Future Students

Academics

Computer Engineering

College of Engineering and Architecture


 

QUICK JUMP
  Computer Engineering
  Study Options
  Requirements and Core Courses
  Careers in Computer Engineering
  Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
  Scholarships and Financial Aid
  Related Subjects That Might Interest You
  Contact Information

Computer Engineering

Computer engineers develop computer hardware and software, digital systems of all descriptions, microprocessor systems, and integrated circuits. They also design components and controls for embedded systems such as those found in modern aircraft, security systems, vending machines, cars, appliances, and a growing number of devices common in contemporary living.

• Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science, minor, master's
• Offered at: Pullman

Study Options

The major in computer engineering includes three areas of special emphasis:
• Embedded Systems
• Operating Systems and Firmware
• Robotics

Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

The curriculum includes:
• A solid foundation in mathematics and sciences.
• Eighteen credits of required core computer science courses.
• Twenty-nine credits of required computer and electrical engineering courses.
• Twelve credits of elective courses that allow a student to specialize in one are of computer engineering.

REQUIREMENTS AND CORE COURSES
(GER=General Education Requirement)

First Year
First Term:
Chem 105 (GER)
Cpt S 121
Engl 101 (GER)
Math 171 (GER)

Second Term:
Cpt S 122
Math 172
Math 216
Phys 201 (GER)

Second Year
First Term:
Cpt S 223
E E 214
GenEd 110 or 111 (GER)
Math 220
Math 273
Phys 202 (GER)

Second Term:
E E 234
E E 261
E E 262
GenEd 110 or 111 (GER)
Intercultural Studies (GER)
Math 315
Complete Writing Portfolio

Third Year
First Term:
E E 311
E E 321
E E 324
E E 331
Engl 402 or 403 (GER)

Second Term:
Biological Sciences (GER)
Cpt S 360
E E 334
Engineering Science Elective
Stat 360

Fourth Year
First Term:
Approved Cpt E Technical Electives
Arts and Humanities (GER)
Cpt S 455
Design I
E E 415
EconS 101 or EconS 102

Second Term:
Approved Cpt E Technical Electives
Cpt S 460 or 466
E E 416
Tier III Humanities or Social Sciences Course

Certifying into the major
Students join the program precertified during their freshman year. Certification into the degree program is based on a cumulative grade point average and courses taken and is a formal acceptance into the professional academic training program. Students may apply for certification when they have completed 30 semester hours, including Bioscience 102 or Chemistry 105; Computer Science 121 and 122; Math 171, 172, and 216; Physics 201 and 202; and Electrical Engineering 214.

• For more information on the computer engineering program, including current course offerings, see the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Web site.

NOTE: Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate.

Careers in Computer Engineering

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that computer engineering is the fastest growing engineering discipline. This growth is expected to continue as computer-driven devices become even more common.

Employers seek graduates with computer application skills in the traditional engineering fields, computer and data processing skills, and hardware and software development.

Graduates of this program have designed new Intel processors, avionics for space vehicles, and breakthrough medical products. Some serve as executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders of many high-tech industries, particularly those in micro-processing and computing, such as Intel and Hewlett-Packard.

Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• Creative and curious about how things work
• Good at or enjoy riddles, puzzles, and problem solving
• Drawn to computers and applications and good at involved strategy games
• Familiar with programming, either independently or through a school program
• Aptitude for analytical thinking through high school math or science classes
• Feel more challenged than discouraged when confronted with problems or hurdles when trying to build or create new things

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The College of Engineering and Architecture offers more than 300 scholarships a year to students in their first and second years of study. Incoming freshmen and transfer students have the opportunity to receive scholarship money from the college that will be continued by the school. Students are also eligible for University-wide scholarships.

Related Subjects That Might Interest You

• Computer science
• Computational Neuroscience

Contact Information
Computer Engineering program
School of Engineering and Computer Science
Washington State University
PO Box 642752
Pullman, WA 99164-2752
newcoug@eecs.wsu.edu
509-335-2446
 

Strengths of the Program

  • Gain skills through a program that combines computer science, software engineering, and electrical engineering.
  • Tackle intricate design problems using well-equipped laboratories with the most modern digital design software available.
  • Enjoy vast resources in lab facilities, computers, and personnel.
  • Participate in research programs on integrated circuit design, digital systems design (including signal processing and communications), networking, and medical computer imaging.
  • Benefit from the school's industry-university partnerships and participate in summer internships.
  • You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.
Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us