Return to: School of Engineering and Applied Science: Degree Programs
Computer Engineering (https://engineering.virginia.edu/computer-engineering-program) 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 and robotics lab which contains bench equipment for logic and signal analysis and a collection of embedded system development platforms and equipment from National Instruments, Texas Instruments, Aldebaran, Kobuki, and Altrea. 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.
The Computer Engineering Curriculum included in the Undergraduate Record lists courses in the semester in which they are planned to be taught. Odd numbered semesters are the Fall semester, and even numbered semesters are the Spring semester. Students should not plan their program of study assuming that courses will be offered in other semesters.
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 20% over the next 8 years for occupations available to graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. More details can be obtained from www.bls.gov/ooh.
Program Educational Objectives: Graduates of the computer engineering program at the University of Virginia will be 1) analyzing, designing, and implementing creative solutions to world challenges typically using computer hardware, software, systems, and applications and 2) contributing effectively as team members and communicating clearly and interacting responsibly with colleagues, clients, employers, and society.
Student Outcomes: At the time of graduation, students will have 1) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics, 2) 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, 3) an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, 4) 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, 5) 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, 6) an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions, and 7) an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Faculties from the Computer Science and Electrical & Computer Engineering departments jointly administer the computer engineering undergraduate degree program at the University of Virginia.
