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Computer Engineering B.S.

Computer engineering encompasses all areas of research, development, design, and operation of computer systems and their components, including both hardware and software. Computer engineering integrates several fields of electrical engineering and computer science with training in electronics, software design, and hardware-software integration. Computer engineers are involved in the design of microcontrollers, microprocessors, networking equipment, firmware for embedded systems, VLSI chips, analog sensors, mixed signal circuit boards, and operating systems. Computer engineers are also suited for robotics and control applications, as they use digital circuits to control and monitor electrical systems like motors, communications, and sensors. In this area of study, you can pursue advanced coursework in: Computer Security, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Graphics, Networks, Operating Systems, and Compilers. As a computer engineer, you must have a strong background in mathematics, physics, computing, electrical engineering, a broad base in the humanities and social sciences, and excellent communication skills.

Program Educational Objectives

Educational objectives of the computer engineering program are the knowledge, skills, and experiences that enable graduates to:

  1. be involved in professional practice through the application of problem solving skills, using relevant technology in their field;
  2. demonstrate professional leadership skills through effective communication, critical thought, creativity, and teamwork; 
  3. integrate engineering principles and social, business, and ethical issues in modern society in the process of decision making;
  4. be professionally engaged in serving the needs of business, industry, government, and academic organizations;
  5. grow professionally through activities such as graduate study, continuing education, professional licensure, and participation in technical societies.

Student Outcomes

Computer engineering students at the time of graduation should be able to:

  1. Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
  2. 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;
  3. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
  4. 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;
  5. Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
  6. Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; and
  7.  Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Graduation Requirements

Upon admission to the Computer Engineering major, one of the College advisors will serve as the student’s academic advisor to work with the student in planning a program to complete degree requirements. During the student’s first semester, a computer engineering faculty member is assigned as the student’s faculty mentor to help the student plan and develop a successful career. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor and faculty mentor throughout the semester and are required to meet with their advisor prior to registering for the next semester.

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering, the student must:

  1. earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses used to meet degree requirements,
  2. earn a grade of "C" or better in any course that is a prerequisite for subsequent courses in the curriculum prior to taking a course that requires the prerequisite,
  3. complete the general baccalaureate degree requirements of the University,
  4. complete the Computer Engineering curriculum requirements specified in the following sections, and
  5. complete the Student Enrichment Experience.

Student Enrichment Experience

Student Enrichment Experience is designed to give every student the opportunity to participate in activities that give them a complete educational experience. It is a graduation requirement that prepares students for life after college by connecting the classroom and laboratory with real-world needs and applications. Students may satisfy this requirement by completing at least one of the following courses with departmental approval as needed: 

• CMPE 4370 Undergraduate Internship
• CMPE 4395 Undergraduate Research
• CMPE 4399 Independent Study 
• 3-hour senior technical elective course. 

Study Abroad courses may be used to satisfy this requirement only if they are conducted by the Office of International Programs and approved by the department for appropriate technical content. 

Degree Requirements

128 Total Semester Credit Hours

Freshman Year

First Semester (16 hrs.)

ENGL 1301College Composition I [TCCN: ENGL 1301]
CHEM 1311General Chemistry I [TCCN: CHEM 1311]
MATH 2413Calculus I [TCCN: MATH 2413]
COSC 1336Programming Fundamentals
Creative Arts (Core, 3 hrs.)
 

Second Semester (17 hrs.)

ENGL 1302College Composition II [TCCN: ENGL 1302]
or
ENGL 2311Technical and Business Writing [TCCN: ENGL 2311]
PHYS 2325University Physics I [TCCN: PHYS 2325]
PHYS 2125University Physics I Laboratory [TCCN: PHYS 2125]
MATH 2414Calculus II [TCCN: MATH 2414]
COSC 1337The Object-Oriented Paradigm
MATH 2330Discrete Structures

Sophomore Year

First Semester (15 hrs.)

HIST 1301United States History I [TCCN: HIST 1301]
COSC 2336Data Structures and Algorithms [TCCN: COSC 2336]
PHYS 2326University Physics II [TCCN: PHYS 2326]
PHYS 2126University Physics II Laboratory [TCCN: PHYS 2126]
MATH 3203Matrix Methods in Science and Engineering
EENG 3302Digital Systems Design
NOTE: MATH 3315 can be substituted for MATH 3203.

Second Semester (16 hrs.)

HIST 1303History of Technology and Innovation in U.S. Society since 1865
MATH 3305Ordinary Differential Equations
CMST 1315Introduction to Public Speaking [TCCN: SPCH 1315]
EENG 3308Programming Languages for Design
EENG 3304Linear Circuits Analysis I
EENG 3104Linear Circuits Analysis I Lab
 

Junior Year

First Semester (16 hrs.)

ECON 2301Principles of Macroeconomics [TCCN: ECON 2301]
or
ECON 2302Principles of Microeconomics [TCCN: ECON 2302]
MATH 3351Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
COSC 2315Computer Organization [TCCN: COSC 2325]
EENG 3306Electronic Circuit Analysis I
EENG 3106Electronics Circuits Analysis I Lab
CMPE 3301Foundations of Computer Engineering
 

Second Semester (15 hrs.)

PHIL 2306Introduction to Ethics [TCCN: PHIL 2306]
POLS 2305Introductory American Government [TCCN: GOVT 2305]
EENG 4307Microprocessors and Embedded Systems
CMPE 4311Signals and Systems
CMPE 4309Digital Electronics
CMPE 4332FPGA Design
 

Senior Year

First Semester (15 hrs.)

POLS 2306Introductory Texas Politics [TCCN: GOVT 2306]
CMPE 43XX Approved 4000 Level Technical Elective
CMPE 43XX Approved 4000 Level Technical Elective
CMPE 4331VLSI Design
CMPE 4342Data Communication and Networking

Second Semester (15 hrs.)

CMPE 4320Computer Architecture and Design
CMPE 4315Senior Design
COSC 3355Operating Systems
COSC 43XX Approved 4000 Level Technical Elective
CMPE 43XX Student Enrichment Experience