This program gives students a broad knowledge of the software and hardware components of modern computing and cyber-physical systems, detailed computer-systems design, and the role of computer systems in various engineering disciplines. Students completing the program will be prepared for a computer-oriented engineering career with emphasis on design and applications of embedded computing systems.
Graduates with a Computer Engineering BS degree commonly begin their careers in a variety of functions including: hardware engineers, software engineers, computer systems analysts, computer support specialists, network system & data managers, communication analysts, network & computer systems administrators, computer programmers, database administrators, operations research analysts, and computer & information scientists. These graduates also pursue post-graduate degrees in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Business & Commerce, and even professional areas such as Law and Medicine.
The information contained here describes the undergraduate curriculum in Computer Engineering. Graduate students and students participating in the Accelerated Masters Program (AMP) should consult the graduate catalog for information on all cross-listed and graduate-only courses. More information about various programs within the department is available in the Electrical and Computer Engineering departmental office located in 3027 SERC.
Accreditation
Information can be found on Department website.
Students earning the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BS) degree must complete all University, College and departmental degree requirements for a total of 128 credits. These include General Education requirements and the following major requirements and ancillary requirements. Additional information, including a semester-by-semester flowchart of degree requirements, can be found on the departmental website. Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BS) degree must comply with all College of Engineering academic policies and requirements.
Major and Ancillary Requirements | Hours |
ENGR 101 | The World of Engineering | 1 |
ENGR 104 | Fundamentals of Engineering | 3 |
CS 100 or | CS I for Majors | 4 |
CS 110 | Honors CS I for Majors |
CS 101 or | CS II for Majors | 4 |
CS 111 | Honors CSII for Majors |
CS 201 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 |
ECE 225 | Electric Circuits | 4 |
ECE 332 | Electronics I | 4 |
ECE 333 | Electronics II | 4 |
ECE 370 | Signals And Systems | 4 |
ECE 380 | Digital Logic | 4 |
ECE 383 | Microcomputers | 4 |
ECE 394 | Prep Global Elec and Comp Eng | 3 |
ECE 484 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
ECE 486 & ECE 487 | Embedded Systems and Embedded Systems Laboratory | 4 |
ECE 492 | Capstone Design I | 2 |
ECE 494 | Capstone Design II | 2 |
| 4 |
| |
| Communications and Communications Lab | |
| Control Systems Analysis and Control Systems Lab | |
| Digital Systems Design and Digital Systems Design Lab | |
| 12 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| 70 |
CH 101 or | General Chemistry | 4 |
CH 117 | Honors General Chemistry |
MATH 125 or | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 145 | Honors Calculus I |
MATH 126 or | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 146 | Honors Calculus II |
MATH 227 or | Calculus III | 4 |
MATH 247 | Honors Calculus III |
MATH 237 | Introduction to Linear Algebra | 3 |
MATH 238 | Appld Diff Equations I | 3 |
MATH 301 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
MATH 355 | Theory Of Probability | 3 |
PH 105 or | General Physics W/Calc I | 4 |
PH 125 | Honors Gen Ph W/Calculus |
PH 106 or | General Physics W/Calc II | 4 |
PH 126 | Honors Gen Ph W/Calculus II |
| 36 |
| |
The overall goal of the Computer Engineering program is to prepare students for engineering careers within the discipline. The first year and a half of the Computer Engineering curriculum includes basic courses in mathematics and physical science, broadening courses in humanities and social science, and foundation courses in engineering. The next three semesters provide the core education in Computer Engineering with courses in digital logic, microcomputers, computer programming, electronics, circuits, and systems. The last year of study includes two semesters of Capstone Design as well as required advanced courses in computer architecture and embedded systems (with its associated lab). Technical electives are available during the final year to allow students to concentrate in selected areas of the discipline. The department offers advanced courses in communications, controls, digital system design, and microelectronics.
Credit hour substitutions for a course must come from a course within the same discipline (for example, a CS hour must be used to substitute for a missing CS hour). The course used as substitution cannot be used for any other Computer Engineering program requirement. This is accomplished through a petition to the ECE Department.
Computer Engineering graduates have career opportunities in a number of industries and fields including, but not limited to, communications, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defense/military, medical, robotics and automation, and consumer electronics. The degree also provides an excellent background for graduate study in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering as well as Law and Medicine.
Types of Jobs Accepted
Computer Engineering graduates often gain entry-level positions as embedded hardware designers, software developers, or design engineers with engineering and consulting firms across various industries including aerospace, defense, automotive, and robotics.
Jobs of Experienced Alumni
Alumni of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering currently hold positions such as distribution manager, Alabama Power; vice president, ADTRAN; senior design engineer, Radiance Technologies; senior engineer, TSC.
Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center