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 program prepares you for this evolving field by providing a strong background in science, mathematics, and engineering.
Computer engineers 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.
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.
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 75 credits in general engineering and computer and electrical engineering courses with 122 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.
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Melanie, a computer engineering major, says real-world experience, collaborative research projects, & extracurricular activities prepared her for her full-time position as an analyst with Dell EMC.
Internship sites
- Dell EMC
- Electric Boat
- 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
Entry-level computer engineering salary range in New England:
$82,000
- $89,800
National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2021 Salary Survey
UMassD advantages
- 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 at our IDEAStudio and the Center for Scientific Computing and Visualization Research.
- Honors College: take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars
- Study Abroad: earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field
- Undergraduate Research: faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects
- University Studies: gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills
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
- Accelerated BS/MS Program: This program enables qualified BS degree students to complete both the BS and the MS degrees in 5 years.
- MS in Electrical Engineering: Expand your career options with a master's degree in computer engineering.
- PhD in Electrical Engineering: Our doctoral program in electrical engineering also offers an option in computer engineering.
- Graduate Certificates: The department also offers certificate programs for working professionals.