Computer Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Computer engineering is a broad field with applications in almost all areas of industry including software and hardware computer systems, and computing electronics. The Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical Engineering jointly offers the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCE) degree, accredited by ABET since 2009.
The program awards a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCE). Computer engineering is a discipline that embodies the science and technology of design, construction and implementation of software and hardware components of modern computing hardware and software systems and computer-controlled equipment. The body of knowledge for computer engineering includes algorithms, computer architecture and organization, computer systems engineering, circuits and signals, database systems, digital logic, digital signal processing, electronics, embedded systems, computer networks, operating systems, programming, software engineering and discrete structures. The curriculum was designed following the guidelines of ACM and IEEE model curricula to meet ABET standards.
This degree provides a broad, solid education in computer engineering fundamentals as well as the opportunity for in-depth study in specialized topics. Students completing the program will have a rigorous foundation for software and hardware engineering practice in industry as well as for graduate studies in computer science, computer engineering and other related disciplines. The program has well-equipped, accessible laboratories and extensive computing facilities.
The Computer Engineering Program is a joint program delivered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical Engineering. The Computer Engineering program prepares students to pursue advanced study or to enter the dynamic and interdisciplinary field that continues to experience rapid growth and impacts many aspects of human endeavor. The program is designed to provide students with a balanced perspective of hardware and software, and the analysis, design, and implementation techniques for integrated computer systems. The faculty endeavor to be accessible, maintain state of the art instruction and facilities, and to provide liberal access to laboratories and academic support.
Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website.
Core Curriculum Requirements – 42 Hours
Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.
Mathematics – 3 hours
Three credits hours from MATH 2413 or MATH 2487 will be applied here; the remaining one credit hour will be applied in the mathematics requirement of the major.
Life and Physical Science – 6 hours
| PHYS 2425 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I | 4 |
| PHYS 2426 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II | 4 |
Three credit hours from the lecture component of each life and physical science course will be applied towards this requirement.
Language, Philosophy, and Culture – 3 hours
Integrative and Experiential Learning – 6 hours
Language, philosophy and culture:
Students must select an additional three-credit hour course from the language, philosophy and culture component of the core curriculum.
Science Labs
Complete the labs for
PHYS 2425 and
PHYS 2426 and the lab for the chemistry course selected for basic science in the support courses.
Major Requirements – 67 Hours (48 advanced minimum)
Computer Engineering Core – 41 hours (25 advanced)
Required
Senior Design – 6 hours (6 advanced)
Choose one pair:
Technical Electives – 5 hours (5 advanced)
Choose from (Additional courses available with Advisor or Program Director Approval):
Concentrations – 15 hours (12 advanced minimum)
Choose one concentration:
Software Concentration– 15 hours (12 advanced)
Required
Choose one:
Hardware Concentration– 15 hours (15 advanced)
Required
General Concentration – 15 hours (12 advanced)
Choose one:
Choose one:
Choose three:
Choose one:
Support Courses – 17 Hours (6 advanced)
Basic Science – 3 hours
Choose one:
Mathematics – 14 hours (6 advanced)
Required
One credit hour from MATH 2413 or MATH 2487 completed in the core curriculum will be applied to the mathematics requirement in the support courses.
Total Credit Hours: 54
Total Credit Hours: 126
Admission, Progression, and Graduation Requirements, if applicable:
Graduation requirements
- As part of the degree, all students must complete a two-semester capstone senior design project, represented by CMPE 4371 and CMPE 4372 or CMPE 4373 and CMPE 4374 in the degree plan. This project must be of substantial scope and complexity, demonstrate competencies from across the curriculum (in particular, the ability to design computer software, electronic hardware and integrate the two in systems) and address the social, economic and ethical consequences of the project.
- All courses in sections B1 - Computer Engineering Core, B2 - Senior Design, and B4 - Concentration must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better.