Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Computer engineering encompasses studies of hardware, software, and systems issues that arise in the design, development, and application of computer systems. 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 and 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:

CSE 131Introduction to Computer Science3
CSE 132Introduction to Computer Engineering3
CSE 247Data Structures and Algorithms3
CSE 260MIntroduction to Digital Logic and Computer Design3
or ESE 260 Introduction to Digital Logic and Computer Design
CSE 361SIntroduction to Systems Software3
CSE 362MComputer Architecture3
ESE 105Introduction to Electrical and Systems Engineering4
ESE 230Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Circuits4
ESE 232Introduction to Electronic Circuits3
ESE 326Probability and Statistics for Engineering3
Total Units32
*

Each of these core courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

  • Technical Elective Requirements:

21 units of technical electives that fulfill the following requirements:

1. At least two courses from the following list (the "hardware" list):

ESE 330Engineering Electromagnetics Principles3
ESE 331Electronics Laboratory3
ESE 3301Electromagnetics Laboratory: Spectrum from Radio to Photonics3
ESE 351Signals and Systems3
ESE 433Radio Frequency and Microwave Technology for Wireless Systems3
ESE 436Semiconductor Devices3
ESE 4301Quantum Mechanics for Engineers3
ESE 431Introduction to Quantum Electronics3
ESE 441Control Systems3
ESE 444Sensors and Actuators3
ESE 446Robotics: Dynamics and Control3
ESE 4480Control Systems Design Laboratory3
ESE 4481Autonomous Aerial Vehicle Control Laboratory3
ESE 463Digital Integrated Circuit Design and Architecture3
ESE 465Digital Systems Laboratory3
ESE 471Communications Theory and Systems3
ESE 482Digital Signal Processing3

2. At least two courses from the following list (the "software" list):

CSE 231SIntroduction to Parallel and Concurrent Programming3
CSE 332SObject-Oriented Software Development Laboratory3
CSE 365SElements of Computing Systems3
CSE 422SOperating Systems Organization3
CSE 425SProgramming Systems and Languages3
CSE 431STranslation of Computer Languages3
CSE 433SIntroduction to Computer Security3
CSE 434SReverse Engineering and Malware Analysis3
CSE 467SEmbedded Computing Systems3
CSE 468TIntroduction to Quantum Computing3
CSE 473SIntroduction to Computer Networks3

3. The remaining three courses can be any CSE course with an S, M, T, or A suffix; or CSE 347; or any ESE course at the 300 level or higher; or ESE 205, ESE 2180, or ESE 2190. Additional courses (beyond the two required) in the above lists count toward this requirement.

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:
Math 131Calculus I3
Math 132Calculus II3
Math 217Differential Equations3
Math 233Calculus III3
Physics 191Physics I3
Physics I - First-Years Only
Physics I - Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Only
Physics 191LPhysics I Laboratory1
Physics 192Physics II3
Physics 192LPhysics II Laboratory1
Natural sciences elective3
College Writing3
Engr 310Technical Writing3
Humanities and social sciences electives18
Total Units47

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 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.

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