Computer Engineering

Overview

The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering administers the degree in computer engineering (CPE). Computer engineers embed computers in other machines and systems, build networks to transfer data, and develop ways to make computers faster, smaller, and more capable. They are making computers more mobile and incorporating computers into fabrics, clothes, and building materials. Computer engineers have the option of moving into hardware or software positions or blending the two. Industries hiring computer engineers include financial services, computer manufacturers, chemical companies, defense contractors, consulting, transportation, manufacturing, and consumer goods. Computer engineers are equally successful in large multinational firms and small startups. 

Curriculum

The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BS CPE). Courses are focused on computational engineering, digital systems, embedded systems, data structures and algorithms, and applied software design. Students can select from five majors with the degree program. Review the University Catalog to see the required coursework. 

The degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET for engineering.

Majors and Related Degrees/Minors

Chip-Scale Integration (CPI)
The CPI major focuses on harnessing advances in integrated digital and analog electronics to add greater functionality, improve performance, minimize power consumption, and expand applications.
Related Engineering Degrees: Electrical Engineering
Related Degrees: Music Technology | Physics
Related Minors: Physics

Computer Engineering (CPE)
Our traditional CPE major allows students to develop a broad understanding of embedding computers into other machines and systems, building networks to transfer data, and developing ways to make computers faster, smaller, and more capable.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Business Information Technology | Environmental Informatics | Mathematics | Music Technology | Statistics | Physics
Related Minors: Computer Science | Cybersecurity | Mathematics | Physics  

Controls, Robotics, and Autonomy (CRA)
The CRA majors seeks new ways to interact with the world, interpret information, regulate processes, and teach systems how to make autonomous decisions.
Related Engineering Degrees: Aerospace Engineering | Computer Science | Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Related Degrees: Music Technology | Statistics
Related Minors: Computer Science

Machine Learning (MCHL)
The MCHL major focuses on the art of teaching computer systems how to learn on their own.
Related Engineering Degrees: Computer Science
Related Degrees: Business Information Technology | Environmental Informatics | Mathematics | Statistics
Related Minors: Computer Science | Mathematics

Networking and Cybersecurity (NWCS)
The NWCS major draws on hardware and software skills to ensure the efficient and safe transmission of data and energy through networks.
Related Engineering Degrees: Computer Science
Related Degrees: Mathematics
Related Minors: Computer Science | Cybersecurity | Mathematics

Software Systems (SFTW)
The SFTW major focuses on writing complex software systems of all sizes for applications including machine learning, cyber-physical systems, and infrastructure software.
Related Engineering Degrees: Computer Science
Related Degrees: Business Information Technology | Music Technology
Related Minors: Computer Science

Getting Involved

Ambassadors
Honor Society - Eta Kappa Nu (HKN)
Professional Society – Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Undergraduate Research
Student Organizations
Study Abroad

Career Resources

Our Engineering Career Resource provides you with all of the most frequently used career information websites in one place for ease of access. This list includes links to VT First Destination Post Grad Report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Defense, and many more.