Computer Engineering Undergraduate Curriculum
The overall objective of the computer engineering (CoE) program is to prepare individuals to be successful and lead lives of impact in whatever path they choose to pursue in the 21st century global economy. This includes those who move into practice within the computer engineering discipline either through employment in industry or government, entrepreneurship, those who move on to advanced computer study and research in graduate school, or those that move into other professions such as law, business, or management.
Building upon the Swanson School of Engineering freshmen program, a common and comprehensive year of study is delivered to sophomore computer engineering (CoE) and electrical engineering (EE) students. The sophomore year features four tracks, including two-course sequences in analog hardware, digital hardware, software, and applied math. These eight courses prepare students to continue as juniors in their specific program (CoE or EE) with foundational strength.
During the CoE junior year, students complete six core courses unique to CoE (computer architecture, advanced digital design, embedded systems, computer networks, information security, systems and project engineering) and a core course common to both programs (junior design fundamentals). Broad flexibility is provided in the senior year, including four ECE electives, three technical electives, and one general elective, providing many dozens of options.
The CoE program is designed to build on foundational engineering strength developed during the freshman year, extend with broad ECE fundamentals in the sophomore year, further extend and deepen with CoE fundamentals in the junior year, and then diversify for career exploration and specialization in the senior year. Our graduates will be among the best prepared computer engineers in the nation for impactful careers and post-graduate studies in one of the most exciting and thriving professions of STEM.
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