Computer Engineering, B.S.

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Computer Engineering (https://engineering.virginia.edu/c omputer-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.

Computer Engineering Curriculum (128 credits)

Requirements for the B.S. in Computer Engineering Major (128 total credits)

The requirements for the Computer Engineering (CpE) major are listed below. Example schedules and other aids are available on the CpE advising aids page.

School of Engineering and Applied Science General Requirements (42 credits)

Computer Engineering students must complete the unified set of general requirements for all engineering majors. More information can be found on the SEAS Curricular Requirements page. These courses are often completed during the first two years in SEAS, with the exception of STS 4500 and 4600, which are taken during the fall and spring of the fourth year, respectively.

APMA 1110 - Single Variable Calculus II - Credits: 4
APMA 2120 - Multivariable Calculus - Credits: 4
CHEM 1410 - Introductory College Chemistry I - Credits: 3
CHEM 1411 - Introductory College Chemistry I Laboratory - Credits: 1

One of the following CS 111X courses

CS 1110 - Introduction to Programming - Credits: 3
CS 1111 - Introduction to Programming - Credits: 3
CS 1112 - Introduction to Programming - Credits: 3
CS 1113 - Introduction to Programming - Credits: 3
ENGR 1010 – Engineering Foundations - Credits: 4
ENGR 1020 -Engineering Foundations 2 - Credits: 3
PHYS 1425 - Introductory Physics 1 for Engineers - Credits: 3
PHYS 1429 - Introductory Physics 1 Workshop - Credits: 1

One of the following two Physics courses:

PHYS 2415+PHYS 2419 - Physics 2 + Lab Credits: 3+1=4
ECE 2200 Applied Physics: Electricity and Magnetism Credits: 4
STS 2600 – Engineering Ethics - Credits: 3
STS 4500 - STS and Engineering Practice - Credits: 3
STS 4600 - The Engineer, Ethics, and Professional Responsibility - Credits: 3
Math and Science Elective - Credits: 3

Electrical and Computer Engineering Courses (20.5 credits)

These courses are a set of courses students take within the electrical engineering major and comprise many of the prerequisites for upper-level courses. Example schedules can be found on the Computer Engineering website.

ECE 2300 Applied Circuits Credits: 3
ECE 2330 - Digital Logic Design Credits: 3
ECE 2600 Electronics Credits: 3
ECE 2700 Signals and Systems Credits: 3
ECE 3430 - Introduction to Embedded Computer Systems Credits: 4
ECE 4435 - Computer Architecture & Design Credits: 4.5

Computer Science Courses (18 credits)

These courses are a set of courses students take within the computer science major and comprise many of the prerequisites for upper-level courses. Example schedules can be found on the Computer Engineering website. Guidelines for ECE Electives:

CS 2100 - Data Structures and Algorithms 1 Credits: 4
CS 2120 - Discrete Mathematics and Theory 1 Credits: 3
CS 2130 - Computer Systems and Organization 1 Credits: 4
CS 3130 - Computer Systems and Organization 2 Credits: 4
CS 3140 - Software Development Essentials Credits: 3

Electrical and Computer Engineering or Computer Science Courses (15 credits)

CpE majors must take fifteen (15) credits of ECE or CS courses at the 3000 level or higher.  It is highly encouraged that students choose a focus path that group 15 credits of ECE and CS electives into a cohesive depth of study. Information about the focus paths is available on the CpE advising aids page

Guidelines for ECE and CS Electives:
Must have an ECE or CS mnemonic.
Must be at the 3000 level or higher.
Must not be a required core course.

Major Design Experience (4.5 credits)

CpE majors must take the CPE major design experience (capstone course).

ECE 4440 Embedded Systems Design - Credits: 4.5

Additional Mathematics Courses (7 credits)

CpE majors must take two (2) additional required math courses:

APMA 2130 - Ordinary Differential Equations - Credits: 4
APMA 3100 - Probability - Credits: 3

Humanities and Social Science (HSS) Electives (9 credits)

CpE majors must complete a total of nine (9) credits of HSS electives. HSS electives are selected from an approved list (available in A122 Thornton Hall or in the UVA Engineering Undergraduate Handbook) of humanities and social science offerings. Communication courses in the student’s native or first language, regardless of their level, may not be used to satisfy this requirement. See the SEAS page regarding electives for more information.

Unrestricted Electives (12 credits)

CpE majors must complete fourteen (14) credits of unrestricted electives. Unrestricted electives may be chosen from any graded course in the University except mathematics courses below MATH 1310; courses that substantially duplicate any others offered for the degree, including PHYS 2010, PHYS 2020, CS 1010, CS 1020; any introductory programming course; or SCPS courses. APMA 1090 counts as a three-credit unrestricted elective. See the SEAS page regarding electives for more information.

Footnotes

(1) Chosen from the approved list available online or in A122 Thornton Hall.
(2) Chosen from: among BIOL 2100, 2200; CHEM 1420; approved APMA course; MSE 2090; and PHYS 2620.
(3) APMA 1090 counts as three-credit unrestricted elective. Other unrestricted electives may be chosen from any graded course in the University except the following mathematics courses: MATH 1310, STAT 1100 and STAT 1120 or any course that substantially duplicate any others offered for the degree including PHYS 2010, 2020; CS 1010, 1020; or any introductory programming course. Students in doubt as to what is acceptable to satisfy a degree requirement should get the approval of their advisor and the dean’s office, located A122 Thornton Hall.
(4) Chosen from CS/ECE courses at the 3000 level or higher. Two CS/ECE electives must be 4000 level or above.

(5)Any course which meets the Second Writing Requirement as specified in the College of Arts & Sciences (CLAS) may be substituted for STS 2XXX/3XXX.

Public Professional Licensure Disclosure

As a member of the State Authorizations Reciprocity Agreement, the University of Virginia (UVA) is authorized to provide curriculum in a distance learning environment to students located in all states in the United States except for California. (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)).

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at the UVA School of Engineering, graduates may be eligible for initial professional licensure in another U.S. state by applying to the licensing board or agency in that state.

Please visit the University’s state authorization web pages to make an informed decision regarding which states’ educational requirements for initial licensure are met by this program. (668.43(a)(5) (v)(A) - (C))

Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a state other than Virginia should update this information immediately in the Student Information System as it may impact their ability to complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours, use Title IV funds, or meet licensure or certification requirements in the new state. (34 CFR 668.402).