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B.S. in Computer Engineering

About Computer Engineering

In the last 30 years, information technology, wireless communications, and advanced computer, internet, and software-related innovations have transformed the way we live and how we connect with one another. Computer engineers apply the principles and techniques of  electrical engineering, computer science, and mathematical analysis to  the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and  hardware systems that enable computers to perform increasingly  demanding functions. In the workplace, computer engineers span a wide  range of skills; for instance, they design robots, develop  microprocessors, design supercomputers and smart devices, create integrated circuits for semiconductor fabrication, program computer-vision capabilities, create security/cryptographic systems, and develop software systems and network protocols.

History of Computer Engineering Major at UMD

In the Fall of 1997, the University of Maryland launched the BS degree program in Computer Engineering, drawing upon resources and expert faculty from both the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science. The Computer Engineering program, the first of its kind in the state of Maryland, was developed in conjunction with industry leaders to address the demand for excellence in this rapidly developing field.

Computer Engineering Curriculum

The Computer Engineering curriculum requires a minimum of 124-127 credits to degree completion. Undergraduate students pursue a common foundation in math, physics, and chemistry (as well as computer and engineering sciences), then concentrate on the computer engineering core curriculum during sophomore and junior years. Seniors choose from a wide variety of electrical engineering and computer science courses, including capstone design course work, which integrates classroom learning with hands-on practical design. Students thereby gain valuable technical skills for subsequent graduate study and/or technical advancement.

Due to the similarity in curriculum, students within the Computer Engineering major are not allowed to earn a second major or degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science. Likewise, Computer Engineering majors are not eligible for the Computer Science and Computer Engineering minor programs.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree program at the University of Maryland is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. 


Within a few years from graduation, a graduate of computer engineering will have engaged in professional development, and will have attained any of the following program educational objectives:

  1. Achieve advanced technical expertise and/or advance to a leadership position in industry or government
  2. Earn a graduate degree from a respected graduate program in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related field
  3. Become an innovator and/or entrepreneur in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related space
  4. Use their professional knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as their sense of ethical responsibility, to make a positive impact on societal and environmental concerns and/or to improve the climate for diversity, equity and inclusiveness within the profession

The program learning outcomes for the Computer Engineering program has adopted the ABET accreditation outcomes, called ABET (1)-(7). 

These outcomes are:

(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

(7)  An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

The current overall undergraduate enrollment in Computer Engineering is 502 students distributed over all four years of study (as of Fall 2024), making up 9% of the Clark School of Engineering undergraduate student body. 

In the 2023-2024 academic year, the Computer Engineering program awarded 94 Bachelor of Science degrees.

 

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