Computer engineering is a field of engineering that combines principles of computer science and electrical engineering to design, develop, and maintain computer systems and networks. It involves the study of hardware and software components of computer systems, as well as their integration, interface design, and implementation.
Computer engineering deals with the design of computing and embedded systems, from smartphones to electronic circuits and robotics, for a plethora of cutting-edge applications, ranging from aerospace to radar, and from telecommunications to networking.
Without any doubt, we live in the most digitally interconnected world ever experienced in the history of technology, to the point that there essentially isn't a field where a computer engineer would not be able to work! A graduate with a B.S. in Computer Engineering can essentially work in any high-tech industry employing computer and digital systems.
Computer engineers are involved in a wide range of activities, from the design of microprocessors, circuits, and other hardware components to the development of software applications and operating systems. They work on everything from supercomputers used for scientific research to consumer electronics like smartphones and laptops.
Computer engineering is a constantly evolving field, with new technologies and applications emerging all the time. It requires a strong foundation in math and science, as well as a deep understanding of computer hardware and software. It also requires creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.
Embedded systems are a key area within computer engineering that involves the design and development of specialized computer systems that are integrated into other products or systems. These systems are typically designed to perform a specific set of functions, and are often built into devices that we use every day, such as automobiles, medical equipment, industrial control systems, and consumer electronics.
Embedded systems are different from general-purpose computers in that they are designed to perform a specific set of functions, rather than being used for a wide range of tasks. They are also typically optimized for performance, power consumption, and cost, as they are often built in large quantities and need to be affordable and efficient.
Designing embedded systems requires a deep understanding of hardware and software, as well as the ability to work with limited resources, such as memory, processing power, and energy. Embedded system engineers use a variety of tools and technologies, including microcontrollers, digital signal processors, and real-time operating systems, to develop systems that are reliable, efficient, and easy to use.
Where do Computer Engineers Work? What do they do?
Please visit our Career Pathways and Companies for Computer Engineering Graduates page for more details on multiple career pathways that are available for Computer Engineering graduates.
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The Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. The curriculum of our B.S. in Computer Engineering degree covers a wide array of specialized topics, including programming, computer architecture, computer networks, digital hardware design, microprocessors, embedded systems and physics. Our students acquire the knowledge and skills to work on a variety of applications, including circuit design, microprocessor design, software engineering, and embedded systems — the integration of computer systems into other kinds of systems such as appliances, robots, or motor vehicles.
Skills you will acquire as a computer engineering student include:
- Thorough knowledge of the architecture of digital hardware and computing systems
- Design of digital integrated circuits and microprocessors
- Hardware-software integration
- Knowledge of coding for the design, maintenance, and testing of complex microprocessors architecture
Message from the Chair of Computer Engineering
Student Project Highlight
Computer Engineering students collaborate on innovative solutions to real-world problems. Check out these student projects that address safety, health, efficiency and security.
What our Graduates Do
As a B.S. in Computer Engineering graduate, you will acquire the skills and competencies sought by companies such as Intel, HP, Analog Devices, Microsoft, Amazon, and Texas Instruments. You will also be qualified to work in industries that utilize and design computing and embedded systems, such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, etc.
Graduates are prepared to solve problems in all aspects of computing. Career options include:
- Computer Engineer
- Digital Systems Engineer
- Embedded Systems Engineer
- Hardware Developer
- Microprocessor Systems Engineer
- Software Engineer
Ranked #20 on list of "Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs"
The ranking system took into consideration tuition, retention rate, graduation rate, and quality of the program.
Admission Process Overview
| Prepare to Apply | Application Open | Application Deadline | Students Notified |
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Prerequisite courses in progress; see application for conditional admission requirements. |
Early February |
July 1 priority deadline Applications accepted after July 1 until program is full |
Rolling decisions after application opens or until program is full. |
Have questions? Schedule an appointment with one of our Academic Advisors!
Admission Requirements
Admission to the CE major is competitive. Please review the following prerequisites and application process carefully.
Prerequisites
Students may be conditionally admitted into the CE program with certain prerequisites in progress, but all prerequisites must be completed in order to enroll. To qualify for admission to CE, you must be on track to complete the following by the end of summer quarter before starting the major:
- Calculus I (TMATH 124), Calculus II (TMATH 125), and Calculus III (TMATH 126).
- Differential Equations (TMATH 207).
- Matrix/Linear Algebra (TMATH 208).
- Physics I (TPHYS 121), Physics II (TPHYS 122), Physics III (TPHYS 123).
Note that if the physics series is completed at UW Tacoma, no additional lab science is required.
Transfer students may need one additional approved lab-based science course (e.g. Chemistry or Biology) to meet the total number of lab science credits required (18 minimum) for graduation.
- Introduction to Programming (TCSS 142).
- Object-Oriented Programming (TCSS 143).
- Electrical Circuits (TCES 215- must have AC/DC).
*All pre-requisite courses must be completed in the last seven years
GPA and Credit Requirements
- Cumulative prerequisite GPA of at least 2.5, with a minimum grade of 2.0 in each individual prerequisite course
- Required minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all college coursework
Ready to Apply?
Before starting the application, make sure you're ready to apply:
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You've been admitted to UW Tacoma and met the requirements to apply to the major (previous tab).
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You have completed at least 45 college-level credits.
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You completed the prerequisite courses listed in the Admission Requirements tab.
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You've earned a minimum grade of 2.0 in each prerequisite course and maintain a minimum cumulative prerequisite GPA of 2.5.
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You're meeting the July 1 priority application deadline. The application may close at any time after the priority deadline once the program reaches capacity.
Transfer Admission
Notes for Transfer Students:
- You may need one additional approved lab-based science course (e.g. Chemistry or Biology) to meet the total number of lab science credits required (18 minimum) for graduation.
- UW Seattle and UW Bothell students seeking to transfer to UW Tacoma also need to have a transfer application on file to be considered for admission.
- If you are not admitted to UWT, you cannot be admitted to the CES/EE major, but you may hold off on accepting your offer of admission to UWT until you have your program admissions decision.
- Transfer students at Washington State community colleges are encouraged to pursue the Associate in Science - Transfer Track 2 to meet the admission requirements. Use the UW Course Equivalency Guide to determine the equivalent prerequisites at your school.
Selection Criteria
Strong applicants typically have grades of 3.0 and higher in prerequisite math, science, engineering and programming courses, as well as a solid cumulative GPA.
Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Completion of all prerequisite courses
- Grades in prerequisite courses -- individually and cumulatively (competitive applicants will have earned at least a 2.5 in each prerequisite course)
- Overall previous academic performance
- Completion of at least 45 college-level credits
Curriculum
Courses
The CE curriculum incorporates the fundamentals of electrical engineering as well as required CE courses. Consult the CE Schedule Planning Grid to complete all required courses.
Computer Science Fundamentals
- TCES 203 Programming Practicum
- TCSS 342 Data Structures
Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
TCES 310 Signals and Systems
TCES 312 Electronic and Analog Systems
Computer Systems
TCES 372 Computer Organization and Architecture
TCES 420 Operating Systems for Engineers
Math/Theory
TCSS 321 Discrete Structures I
TCES 380 Stochastic Signal Theory for Engineers
Ethics and Society
TCSS 325 Computers, Ethics and Society
Computer Engineering
TCES 230 Introduction to Logic Design
TCES 330 Digital System Design
TCES 430 Microprocessor System Design
TEE 451 Control Systems
TCSS 460 Embedded Systems Design
TCES 480 Senior Design Project I
TCES 481 Senior Design Project II
TCES 482 Senior Design Project III
Electives
10 credits from Approved Elective List
Schedule Planning
The Computer Engineering Schedule Planning grid (PDF) shows a sample pathway to complete the B.S. in Computer Engineering degree. Work with your advisor to make sure you are completing required courses for the program.
Download the CENGR Planning Grid
Senior Electives
These courses are approved as senior elective courses. In addition, CE students may also choose courses from the approved CSS senior electives list.
TCSS 343 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
TCES 421 - Digital Integrated Circuit Design
TCES 431 - Essentials of VLSI Circuit Testing and Hardware Security
TCES 461 - Hardware for Cryptography
Academic Support
TCES 390 Undergraduate Seminar in Computer Engineering is a workshop style course to help you solve problems and develop a deeper understanding of CE material. The course, overseen by a faculty member and a student mentor includes lectures and problem sessions in mathematics, programming, problem solving, and CE applications.
See also:
- The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) at UW Tacoma provides academic support in math, science, statistics and writing to all UWT students.
- The Learning and Research Commons (LARC) is the hub of support for all members of our campus community for teaching, learning, conducting research, and using technology to support all of these endeavors.
ABET Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. The Computer Engineering program at UW Tacoma prepares students with the theoretical and practical foundations needed to solve problems in all aspects of computing.
The Computer Engineering Program will educate each student to be a responsible and productive engineer who can effectively apply emerging technologies to meet future challenges.
Program Educational Objectives, as defined by ABET are the abilities, skills, and accomplishments expected of graduates within a few years of graduation.
The Program Educational Objectives of our Computer Engineering program are as follows:
Within three to five years of graduation from the Computer Engineering program, it is expected that many graduates will have:
- Developed a product or process by applying their knowledge of mathematics, computing, systems and development tools, and product life-cycle management.
- Applied the principles of mutual respect, safety, quality, integrity and inclusion as a member of a multi-disciplinary development team and undertaken a leadership role when appropriate.
- Improved their skills and abilities by taking graduate courses, professional development training, or voluntary experiential learning opportunities.
- Made positive contributions to their community and society by applying skills and abilities learned during their undergraduate program in computer engineering.
- Made decisions related to their work that demonstrate an understanding of the importance of being an ethical engineering professional.
- Applied their technical communication skills to effectively promote their ideas, goals, or products.
Since the objectives are fairly broad, it is not expected that every graduate will achieve every objective.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is a non-governmental organization that accredits post-secondary education programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
Students who complete the B.S. in Computer Engineering program will achieve the following ABET-based 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 specified 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.
| Year | Enrollment | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 25 | - |
| 2021-2022 | 34 | 15 |
| 2020-2021 | 36 | 16 |
| 2019-2020 | 51 | 22 |
| 2018-2019 | 64 | 28 |
| 2017-2018 | 56 | 12 |
| 2016-2017 | 56 | 23 |
The External Advisory Board Mission Statement is:
"The External Advisory Board (EAB) provides guidance to the administration of the Electrical and Computer Engineering programs with the goal of enhancing the quality of the educational and research programs as well as the opportunities for experiential learning and employment for Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering students."
Reed Adams
Texas Instruments
Severn Allen
Manager: Commercial Airplanes, Cyber Security, Cabin & Network Systems
Boeing
Alex Boyle
Namatad
Stephen Brooks
Peninsula Light and Power
Ozan Ferrin
Power Generation Engineering Manager, Tacoma Power
Amy Grice
Peninsula Light and Power
Harry Hsiung
Intel Fellow
Kevin Kerstetter
US Naval Sea Systems Command
Scott Klauminzer
Critical Infrastructure Protection Lead,
Tacoma Power, Tacoma Public Utilities
Mohan Kumar
Intel Fellow
Dieter Laskowski
Senior Software Engineer
Google
Daniel Lowney
US Naval Sea Systems Command
Andrew Sloss
Senior Principal Research Engineer
Arm Research, Seattle
Dave Smith
Senior Field Applications Engineer
ARROW
Brooke Stevenson
T-Mobile
Kebra Thompson (Graduate of the Computer Engineering Program at UW Tacoma)
Cyber Engineering Manager
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport
Chris Vishoot (Graduate of the Computer Engineering Program at UW Tacoma)
R&D Software Engineer 2
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
