Computer Engineering

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Computer Engineering (www.cpe.virginia.edu) is an exciting field in which students learn and practice the development of hardware and software systems that work together to solve a problem or achieve a goal.  Computer engineers often develop embedded computer systems that interact with the world through sensors and provide direct control of some physical entity.  Computer engineering students have 24/7 access to our embedded systems lab which contains bench equipment for logic and signal analysis and a collection of embedded system development platforms and equipment from National Instruments (myRIO, myDAQ, Elvis), Texas Instruments (MSP430 Launchpad and custom header boards), iRobot (IRobot Create) and Altrea (FPGA development board).  State-of-the-art bench equipment is also available for printed circuit board development and evaluation in the ECE project lab, to which computer engineers also have access.

A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook states that “very favorable opportunities” (more numerous job openings compared to job seekers) can be expected for college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. It also projects an employment increase of over 30% by 2020 for occupations available to graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. More details can be obtained from www.bls.gov/coh.

Program Objectives Graduates of the Computer Engineering program at the University of Virginia have the knowledge, skills and attitudes that allow them to make tangible contributions, meet new technical challenges, contribute effectively as team members, and be innovators in computer hardware, software, design, analysis and applications. They communicate effectively and interact responsibly with colleagues, clients, employers and society.

Faculties from the Computer Science and Electrical & Computer Engineering departments jointly administer the computer engineering undergraduate degree program at the University of Virginia.