College of Engineering
Computer Engineering
Build the intelligent systems driving the future of computing, robotics, and connected devices.
Program details
- Modality
- On-campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Accredited
- ABET
- Designated
- STEM, STEM-OPT
- Average starting salary for computer engineering graduates :
- $75,000 Average starting salary for computer engineering graduates . View career outcomes.
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Why study computer engineering at UMass Dartmouth?
UMass Dartmouth prepares computer engineering students to design and build the intelligent hardware and systems that power a world increasingly shaped by AI and connected technologies. As digital systems become more connected, automated, and data-driven, computer engineers are shaping the future of how people interact with technology.
Our ABET-accredited computer engineering program prepares you to lead in this rapidly evolving field, combining a rigorous curriculum with hands-on, project-based learning.
Through research, internships, and close faculty mentorship, you’ll develop expertise in areas such as computer architecture, embedded systems, networking, the Internet of Things, wireless sensors, mobile technologies, and cybersecurity.
As a computer engineering major, you may also pursue a concentration in cybersecurity, gaining specialized knowledge in protecting computer systems and digital infrastructure from emerging threats.
Launch your career
Salary range: $75,000What can I do with a Computer Engineering BS degree?
Organizations across industries need adaptable, AI-literate problem solvers with the foundational skills necessary to thrive in a changing economy. Computer science graduates are in-demand in a variety of industries and roles, including:
- Computer hardware engineer
- Embedded systems engineer
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Information security engineer
- Design verification engineer
- Systems software engineer
- Internet of Things (IoT) engineer
- Forensic computer analyst
- Machine learning engineer
Top employers
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Curriculum
As a computer engineering major, you'll learn the skills to:
- Design computer hardware, embedded systems, and intelligent devices.
- Develop software that integrates seamlessly with hardware systems.
- Solve complex engineering challenges using programming, electronics, and data analysis.
- Build secure, connected computing systems by working with computer networks, embedded security, operating systems, and cybersecurity principles.
- Complete an industry-style capstone project where you'll design, prototype, test, and present a real engineering solution for a client or research partner.
You'll take courses like programming, circuits, computer architecture, electronics, operating systems, algorithms, and wireless sensor networks. Students in other majors can also add computer engineering or cybersecurity as a minor.
Dual bachelor's degrees in electrical & computer engineering
Expand your expertise across hardware, electronics, and computing systems to prepare for multidisciplinary roles in rapidly evolving high-tech industries. UMass Dartmouth students have the opportunity to earn dual bachelor's degrees in computer engineering and electrical engineering.
Real-world experience
Starting in year one, you'll have opportunities to get out of the classroom and learn by doing.
Through internships, undergraduate research, hackathons, and our signature capstone program, you'll apply what you're learning in real-world settings. Build a professional portfolio, gain industry experience, grow your network, and graduate prepared for high-demand careers or advanced study.
Our computer engineering students have interned with top employers like Dell Technologies, Intel, MathWorks, NASA, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.
Academic advisors and UMass Dartmouth's full-service Career Center support you every step of the way.
Course descriptions and requirements
Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.
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Student spotlight
- Hometown
- New Bedford, MA
- Major
- Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Internship
- EPEC Engineered Technologies, Naval Undersea Warfare Center
- Achievements
- Department of Defense SMART Scholarship
Accelerated degree options
Explore accelerated pathways that may help you complete your bachelor’s degree sooner, begin graduate coursework early, or pursue a streamlined path to a master’s, teaching, or law degree. Available options vary by program and eligibility.
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 more about College of Engineering accelerated degrees
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally Ranked Engineering with ABET-Accredited Programs
The College of Engineering is home to ABET-accredited undergraduate programs and nationally-ranked graduate programs supported by significant research activity and industry partnerships. Students gain hands-on experience through advanced laboratories, faculty-led research, internships, and work addressing emerging challenges in engineering, computing, energy, healthcare, and technology.
Accreditations and distinctions
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Computer Engineering BS program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
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.
Computer engineering combines computing with electrical engineering to design the hardware and embedded systems that power modern technology, while computer science focuses on software, algorithms, and digital systems.
Yes, the BS in computer engineering at UMass Dartmouth is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.
The capstone project is a yearlong, multidisciplinary project where students work in teams to solve an engineering challenge for a real-world client or research sponsor.
Computer Engineering is also available as a minor. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
The Computer Engineering BS program is designated as a STEM degree and may qualify eligible F-1 international students for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension after completing standard post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility for STEM OPT is determined by U.S. immigration regulations and individual student circumstances. To learn about eligibility requirements and the application process, review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) STEM OPT guidance. F-1 students must work with the ISSC to apply for a STEM OPT extension.
Professor
Electrical & Computer Engineering
508-999-8534 dkasilingam@umassd.edu
Science & Engineering 217C