY 209 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| COM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| CSC 226 | Discrete Mathematics 2 | 3 |
| ECE 211 | Electric Circuits 2 | 4 |
| ECE 212 | Fundamentals of Logic Design 2 | 3 |
| ECE 220 | Analytical Foundations of Electrical and Computer Engineering 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ECE 301 | Linear Systems | 3 |
| ECE 302 | Microelectronics | 4 |
| ECE 306 | Introduction to Embedded Systems | 3 |
| ST 371 | Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ECE 309 | Data Structures and Object-Oriented Programming for Electrical and Computer Engineers | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Engineering Profession for Electrical Engineers | ||
| Engineering Profession for Computer Engineers | ||
| Introduction to Entrepreneurship and New Product Development | ||
| ECE 310 | Design of Complex Digital Systems | 3 |
| CPE Elective | 3 | |
| ENG 331 | Communication for Engineering and Technology | 3 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Select one of the following Senior Design Project I courses: | 3 | |
| Engineering Entrepreneurship and New Product Development I | ||
| Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Design I | ||
| CPE Elective | 3 | |
| ECE Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Select one of the following Senior Design Project II courses: | 3 | |
| Engineering Entrepreneurship and New Product Development II | ||
| Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Design II | ||
| ECE Elective | 3 | |
| Open/Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 105 | |
- 1
A grade of C or higher is required.
- 2
A grade of C- or higher is required.
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEP Courses | |||
| GEP Humanities | 6 | ||
| GEP Social Sciences | 3 | ||
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 2 | ||
| GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives | 3 | ||
| GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 3 | ||
| GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement) | |||
| World Language Proficiency (verify requirement) | |||
| Total Hours | 17 | ||
CPE Electives
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comp Arch Sys | |||
| ECE 406/506 | Architecture Of Parallel Computers | 3 | |
| ECE 463/563 | Microprocessor Architecture | 3 | |
| ECE 464/564 | ASIC and FPGA Design with Verilog | 3 | |
| ECE 546 | VLSI Systems Design | 3 | |
| Embed Sys | |||
| ECE 460/560 | Embedded System Architectures | 3 | |
| ECE 461/561 | Embedded System Analysis and Optimization | 3 | |
| Networking Sys | |||
| ECE 407 | Introduction to Computer Networking | 3 | |
| ECE 470 | Internetworking | 3 | |
| ECE 547 | Cloud Computing Technology | 3 | |
| ECE 570 | Computer Networks | 3 | |
| ECE 573 | Internet Protocols | 3 | |
| ECE 574 | Computer and Network Security | 3 | |
| ECE 575 | Introduction to Wireless Networking | 3 | |
| ECE 576 | Networking Services: QoS, Signaling, Processes | 3 | |
| ECE 577 | Switched Network Management | 3 | |
| ECE 578 | LTE and 5G Communications | 3 | |
| Software Sys | |||
| ECE 465/565 | Operating Systems Design | 3 | |
| ECE 466/566 | Compiler Optimization and Scheduling | 3 | |
| ECE 517 | Object-Oriented Design and Development | 3 | |
ECE Elective
ECE Elective
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 402 | Communications Engineering | 3 | |
| ECE 403 | Electronics Engineering | 3 | |
| ECE 404 | Introduction to Solid-State Devices | 3 | |
| ECE 406/506 | Architecture Of Parallel Computers | 3 | |
| ECE 407 | Introduction to Computer Networking | 3 | |
| ECE 410/510 | Introduction to Signal Processing | 3 | |
| ECE 411 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 | |
| ECE 418/518 | Wearable Biosensors and Microsystems | 3 | |
| ECE 420 | Wireless Communication Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 421 | Introduction to Signal Processing | 3 | |
| ECE 422 | Transmission Lines and Antennas for Wireless | 3 | |
| ECE 423 | Introduction to Photonics and Optical Communications | 3 | |
| ECE 424/524 | Radio System Design | 3 | |
| ECE 426 | Analog Electronics Laboratory | 3 | |
| ECE 434 | Fundamentals of Power Electronics | 3 | |
| ECE 436 | Digital Control Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 442 | Introduction to Integrated Circuit Technology and Fabrication | 3 | |
| ECE 451 | Power System Analysis | 3 | |
| ECE 452/552 | Renewable Electric Energy Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 453 | Electric Motor Drives | 3 | |
| ECE 455 | Industrial Robot Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 456/556 | Mechatronics | 3 | |
| ECE 460/560 | Embedded System Architectures | 3 | |
| ECE 461/561 | Embedded System Analysis and Optimization | 3 | |
| ECE 463/563 | Microprocessor Architecture | 3 | |
| ECE 464/564 | ASIC and FPGA Design with Verilog | 3 | |
| ECE 465/565 | Operating Systems Design | 3 | |
| ECE 466/566 | Compiler Optimization and Scheduling | 3 | |
| ECE 468/568 | Conventional and Emerging Nanomanufacturing Techniques and Their Applications in Nanosystems | 3 | |
| ECE 470 | Internetworking | 3 | |
| ECE 488/588 | Systems Biology Modeling of Plant Regulation | 3 | |
| ECE 489/589 | Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting | 3 | |
| ECE 492 | Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 1-4 | |
| ECE 505 | Neural Interface Engineering | 3 | |
| ECE 511 | Analog Electronics | 3 | |
| ECE 513 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | 3 | |
| ECE 514 | Random Processes | 3 | |
| ECE 515 | Digital Communications | 3 | |
| ECE 516 | System Control Engineering | 3 | |
| ECE 517 | Object-Oriented Design and Development | 3 | |
| ECE 522 | Medical Instrumentation | 3 | |
| ECE 523 | Photonics and Optical Communications | 3 | |
| ECE 530 | Physical Electronics | 3 | |
| ECE 531 | Principles Of Transistor Devices | 3 | |
| ECE 532 | Principles Of Microwave Circuits | 3 | |
| ECE 533 | Power Electronics Design & Packaging | 3 | |
| ECE 534 | Power Electronics | 3 | |
| ECE 535 | Design of Electromechanical Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 536 | Digital Control System Projects | 3 | |
| ECE 538 | Integrated Circuits Technology and Fabrication | 3 | |
| ECE 540 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 | |
| ECE 541 | Antennas and Arrays | 3 | |
| ECE 542 | Neural Networks | 3 | |
| ECE 544 | Design Of Electronic Packaging and Interconnects | 3 | |
| ECE 546 | VLSI Systems Design | 3 | |
| ECE 547 | Cloud Computing Technology | 3 | |
| ECE 549 | RF Design for Wireless | 3 | |
| ECE 550 | Power System Operation and Control | 3 | |
| ECE 551 | Smart Electric Power Distribution Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 553 | Semiconductor Power Devices | 3 | |
| ECE 554 | Electric Motor Drives | 3 | |
| ECE 555 | Autonomous Robot Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 557 | Principles Of MOS Transistors | 3 | |
| ECE 558 | Digital Imaging Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 570 | Computer Networks | 3 | |
| ECE 573 | Internet Protocols | 3 | |
| ECE 574 | Computer and Network Security | 3 | |
| ECE 575 | Introduction to Wireless Networking | 3 | |
| ECE 576 | Networking Services: QoS, Signaling, Processes | 3 | |
| ECE 577 | Switched Network Management | 3 | |
| ECE 578 | LTE and 5G Communications | 3 | |
| ECE 579 | Introduction to Computer Performance Modeling | 3 | |
| ECE 581 | Electric Power System Protection | 3 | |
| ECE 582 | Wireless Communication Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 583 | Electric Power Engineering Practicum I | 3 | |
| ECE 584 | Electric Power Engineering Practicum II | 3 | |
| ECE 585 | The Business of the Electric Utility Industry | 3 | |
| ECE 586 | Communication and SCADA Systems for Smart Grid | 3 | |
| ECE 587 | Power System Transients Analysis | 3 | |
| ECE 591 | Special Topics In Electrical Engineering | 1-6 | |
| ECE 592 | Special Topics In Electrical Engineering | 1-6 |
Open/Technical Electives
Open Electives
Choose from the ECE Elective List or the other Open Electives listed below
ECE Elective
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 402 | Communications Engineering | 3 | |
| ECE 403 | Electronics Engineering | 3 | |
| ECE 404 | Introduction to Solid-State Devices | 3 | |
| ECE 406/506 | Architecture Of Parallel Computers | 3 | |
| ECE 407 | Introduction to Computer Networking | 3 | |
| ECE 410/510 | Introduction to Signal Processing | 3 | |
| ECE 411 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 | |
| ECE 418/518 | Wearable Biosensors and Microsystems | 3 | |
| ECE 420 | Wireless Communication Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 421 | Introduction to Signal Processing | 3 | |
| ECE 422 | Transmission Lines and Antennas for Wireless | 3 | |
| ECE 423 | Introduction to Photonics and Optical Communications | 3 | |
| ECE 424/524 | Radio System Design | 3 | |
| ECE 426 | Analog Electronics Laboratory | 3 | |
| ECE 434 | Fundamentals of Power Electronics | 3 | |
| ECE 436 | Digital Control Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 442 | Introduction to Integrated Circuit Technology and Fabrication | 3 | |
| ECE 451 | Power System Analysis | 3 | |
| ECE 452/552 | Renewable Electric Energy Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 453 | Electric Motor Drives | 3 | |
| ECE 455 | Industrial Robot Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 456/556 | Mechatronics | 3 | |
| ECE 460/560 | Embedded System Architectures | 3 | |
| ECE 461/561 | Embedded System Analysis and Optimization | 3 | |
| ECE 463/563 | Microprocessor Architecture | 3 | |
| ECE 464/564 | ASIC and FPGA Design with Verilog | 3 | |
| ECE 465/565 | Operating Systems Design | 3 | |
| ECE 466/566 | Compiler Optimization and Scheduling | 3 | |
| ECE 468/568 | Conventional and Emerging Nanomanufacturing Techniques and Their Applications in Nanosystems | 3 | |
| ECE 470 | Internetworking | 3 | |
| ECE 488/588 | Systems Biology Modeling of Plant Regulation | 3 | |
| ECE 489/589 | Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting | 3 | |
| ECE 492 | Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 1-4 | |
| ECE 505 | Neural Interface Engineering | 3 | |
| ECE 511 | Analog Electronics | 3 | |
| ECE 513 | Advanced Digital Signal Processing | 3 | |
| ECE 514 | Random Processes | 3 | |
| ECE 515 | Digital Communications | 3 | |
| ECE 516 | System Control Engineering | 3 | |
| ECE 517 | Object-Oriented Design and Development | 3 | |
| ECE 522 | Medical Instrumentation | 3 | |
| ECE 523 | Photonics and Optical Communications | 3 | |
| ECE 530 | Physical Electronics | 3 | |
| ECE 531 | Principles Of Transistor Devices | 3 | |
| ECE 532 | Principles Of Microwave Circuits | 3 | |
| ECE 533 | Power Electronics Design & Packaging | 3 | |
| ECE 534 | Power Electronics | 3 | |
| ECE 535 | Design of Electromechanical Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 536 | Digital Control System Projects | 3 | |
| ECE 538 | Integrated Circuits Technology and Fabrication | 3 | |
| ECE 540 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 | |
| ECE 541 | Antennas and Arrays | 3 | |
| ECE 542 | Neural Networks | 3 | |
| ECE 544 | Design Of Electronic Packaging and Interconnects | 3 | |
| ECE 546 | VLSI Systems Design | 3 | |
| ECE 547 | Cloud Computing Technology | 3 | |
| ECE 549 | RF Design for Wireless | 3 | |
| ECE 550 | Power System Operation and Control | 3 | |
| ECE 551 | Smart Electric Power Distribution Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 553 | Semiconductor Power Devices | 3 | |
| ECE 554 | Electric Motor Drives | 3 | |
| ECE 555 | Autonomous Robot Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 557 | Principles Of MOS Transistors | 3 | |
| ECE 558 | Digital Imaging Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 570 | Computer Networks | 3 | |
| ECE 573 | Internet Protocols | 3 | |
| ECE 574 | Computer and Network Security | 3 | |
| ECE 575 | Introduction to Wireless Networking | 3 | |
| ECE 576 | Networking Services: QoS, Signaling, Processes | 3 | |
| ECE 577 | Switched Network Management | 3 | |
| ECE 578 | LTE and 5G Communications | 3 | |
| ECE 579 | Introduction to Computer Performance Modeling | 3 | |
| ECE 581 | Electric Power System Protection | 3 | |
| ECE 582 | Wireless Communication Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 583 | Electric Power Engineering Practicum I | 3 | |
| ECE 584 | Electric Power Engineering Practicum II | 3 | |
| ECE 585 | The Business of the Electric Utility Industry | 3 | |
| ECE 586 | Communication and SCADA Systems for Smart Grid | 3 | |
| ECE 587 | Power System Transients Analysis | 3 | |
| ECE 591 | Special Topics In Electrical Engineering | 1-6 | |
| ECE 592 | Special Topics In Electrical Engineering | 1-6 |
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECE 303 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 | |
| E 304 | Introduction to Nano Science and Technology | 3 | |
| ECE 305 | Principles of Electromechanical Energy Conversion | 3 | |
| ECE 306 | Introduction to Embedded Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 308 | Elements of Control Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 309 | Data Structures and Object-Oriented Programming for Electrical and Computer Engineers | 3 | |
| ECE 310 | Design of Complex Digital Systems | 3 | |
| ECE 384 | Practical Engineering Prototyping | 3 | |
| CE 214 | Engineering Mechanics-Statics | 3 | |
| or MAE 206 | Engineering Statics | ||
| MSE 200 | Mechanical Properties of Structural Materials | 3 | |
| or MSE 201 | Structure and Properties of Engineering Materials | ||
| ISE 311 | Engineering Economic Analysis | 3 | |
| MAE 208 | Engineering Dynamics | 3 | |
| MAE 201 | Thermal-Fluid Sciences | 3 | |
| MAE 302/BME 525 | Engineering Thermodynamics II | 3 | |
Semester Sequence
This is a sample.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| CH 101 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science 1 | 3 |
| CH 102 | General Chemistry Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| E 101 | Introduction to Engineering & Problem Solving 2 | 1 |
| E 115 | Introduction to Computing Environments 2 | 1 |
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 2 | 4 |
| MA 141 | Calculus I 1 | 4 |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ECE 109 | Introduction to Computer Systems 2 | 3 |
| MA 241 | Calculus II 1 | 4 |
| PY 205 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I 1 | 3 |
| PY 206 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I Laboratory | 1 |
| E 102 | Engineering in the 21st Century | 2 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ECE 200 | Introduction to Signals, Circuits and Systems 2 | 4 |
| ECE 209 | Computer Systems Programming 2 | 3 |
| MA 242 | Calculus III | 4 |
| PY 208 & PY 209 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II and Physics for Engineers and Scientists II Laboratory 1 | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| COM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| CSC 226 | Discrete Mathematics 2 | 3 |
| ECE 211 | Electric Circuits 2 | 4 |
| ECE 212 | Fundamentals of Logic Design 2 | 3 |
| ECE 220 | Analytical Foundations of Electrical and Computer Engineering 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ECE 301 | Linear Systems | 3 |
| ECE 302 | Microelectronics | 4 |
| ECE 306 | Introduction to Embedded Systems | 3 |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| ST 371 | Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory | 3 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ECE 309 | Data Structures and Object-Oriented Programming for Electrical and Computer Engineers | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Engineering Profession for Electrical Engineers | ||
| Engineering Profession for Computer Engineers | ||
| Introduction to Entrepreneurship and New Product Development | ||
| ECE 310 | Design of Complex Digital Systems | 3 |
| Open/Technical Elective | 3 | |
| ENG 331 | Communication for Engineering and Technology | 3 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ECE 484 | Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Design I | 3 |
| CPE Elective | 3 | |
| CPE Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ECE 485 | Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Design II | 3 |
| ECE Elective | 3 | |
| ECE Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| GEP Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 122 | |
- 1
A grade of C or higher is required.
- 2
A grade of C- or higher is required.
A computer engineering degree unlocks a vast array of exciting career opportunities at the forefront of technology. Graduates can delve into roles such as hardware engineers—designing and optimizing the next generation of computing devices—or software engineers who crafting innovative applications and systems that drive technological progress. You have career opportunities in fields like cybersecurity or you can delve into artificial intelligence and machine learning, developing algorithms that power intelligent systems.
Additionally, opportunities abound in areas such as embedded systems, where engineers create the brains behind smart devices, and in networking, where they build the backbone of our connected world. Moreover, with the rapid expansion of fields like the Internet of Things, augmented reality, and quantum computing, the possibilities for computer engineering professionals are continually expanding, offering avenues for creative problem-solving and impactful innovation across industries.
Whether in established tech giants like Apple, Samsung, or Analog Devices, cutting-edge startups, research institutions, or entrepreneurial ventures, computer engineering graduates are poised to shape the future of technology and drive meaningful change in society.
You can see some currently-hiring positions in ePack for examples of career paths.
Career Titles
- Architectural Drafters
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Computer and Information Scientists
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Computer Hardware Engineers
- Computer Network Architects
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer Systems Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Database Architects
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Engineering Professor
- Information Security Analysts
- Sales Representative (Computers)
- Software Developers - Applications
- Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
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Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
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