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Computer Engineering
BS, BS/MS, Minor

Major in computer engineering

Computer engineers apply electrical engineering techniques and computer science concepts to develop dependable, cost-effective hardware and software systems and components.

Computer engineering is a rapidly growing discipline and is also one of the highest-paid engineering fields. Specialty areas within computer engineering include:

  • computer architecture
  • computer networks
  • cybersecurity
  • embedded systems
  • mobile devices
  • wireless sensors
  • Internet of Things

As a computer engineering major, you'll be prepared to meet the changing high-technology needs of industry and to continue with graduate studies. Our computer engineering program prepares you for this evolving field by providing a strong background in science, mathematics, and engineering.

The bachelor's degree program in computer engineering also offers a concentration in cybersecurity: the application of measures to protect computers and computer systems from unauthorized access and attack.

What do computer engineers do?

Computer engineers develop a broad range of technologies, including microprocessors, circuit boards, software applications, robotics, and memory chips.

A computer engineering degree will prepare you to work in a variety of fields such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, communications, consumer electronics, medicine, power, and space. As a computer engineer, you may work as a designer, researcher, scientist, educator, consultant, entrepreneur, executive, public official, or in the military.

 

Student success

Computer engineering program alumni median starting salary

UMass Dartmouth NACE AY 2024 Data Collection of Undergraduate Alumni
Christopher Brunette sitting in the library

Student spotlight

Christopher Brunette '24, '25

Chris Brunette earned 3 degrees in 5 years by taking advantage of the dual-major in computer and electrical engineering and accelerated BS/MS options at UMassD. He served as a peer tutor in the STEM Learning Lab and completed two internships at EPEC Engineered Technologies and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. Brunette was also one of the recipients of the highly competitive SMART scholarship, which provides full tuition, stipend, and guaranteed employment after graduation. 

"UMassD has given me the golden ticket. With all this education and experience, I have every tool I need to do anything I could dream of." 

Internship sites

  • Dell Technologies
  • GE Healthcare
  • Electric Boat
  • Intel
  • MathWorks
  • NASA
  • Naval Undersea Warfare Center

Graduate school placements

  • California Institute of Technology
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • MIT
  • Purdue University
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Texas

Career placements

  • AT&T
  • EMC Corporation
  • General Dynamics
  • Lockheed Martin
  • MathWorks
  • Naval Underwater Warfare Center (NUWC)
  • Raytheon
  • Siemens

Our program graduates students who excel in applications engineering and team leadership. Your courses will include programming, circuits, digital design, electronics, operating systems, algorithms, and computer networks. You can also choose from technical electives such as integrated circuits, computer architecture, wireless sensor networks, wireless communications, multimedia communications, database systems, network security, and dependable computing.

For the BS in computer engineering, you'll complete 68 credits in computer and electrical engineering courses and a total of 120 credits overall. During your senior year, you will complete a team design project that provides real-world experience defined by current industry needs.

Concentration in cybersecurity: the application of measures to protect computers and computer systems from unauthorized access and attack. Learn more

Dual bachelor's degrees in electrical & computer engineering: Prepare to meet a broad range of challenges in these ever-changing high-tech fields.

A minor in computer engineering provides the opportunity to specialize in areas such as computer architecture, computer networks, database systems, and digital circuits. For the minor, you'll complete at least 23.5 credits.

4+1 Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option

Qualified students in this program may be eligible to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway at UMass Dartmouth. This option allows you to begin graduate coursework while completing your undergraduate degree and transition directly into a master's program. Learn how the accelerated program works.

  • Capstone projects: most senior engineering students work in small teams on real-world, industry-specific challenges that demand analysis, proposals, prototypes, and solutions.
  • Community: join organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Association for Computing Machinery, the Electrical and Computer Engineers National Honor Society, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders.
  • Experience: participate in co-op and internship programs to gain valuable experience with regional industries, often while also earning money for college.
  • New initiatives: collaborate, create, and explore the Center for Scientific Computing and Visualization Research.

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

UMass Dartmouth offers a great transfer experience for students who:

  • have graduated from an accredited community college, or
  • have earned college credits from an accredited college or university

Transfer Admissions

ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission