Computer Engineering, BS

The Bachelor of Science with a major in computer engineering provides a high-quality education by balancing the theoretical and experimental aspects of hardware and software issues. A BS with a major in computer engineering provides excellent job prospects in the engineering and technology sectors.

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in computer engineering is designed for students who wish to specialize in computer hardware, communication systems, digital signal processing, micro-controllers, real-time and embedded systems. Computer engineering students are exposed to both theoretical and practical issues of both hardware and software in laboratories with state-of-the art equipment. The program provides a strong engineering background, with an understanding of the principles and techniques of computing. A professional degree, which includes a two-term/semester senior design project sequence, prepares the graduates for a career and graduate studies in computer engineering and related fields.

The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in computer engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET (abet.org), (415 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; 410-347-7700).

Program educational objectives

Graduates will:

Excel in completing projects involving design, including evaluating design constraints, managing computational resources to solve problems in multi-disciplinary teams, and communicating effectively.

Pursue professional career or graduate studies in computer engineering or related disciplines involving real-time systems. VLSI design, communication and networks, computer systems, or artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Act responsibly and ethically in their professional conduct and successfully engage in life-long learning and contribute to society.

Complete professional work assignments that exhibit excellence and a good balance between software and hardware systems, including software development, design of digital systems, microprocessors, embedded systems, real-time systems, and digital communication systems.

Student outcomes

This program will enable students to attain, by the time of graduation:

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Degree requirements

Hours required and general/college requirements

A minimum of 121 semester hours, of which 39 must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree as specified in the “University Core Curriculum ” in the Academics section of this catalog and the College of Engineering requirements.

Major requirements

A minimum of 46 semester hours, including:

Specialization area, 9 hours

Three courses selected from one of the five computer engineering specialization areas listed below.

Real-Time and Embedded Systems

VLSI and Electronics

Communication and Networks

Computer Systems

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Many embedded systems designers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning(ML) techniques to provide smart solutions for their applications. Currently, there is demand for engineers in the job market with some AI and ML expertise.

Note

A maximum of 6 hours of credit in CSCE 4890 , CSCE 4920 , CSCE 4940 , or CSCE 4950 will count toward this degree. The 6 hours may include at most 3 hours in CSCE 4920.

Minor

Optional.

Electives

See CSE faculty advisor.

Other requirements

Department policies

Policy on Academic Performance, Progression, and Dismissal in the College of Engineering

Students in the College of Engineering will conduct themselves in a professional manner in their interaction with their peers, faculty, staff and the community in general. A student may be dismissed from the college for inappropriate conduct (please refer to the Code of Student Conduct).

A minimum grade of C is required in all courses required in a student’s major for degree completion. Courses include, but are not limited to, engineering, computing, mathematics, laboratory sciences, supporting area, technical elective, technical option, energy elective, and specialization courses.

A minimum grade of C is required in all courses required in a student’s major for prerequisite completion. Courses include, but are not limited to, engineering, computing, mathematics, laboratory sciences, supporting area, technical elective, technical option, energy elective, and specialization courses.

A student making grades lower than C two times in the same course in any course required by the major is subject to dismissal from the College of Engineering, pending a review by the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Engineering.

A student must maintain good academic standing within the university. Please see “Academic status” and “Regulations governing students under academic suspension” in the Academics section of this catalog.

Four-year degree plan (example)

The following four-year plan is one example of a variety of ways in which you can complete your chosen degree in four years, and will serve as a guide for you to design your pathway to degree completion. Variations will depend on whether you need to take prerequisites or have college credit from exams or dual enrollment.

Year 1

Semester 1		Semester 2
CSCE 1010 - Discovering Computer Science	3 hours	CSCE 1030 - Computer Science I	3 hours
CSCE 1015 - Computing Tools and Techniques Laboratory	1 hour	MATH 1720 - Calculus II	3 hours
MATH 1710 - Calculus I	4 hours	TECM 2700 - Technical Writing	3 hours
MATH 1780 - Probability Models	3 hours	PHYS 1710 - Mechanics	3 hours
Communication core	3 hours	PHYS 1730 - Laboratory in Mechanics	1 hour
CHEM selection*	4 hours	Language, Philosophy and Culture core	3 hours
Total	18 hours	Total	16 hours

Year 2

Semester 1		Semester 2
CSCE 1040 - Computer Science II	3 hours	CSCE 2100 - Foundations of Computing	3 hours
EENG 2710 - Digital Logic Design	3 hours	CSCE 2110 - Foundations of Data Structures	3 hours
EENG 2711 - Digital Logic Design Lab	1 hour	EENG 2610 - Circuit Analysis	3 hours
MATH 2730 - Multivariable Calculus	3 hours	EENG 2611 - Circuit Analysis Lab	1 hour
PHYS 2220 - Electricity and Magnetism	3 hours	MATH 2700 - Linear Algebra and Vector Geometry	3 hours
PHYS 2240 - Laboratory in Electricity and Magnetism	1 hour	American History core	3 hours
Total	14 hours	Total	16 hours

Year 3

Semester 1		Semester 2
CSCE 2610 - Assembly Language and Computer Organization	3 hours	CSCE 3020 - Communications Systems	3 hours
CSCE 3010 - Signals and Systems	3 hours	CSCE 3610 - Introduction to Computer Architecture	3 hours
CSCE 3600 - Principles of Systems Programming	3 hours	CSCE 3612 - Embedded Systems Design	3 hours
CSCE 3730 - Reconfigurable Logic	3 hours	American History core	3 hours
EENG 3510 - Electronics I (Devices and Materials)	3 hours	Communication and Networks specialization selection	3 hours
Total	15 hours	Total	15 hours

Year 4

Semester 1		Semester 2
CSCE 4910 - Computer Engineering Design I	3 hours	CSCE 4010 - Social Issues in Computing	3 hours
Creative Arts core	3 hours	CSCE 4915 - Computer Engineering Design II	3 hours
Political Science core	3 hours	Political Science core	3 hours
Communication and Networks specialization selection	3 hours	Social and Behavioral Sciences core	3 hours
Communication and Networks specialization selection	3 hours
Total	15 hours	Total	12 hours

Notes

*See “Other required courses” above.