Fields of Study
Computer Engineering
Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
- Offered as:
- Major
- Minor
- Graduate program
Overview
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.
The major in computer engineering includes three areas of special emphasis:
- Embedded systems
- Operating systems and firmware
- Hardware design
- Strengths of the program
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- Benefit from industry-university partnerships and participate in summer internships.
- Participate in research programs on integrated circuit design, digital systems design (including signal processing and communications), networking, and medical computer imaging.
- Enjoy vast resources in lab facilities, computers, and personnel.
- Tackle intricate design problems using well-equipped laboratories with the most modern digital design software available.
- 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.
- Gain skills through a program that combines computer science, software engineering, and electrical engineering.
- Requirements and core courses
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The curriculum includes:
- A solid foundation in mathematics and sciences.
- 33 credits of required computer and electrical engineering courses.
- 15 credits of required core computer science courses.
- 9 credits of elective courses that allow you to specialize in a specific area of computer engineering.
Certifying into the major
Students join the program pre-certified 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 that include the required prerequisite courses (listed in the WSU catalog).
Sample Courses:
Here are some of the courses that computer engineering students are likely to take:
- Program Design and Development
- Data Structures
- Systems Programming
- Design of Logic Circuits
- Microprocessor Systems
- Electrical Circuits
- Electronics
- Computer Architecture
For more information on the computer engineering program, including current course offerings, see the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) website.
Note: See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.
- Transfer information
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Plan ahead
To certify your major in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, you will need to complete specific prerequisite courses. Use our list of transfer equivalencies to make sure you take the right transfer courses at your current college.
Also check out the University's transfer student guide for more information on transferring to WSU.
- Scholarships and financial aid
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For computer engineering students
The College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) 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 CEA that will be continued by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
For all students
A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.
For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.
- Suggested strengths, interests, and preparation
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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
- Campus organizations and activities
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Join the active Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) student chapter, which organizes a career fair each spring featuring more than 60 industry representatives. You can also join the student chapter of the ACM (Association of Computing Machinery).
WSU offers a wide variety of student organizations for engineering and computer science students. See more.
- Careers in computer engineering
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Graduates of WSU's computer engineering 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.
Employers seek graduates with computer application skills in the traditional engineering fields, computer and data processing skills, and hardware and software development.
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.