Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering Links
- Program Description
- Career Outlook
- Notable Facts
- Admission Requirements
- Scholarships
- Contact Information
Program Description
Computer Engineering (or CE) focuses on the design and programming of computer chips or integrated circuits. CE is positioned squarely between Electrical Engineering (or EE) and Computer Science (or CS) and allows students to tailor their program to the continuum that exists between these two fields. Students in CE learn how to do the following: design a computer architecture, implement the architecture on an integrated circuit, interface sensors and input-output devices to the computer, program the computer in high-level languages, and assess the performance of computer systems. CE's have the advantage of understanding both software and hardware – a potent combination in a world where the marriage of software and hardware is critical to the success of products we use every day: personal computers, video games, medical instruments, digital audio systems, automobiles, and cell phones.
CE salaries are currently near the top of the engineering disciplines, and hiring is strong. Like other engineers, CE's have the knowledge and flexibility to work in an extraordinarily wide range of jobs. From programming to designing hardware, CE's can fill many roles. Quite often, they will be quickly promoted to positions of greater responsibility in management. Higher compensation follows. As with all engineering disciplines, the most successful CE's tend to be those who pick the field because they enjoy it. CE is an ideal career for those who love to design and work with computers.
The CE program is taught by faculty in both the School of Computing and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. Consequently, CE students receive instruction from a host of outstanding faculty members such as Professor Al Davis who has extensive industry experience designing computer systems at companies such as Hewlett- Packard and Intel; Professor Chris Myers who helped pioneer asynchronous digital design; Associate Professor Erik Brunvand who received the University's Distinguished Teaching award in 2002; and Associate Professor Kenneth Stevens who just joined the faculty after spending ten years as a senior scientist at Intel. Although it is a young program, CE benefits from the vast experience of its' faculty.
You may apply for major status during any semester in which you will complete the pre-major classes listed below. Applications are evaluated as soon as grades are available at the end of each semester. Complete the “Application for CE Major Status” available in the CE office or on the School of Computing website at: http://www.cs.utah.edu/students/undergradinfo.shtml. To be admitted to full major status, a student must have a cumulative University of Utah grade point average of 2.3 or higher. Also, a student must have an average grade of at least 2.8 and a minimum grade of C- in all of the following classes or their equivalents:
ECE 1020 Electrical Engineering Problem Solving with Matlab
ECE 1270 Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering
CS 1010 Introduction to Unix
CS 1410 Intro to Computer Science I
CS 2420 Introduction to Computer Science II
Math 1210 Calculus I
Math 1220 or 1250 Calculus II
Physics 2210 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
Writing 2010 University English writing requirement
Students who major in Computer Engineering are eligible to apply for scholarships through the The School of Computing (SOC) and through the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department. The SOC awards several scholarships each year based upon academic performance, (rather than financial need). Applications for these scholarships are available from the School of Computing office, or on the website at: http://www.cs.utah.edu/students/undergradinfo.shtml Scholarships through the ECE Department are available for freshmen, transfer students, and U of U continuing students who are majoring or intend to major in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering. Applications for U of U students and transfer students are available in the ECE office or on the ECE web site: www.ece.utah.edu/upgrm/cont_studentapp.pdf. Entering freshmen should use the application form and recommendation form for departmental scholarships on the U of U web site: www.saff.utah.edu/finance.
If you would like more information on program requirements or need to speak to someone regarding career questions, please contact:
Mardi Emard-Colburn
Academic Advisor
emard-colburn@ece.utah.edu
(801) 581-3455
3417 MEB
Dr. Neil Cotter
Faculty Advisor
necotter@ece.utah.edu
(801) 581-8566
3104 MEB