Computer engineers are particularly well suited to address the particular challenges that exist as computing systems interact with the real, physical world. This includes sensing, actuation, timing, security, and computing systems with widely varying form factors, ranging from servers to mobile devices to the "internet of things." The degree requires 120 units including core courses, technical electives, a capstone course, and common studies.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree is jointly administered by the Department of Computer Science & Engineering and the Department of Electrical and&Systems Engineering.
Students working toward a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree must meet all requirements for an engineering degree from the McKelvey School of Engineering. Required courses and technical electives cannot be taken on a pass/fail basis..
Core Requirements:
The following courses are required of all computer engineering students:
| Code |
Title |
Units |
| CSE 131 |
Introduction to Computer Science |
3 |
| CSE 132 |
Introduction to Computer Engineering |
3 |
| CSE 247 |
Data Structures and Algorithms |
3 |
| CSE 260M |
Introduction to Digital Logic and Computer Design |
3 |
| or ESE 260 |
Introduction to Digital Logic and Computer Design |
| CSE 361S |
Introduction to Systems Software |
3 |
| CSE 362M |
Computer Architecture |
3 |
| ESE 105 |
Introduction to Electrical and Systems Engineering |
4 |
| ESE 230 |
Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Circuits |
4 |
| ESE 232 |
Introduction to Electronic Circuits |
3 |
| ESE 326 |
Probability and Statistics for Engineering |
3 |
| Total Units |
32 |
Each of these core courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better.
Technical Elective Requirements:
At least 21 units of technical electives, drawn from either of the following:
- CSE courses with the suffix S, M, T or A; CSE 347
- ESE courses at the 300 level or higher; ESE 205
The above can include courses at the graduate level; however, they must still meet one of the two criteria above. Up to 6 units of independent study (CSE 400E, CSE 497-CSE 499, ESE 400, ESE 497) can count toward technical electives. There is no limit as to how many independent study courses can count toward the general 120 units.
Capstone Requirement:
The capstone requirement can be met by taking either CSE 462M or ESE 498.
Common Studies Requirements:
Upon completing a course in the calculus sequence (Math 131-Math 132-Math 233) with a grade of C+ or better, the student may apply to receive credit for the preceding courses in the calculus sequence by following the mathematics and statistics department's back credit policy.
The natural sciences requirement is for 3 units designated NSM (Natural Sciences and Mathematics) from any of the following departments: Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Environmental Studies or Physics. These courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
The College Writing Program, humanities and social sciences requirements are those required of all students in the McKelvey School of Engineering.
