BS in Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering is the application of science to the design , implementation, and maintenance of hardware/software components of: i) computers and ii) systems that include computers (i.e., embedded systems). This program prepares students to practice Computer Engineering and enter graduate programs in various disciplines of science and engineering.
Graduates acquire core knowledge in the following areas:
- circuits and electronics
- software design (including data structures and algorithms)
- digital design
- computer architecture and organization
- embedded systems
- computer networks
- signal processing
- systems resource management
Marketable Skills
This subject matter will provide students with skills that are in high demand in the labor market, including but not limited to:
- Software development
- Digital Design
- Data Analysis
- Communication network design and management
- Cybersecurity
Educational Objectives
- Our graduates should apply their knowledge and skills to computer engineering practice or to pursue advanced education successfully as demonstrated by some of the following:
- Completion of certificates, graduate degrees, or professional licensing
- Sustained employment and/or full-time graduate school in electrical/computer engineering or related area
- Advancement and/or recognition in employment
- Our graduates should demonstrate creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking in the practice of engineering as demonstrated by some of the following
- Leadership roles in their organizations, their profession, and/or in society
- Effective participation in disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams
- Successful development and/or improvement of products, processes, and/or systems
- Our graduates should engage successfully in professional communication as demonstrated by some of the following
- Publication of technical articles and engineering reports, or submission of proposals
- Effective participation in disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams
- Presentation of their work at professional meetings or conferences
- Our graduates should exhibit social and professional responsibility in the practice of engineering as demonstrated by some of the following
- Involvement in community service
- Commitment to lifelong learning
- Membership in professional organizations
Student Outcomes
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specific needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as, global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- 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.
- 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.
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Fast Track
The Fast-Track Program enables outstanding undergraduate UTEP students to receive both undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP course work as determined by participating Master's and Doctoral programs. Not all undergraduate programs have elected to participate in the Fast Track option, so students should see their departmental graduate advisor for information about requirements and guidelines. A list of courses that have been approved for possible use at the graduate level is found here.
Fast Track Combined BSEE/Master Program in Electrical or Computer Engineering
Students with at least 90 hours accumulated toward their BSEE degree and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 may be eligible for admission into the fast-track BSEE/Master Program. Students admitted to this program take graduate classes that count both toward graduate degree requirements and undergraduate degree requirements, for up to 15 credit hours of ECE graduate courses per approval of the undergraduate and graduate advisors. Eligible ECE graduate courses come from a list approved for fast-track by the ECE Faculty. Students must earn a B or better in the graduate course to count as graduate credit for the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or for the Master of Science in Computer Engineering. If the grade is a C, it will not count towards the graduate degree but will still count towards the undergraduate degree.
Degree Requirements
The BS Degree in Computer Engineering consists of 128 semester credit hours divided into a lower division, providing diverse courses over a broad base of technical subjects, and an upper division providing specialized courses. The degree culminates in a capstone design project.
Degree Plan
BS in Computer Engineering with Concentration
Required Credits: 128
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Core Curriculum | ||
| Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. | 42 | |
| Computer Engineering Designated Core (All courses require a grade of C or better) | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
| Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
| Precalculus | ||
or MATH 1310 | Trigonometry and Conics | |
or MATH 1411 | Calculus I | |
| Introductory Mechanics and Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
or PHYS 2420 | Introductory Mechanics | |
| Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
or PHYS 2421 | Introductory Electromagnetism | |
| Math/Science Core | ||
| Required: | ||
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
| MATH 2313 | Calculus III | 3 |
| MATH 2326 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 2300 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 3323 | Matrix Algebra | 3 |
| Electrical/Computer Engineering Core | ||
| Required: | ||
| ECE 1300 | Intro to Electr/Comp Eng | 3 |
| ECE 1100 | Lab for ECE 1300 | 1 |
| ECE 2301 | Electric Circuits I | 3 |
| ECE 2302 | Electric Circuits II | 3 |
| ECE 2102 | Lab for ECE 2302 | 1 |
| ECE 3341 | Electronics I | 3 |
| ECE 3141 | Lab for ECE 3341 | 1 |
| ECE 3331 | Discrete Time Signals & Sys | 3 |
| ECE 3332 | Prob with App Elect/Comp Eng | 3 |
| ECE 3100 | Junior Prof. Orientation | 1 |
| Computer Engineering Core | ||
| Required: | ||
| ECE 2303 | Digital Systems Design I | 3 |
| ECE 2103 | Lab for ECE 2303 | 1 |
| ECE 2300 | Software Design I | 3 |
| ECE 3350 | Software Design II | 3 |
| ECE 2304 | Microprocessor Systems I | 3 |
| ECE 2104 | Lab for ECE 2304 | 1 |
| ECE 3351 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| ECE 3352 | Operating System Design | 3 |
| Senior Capstone | ||
| Required: | ||
| ECE 4201 | CpE Capstone Project Lab I | 2 |
| ECE 4202 | CpE Capstone Project Lab II | 2 |
| Select two Computer Engineering Electives with Lab | 8 | |
| Intro to Communication Netwks and Lab for ECE 3370 | ||
| Digital Systems Design II and Lab for ECE 4353 | ||
| Microprocessor Systems II and Lab for ECE 4354 | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Required: | 8 | |
Experiential Learning | ||
| X1XX | ||
| X1XX | ||
Electives | ||
| ECE X3XX | ||
| ECE X3XX | ||
| Students must select one Concentration | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 129 | |
General Computer Engineering
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses below: | 6 | |
ECE 33XX or ECE 43XX | ||
ECE 33XX or ECE 43XX | ||
Digital Design
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required: | 6 | |
| Digital Systems Design II | ||
or ECE 33XX OR ECE 43XX | ||
| VLSI Design | ||
Embedded Systems
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Microprocessor Systems II | ||
| Digital Systems Design II | ||
ECE 33XX or ECE 43XX | ||
Communication Networks
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required: | 6 | |
| Intro to Communication Netwks | ||
| Special Topics | ||
Machine Learning
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required | 6 | |
| Foundations of Deep Learning | ||
| Fuzzy Logic and Engineering | ||
or ECE 4362 | Computer Vision | |
Information Security
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Cybersecurity | ||
| Special Topics | ||
University Core Curriculum (A program may recommend specific courses. All courses require a C or better.)
I. Communication (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. | ||
| Select six hours of the following: | 6 | |
| For students whose secondary education was in English: | ||
| Written and Oral Communication | ||
| Writing About Literature | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition I | ||
| Rhetoric & Composition 2 | ||
| Rhetoric, Composition & Comm | ||
| For students whose secondary education was not in English: | ||
| Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl | ||
| Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
II. American History (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility. | ||
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
III. Language, Philosophy & Culture (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility, and Personal Responsibility. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-African Amer Studies | ||
| Latina/o Presence in the U.S. | ||
| English Literature | ||
| English Literature | ||
| Intro to American Fiction | ||
| Intro to American Drama | ||
| Intro to American Poetry | ||
| Making of the "Other" Americas | ||
| World History to 1500 | ||
| World History Since 1500 | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Ethics | ||
| Introduct to Religious Studies | ||
| Seeing & Naming: Conversations | ||
| Introduction to Womens Studies | ||
| Global Feminisms | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 3 | |
IV. Mathematics (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and Empirical & Quantitative Skills. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Trigonometry and Conics | ||
| Math in the Modern World | ||
| Math for Social Sciences I | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Precalculus | ||
| Math for Social Sciences II | ||
| Statistical Literacy | ||
| Elementary Statistical Methods | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 3 | |
V. Life & Physical Sciences (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Teamwork. | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Astronomy Lab I | ||
| Elem Astronomy-Solar System | ||
| Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies | ||
| Introductory Biology Lab | ||
| Human Biology Laboratory | ||
| Topics in Study of Life I | ||
| Organismal Biology Laboratory | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Human Biology | ||
| General Biology | ||
| Organismal Biology | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab I | ||
| Human Anat/Physio Lab II | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology I | ||
| Human Anat/Physiology II | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1305 | ||
| Laboratory for CHEM 1306 | ||
| Intro General Chemistry Lab | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochem Lab | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry | ||
| Intro to General Chemistry | ||
| Intro Organic & Biochemistry | ||
| Environmental Sci. Lab | ||
| Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301 | ||
| Intro to Environmental Sci | ||
| Laboratory for GEOG 1306 | ||
| Physical Geography | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1313 | ||
| Lab for GEOL 1314 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sci - Lab | ||
| Laboratory for Geology 1212 | ||
| Principles of Earth Sciences | ||
| Principles of Earth Science | ||
| The Blue Planet | ||
| Natural Hazards | ||
| Intro to Physical Geology | ||
| Intro to Historical Geol | ||
| Fundamentals of Nutrition | ||
| Wellness Dynamics | ||
| Microorganisms and Disease | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | ||
| Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | ||
| Introductory Mechanics | ||
| Introductory Electromagnetism | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
VI. Political Science (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Social Responsibility and Personal Responsibility. | ||
| Required Courses: | ||
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
VII. Social & Behavioral Sciences (three hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills, and Social Responsibility. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog | ||
| Intro-Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Intro to Linguistics | ||
| Asian American Studies | ||
| Econ for Engrs & Scientists | ||
| Intro to Chicano Studies | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Mass Media and Society | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Ed Psychology | ||
| Action Research in Classrooms | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| Leadership in Action | ||
| Introduction to Linguistics | ||
| Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Cultural Geography | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 3 | |
VIII. Creative Arts
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art. Course objectives for this component are: Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| History of Art I | ||
| History of Art II | ||
| Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat | ||
| Introduction to Dance | ||
| Intro-Art of Motion Pict. | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Jazz to Rock | ||
| Music, Culture, and Society | ||
| Introduction to Theatre | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 3 | |
IX. Component Area Option (six hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice. | ||
| Intro to Global Business | ||
| COMM 1301 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Business/Profession Comm | ||
| Intro-Computational Thinking | ||
| Computer Programming Sci/Engr | ||
| Eng Innovation and Leadership | ||
| Engineering Design Experience | ||
| Applied Engineering Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Leadership | ||
| Inquiry in Math & Science | ||
| Comm. Var. Across the Lifespan | ||
| Seminar/Critical Inquiry | ||
| TOTAL HOURS | 6 | |
4-Year Sample Degree Plan
BS Computer Engineering (Starting with Pre-calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | ||
| Summer | ||
| (If needed) | ||
| MATH 1508 | Precalculus | 3-5 |
| or MATH 1310 | Trigonometry and Conics | |
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| ECE 1300 | Intro to Electr/Comp Eng | 3 |
| ECE 1100 | Lab for ECE 1300 | 1 |
| CS 1320 | Computer Programming Sci/Engr | 3 |
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
| UNIV 1301 | Seminar/Critical Inquiry | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
| ECE 2303 | Digital Systems Design I | 3 |
| ECE 2103 | Lab for ECE 2303 | 1 |
| PHYS 2320 & PHYS 2120 | Introductory Mechanics and Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | 4 |
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| SOPHMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 2326 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| ECE 2301 | Electric Circuits I | 3 |
| ECE 2300 | Software Design I | 3 |
| CE 2326 | Econ for Engrs & Scientists | 3 |
| PHYS 2321 & PHYS 2121 | Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 2313 | Calculus III | 3 |
| ECE 2302 | Electric Circuits II | 3 |
| ECE 2102 | Lab for ECE 2302 | 1 |
| ECE 2304 | Microprocessor Systems I | 3 |
| ECE 2104 | Lab for ECE 2304 | 1 |
| MATH 2300 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 3323 | Matrix Algebra | 3 |
| ECE 3331 | Discrete Time Signals & Sys | 3 |
| ECE 3341 | Electronics I | 3 |
| ECE 3141 | Lab for ECE 3341 | 1 |
| ECE 3350 | Software Design II | 3 |
| ECE 3351 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| ECE 3100 | Junior Prof. Orientation | 1 |
| ECE 3332 | Prob with App Elect/Comp Eng | 3 |
| ECE 3352 | Operating System Design | 3 |
| CpE Elective | 3 | |
| CpE Elective Lab | 1 | |
| Creative Arts Component | 3 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Experiential Learning | 1 | |
| ECE 4201 | CpE Capstone Project Lab I | 2 |
| CpE Elective | 3 | |
| CpE Elective Lab | 1 | |
| CpE Concentration or ECE Elective | 3 | |
| Core Curriculum Course | 3 | |
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| Experiential Learning | 1 | |
| ECE 4202 | CpE Capstone Project Lab II | 2 |
| CpE Concentration or ECE Elective | 3 | |
| ECE Elective | 3 | |
| ECE Elective | 3 | |
| POLS 2311 | ||
BS Computer Engineering (Starting with Calculus)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering | ||
| FRESHMAN | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 1411 | Calculus I | 4 |
| ECE 1300 | Intro to Electr/Comp Eng | 3 |
| ECE 1100 | Lab for ECE 1300 | 1 |
| CS 1320 | Computer Programming Sci/Engr | 3 |
| RWS 1301 | Rhetoric & Composition I | 3 |
| UNIV 1301 | Seminar/Critical Inquiry | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 1312 | Calculus II | 3 |
| ECE 2303 | Digital Systems Design I | 3 |
| ECE 2103 | Lab for ECE 2303 | 1 |
| PHYS 2320 & PHYS 2120 | Introductory Mechanics and Laboratory for PHYS 2320 | 4 |
| RWS 1302 | Rhetoric & Composition 2 | 3 |
| HIST 1301 | History of U.S. to 1865 | 3 |
| SOPHMORE | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 2326 | Differential Equations | 3 |
| ECE 2301 | Electric Circuits I | 3 |
| ECE 2300 | Software Design I | 3 |
| CE 2326 | Econ for Engrs & Scientists | 3 |
| PHYS 2321 & PHYS 2121 | Introductory Electromagnetism and Laboratory for PHYS 2321 | 4 |
| Spring | ||
| MATH 2313 | Calculus III | 3 |
| ECE 2302 | Electric Circuits II | 3 |
| ECE 2102 | Lab for ECE 2302 | 1 |
| ECE 2304 | Microprocessor Systems I | 3 |
| ECE 2104 | Lab for ECE 2304 | 1 |
| MATH 2300 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | History of U.S. Since 1865 | 3 |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH 3323 | Matrix Algebra | 3 |
| ECE 3331 | Discrete Time Signals & Sys | 3 |
| ECE 3341 | Electronics I | 3 |
| ECE 3141 | Lab for ECE 3341 | 1 |
| ECE 3350 | Software Design II | 3 |
| ECE 3351 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| ECE 3100 | Junior Prof. Orientation | 1 |
| ECE 3332 | Prob with App Elect/Comp Eng | 3 |
| ECE 3352 | Operating System Design | 3 |
| CpE Elective | 3 | |
| CpE Elective Lab | 1 | |
| Creative Arts Component | 3 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| Experiential Learning | 1 | |
| ECE 4201 | CpE Capstone Project Lab I | 2 |
| CpE Elective | 3 | |
| CpE Elective Lab | 1 | |
| CpE Concentration or ECE Elective | 3 | |
| Core Curriculum Course | 3 | |
| POLS 2310 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| Spring | ||
| Experiential Learning | 1 | |
| ECE 4202 | CpE Capstone Project Lab II | 2 |
| CpE Concentration or ECE Elective | 3 | |
| ECE Elective | 3 | |
| ECE Elective | 3 | |
| POLS 2311 | American Gover & Politics | 3 |