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:
| 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:
21 units of technical electives that fulfill the following requirements:
1. At least two courses from the following list (the "hardware" list):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESE 330 | Engineering Electromagnetics Principles | 3 |
| ESE 331 | Electronics Laboratory | 3 |
| ESE 3301 | Electromagnetics Laboratory: Spectrum from Radio to Photonics | 3 |
| ESE 351 | Signals and Systems | 3 |
| ESE 433 | Radio Frequency and Microwave Technology for Wireless Systems | 3 |
| ESE 436 | Semiconductor Devices | 3 |
| ESE 4301 | Quantum Mechanics for Engineers | 3 |
| ESE 431 | Introduction to Quantum Electronics | 3 |
| ESE 441 | Control Systems | 3 |
| ESE 444 | Sensors and Actuators | 3 |
| ESE 446 | Robotics: Dynamics and Control | 3 |
| ESE 4480 | Control Systems Design Laboratory | 3 |
| ESE 4481 | Autonomous Aerial Vehicle Control Laboratory | 3 |
| ESE 463 | Digital Integrated Circuit Design and Architecture | 3 |
| ESE 465 | Digital Systems Laboratory | 3 |
| ESE 471 | Communications Theory and Systems | 3 |
| ESE 482 | Digital Signal Processing | 3 |
2. At least two courses from the following list (the "software" list):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CSE 231S | Introduction to Parallel and Concurrent Programming | 3 |
| CSE 332S | Object-Oriented Software Development Laboratory | 3 |
| CSE 365S | Elements of Computing Systems | 3 |
| CSE 422S | Operating Systems Organization | 3 |
| CSE 425S | Programming Systems and Languages | 3 |
| CSE 431S | Translation of Computer Languages | 3 |
| CSE 433S | Introduction to Computer Security | 3 |
| CSE 434S | Reverse Engineering and Malware Analysis | 3 |
| CSE 467S | Embedded Computing Systems | 3 |
| CSE 468T | Introduction to Quantum Computing | 3 |
| CSE 473S | Introduction to Computer Networks | 3 |
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:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Math 131 | Calculus I | 3 |
| Math 132 | Calculus II | 3 |
| Math 217 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| Math 233 | Calculus III | 3 |
| Physics 191 | Physics I | 3 |
| Physics I - First-Years Only | ||
| Physics I - Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Only | ||
| Physics 191L | Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| Physics 192 | Physics II | 3 |
| Physics 192L | Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| Natural sciences elective | 3 | |
| College Writing | 3 | |
| Engr 310 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| Humanities and social sciences electives | 18 | |
| Total Units | 47 | |
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.