U Of A Computer Engineering Requirements
Bonny Battaglino
Program Educational Objectives: Graduates of the Computer Engineering program will (1) be engaged in professional practice at or beyond the entry level or enrolled in high-quality graduate programs building on a solid foundation in engineering, mathematics, the sciences, humanities and social sciences, and experimental practice as well as modern engineering methods; (2) be innovative in the design, research and implementation of systems and products with strong problem solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills; (3) proactively function with creativity, integrity and relevance in the ever-changing global environment by applying their fundamental knowledge and experience to solve real-world problems with an understanding of societal, economic, environmental, and ethical issues. (Program educational objectives are those aspects of engineering that help shape the curriculum; achievement of these objectives is a shared responsibility between the student and UCI.)
Transfer Students: Preference will be given to junior-level applicants with the highest grades overall, and who have satisfactorily completed the following required courses: two years of approved calculus, one year of calculus-based physics with laboratories (mechanics, electricity and magnetism), completion of lower-division writing, and one course in computational methods (e.g., C, C++). For course equivalency specific to each college, visit
Students are encouraged to complete as many of the lower-division degree requirements as possible prior to transfer. Students who enroll at UCI in need of completing lower-division coursework may find that it will take longer than two years to complete their degrees. For further information, contact The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at 949-824-4334.
(The nominal Computer Engineering program will require 187 units of courses to satisfy all university and major requirements. Because each student comes to UCI with a different level of preparation, the actual number of units will vary.)
The sample program of study chart shown is typical for the major in Computer Engineering. Students should keep in mind that this program is based upon a sequence of prerequisites, beginning with adequate preparation in high school mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Students who are not adequately prepared, or who wish to make changes in the sequence for other reasons, must have their program approved by their advisor. Computer Engineering majors are encouraged to consult with academic counselors as needed, and students who are academically at risk are mandated to see a counselor as frequently as deemed necessary by the advising staff.
The computer engineering field merges electrical engineering with computer science. Computer engineers work in software, hardware, and niche areas like robotics. The versatility of computer engineering allows these professionals to pursue work in various fields, including web development and networking.
Getting started in hardware or software engineering requires at least a bachelor's in computer science or computer engineering. Computer engineers design and test computer systems and hardware. They create and write code for circuits and other computer components.
Computer engineers focus on software or hardware. Hardware engineers complete tasks like designing application-specific integrated circuits through hardware-descriptive language. Software engineers have duties like developing code that interacts with hardware. These professionals must understand how hardware and software components interact together and how to make improvements to these systems.
Top-employing industries for computer engineers include the federal government, research laboratories, and semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers. In these settings, computer engineers collaborate with computer systems analysts, designers, and security professionals.
Most entry-level computer engineering jobs require at least a bachelor's in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. Some employers may hire professionals who completed bootcamps, hold other degrees, or have relevant experience.
Bachelor's degrees usually take four years of full-time study. In addition to generalized curricula, some computer science and computer engineering programs offer concentration tracks in subfields like mobile cloud computing, network security, and robotics. These specializations can help qualify graduates for niche careers.
Entry-level computer engineering roles usually do not require previous experience, but a strong college portfolio and gaining internship experience can make applicants more competitive during the job search.
Typically, employers expect computer engineers to possess programming expertise, as well as knowledge of computer hardware, software, and advanced math concepts. Additionally, computer engineers should be proficient in algorithms, data structures, and architecture. These professionals also need strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Continuing your education by earning certifications keeps your professional knowledge current. Though most computer engineering jobs don't require these credentials, earning computer engineering and computer science certifications can make you stand out in the job market and qualify for higher wages. Computer engineering certifications, especially for recent college graduates or those with career gaps, can also boost credibility.
Typically, these credentials require you to pass an exam, pay fees, and periodically renew your certification through continuing education. Some certifications require applicants to hold specific degrees or several years of work experience. Professional organizations such as CompTIA and the IEEE Computer Society offer online computer engineering certification such as:
CompTIA Network+: If you want to pursue a career as a network engineer, the CompTIA Network+ certification can help you stand out. This credential verifies your ability to secure and troubleshoot networks. Applicants must pass a multiple-choice and performance-based exam.
CompTIA Cloud+: This certification verifies cloud operations expertise. Domains include cloud architecture, DevOps fundamentals and security measures for cloud networks. Applicants must pass a multiple-choice and performance-based exam.
Professional Software Engineering Master Certification: To apply for this certification from IEEE, you need four years of work experience and four years of college-level education. This credential verifies software engineering knowledge in 11 areas, including testing, maintenance, and configuration management.
CompTIA Security+: Computer engineers must understand how to safeguard systems and networks from threats and security vulnerabilities. This certification verifies your ability to secure infrastructures and data. Applicants must pass a multiple-choice and performance-based exam.
The traditional path to become a computer engineer starts with a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer engineering. Some employers may prefer applicants who earned degrees with programmatic accreditation from agencies like ABET.
Bachelor's degrees usually take four years of full-time study. Completing an undergraduate program can help workers qualify for entry-level jobs in computer engineering. An alternative to a bachelor's degree is completing a computer engineering bootcamp, which builds fundamental skills in a condensed time frame.
Demand for computer engineers remains consistent as the world becomes more reliant on technology, including medical devices, household appliances, and cars. From 2022 to 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% increase in hardware engineering jobs and a 25% increase in software development jobs.
Computer engineers can apply their knowledge to roles focusing on software, hardware, or both. For example, these professionals can work as electrical test engineers or software engineers that build firmware embedded into hardware devices. However, without internship experience, aspiring computer engineers may need to start their careers in software design.
Some students land jobs through internship connections. Other graduates secure careers through job fairs at their college. Joining professional organizations, such as the IEEE Computer Society, can offer additional networking opportunities. Professional job boards also support aspiring computer engineers with free listings. We explore several career resources below.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn job postings use your current profile information to find open positions that match your skill set. Many jobs on LinkedIn feature "easy apply" options that allow users to upload a resume and apply with one click.
Computer engineering straddles multiple disciplines, which can make it challenging to master. The difficulty level may depend on your aptitude and interests. For instance, if you are interested in coding, circuits, and transistors, you may thrive in this field.
Computer engineers use coding in their work, though not as much as other professionals in computer science. Nonetheless, coding is a fundamental skill for computer engineers. In college, students typically learn languages like C, C++, and MATLAB.
An entry-level career in computer engineering typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, which takes four years of full-time study. Depending on your background and portfolio, it may also take you several years to accrue relevant experience in other jobs before pursuing a computer engineering role.
Most computer engineers hold a degree, reducing the likelihood of landing a position without going to college. However, enrolling in a software engineering bootcamp and building a strong portfolio can boost your job prospects.
The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department takes a human-centric approach to research and education, with a focus on applications in speech processing, medical imaging, bio-photonics, computer-integrated surgery, renewable energy, human inspired electronic systems for perception and cognition, and other cutting-edge technologies that address real-world problems. Our courses cover wide-ranging topics in three broad areas: signal, systems, and control; electro-physics; and computational systems.
c80f0f1006