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Computer Engineering

College of Engineering


Computer engineers learn to integrate a variety of skills, knowledge and expertise to design systems that combine hardware and software.

San Luis Obispo, California

The computer engineering curriculum provides a sound theoretical background along with current, practical engineering knowledge.

Computer Engineering Curriculum

Opportunities are available for undergraduate and graduate work in many fields of interest, with the following laboratories available for course work and research projects:

  • Capstone Lab
  • Circuits and Electronics lab
  • Cisco Advanced Network Labs
  • Computer Lab
  • Digital Systems Design Lab
  • Game Design Lab
  • Human Computer Interaction Lab

With twelve units of technical electives, you are able to specialize in an area of special interest. Current areas include:

  • Computer architecture
  • Computer based controls
  • Computer networks
  • Electronics implementation and very-large-scale integration (VLSI)
  • Embedded systems
  • Graphics and multimedia
  • Robotics
  • Software systems

Advanced computer engineering majors are able to participate in a blended program where you can earn your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time.

Blended BS+MS programs include electrical engineering, computer science, general engineering and biomedical engineering. 

BS+MS Computer Engineering Programs

About the Program

The computer engineering program prepares you to develop new computer hardware, design and implement software applications, and enhance the capabilities of networks and communications systems.

You will learn how to apply this knowledge and other engineering processes to solve real-world problems and make positive contributions to society. Ranked as the top bachelors/masters level programs in California and second in the nation, the program is also accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Learn by Doing

Design-centered labs and experiences allow you to gain first-hand knowledge of computer architecture and develop the problem-solving skills and creative processes necessary to design and build various computer systems. This could mean working with the biology department to digitally test compounds that could be used to treat the Zika virus or programming a voice-activated assistant such as an Amazon Alexa to access radiation information from personal dosimeters.

Computer Engineering students with model autonomous navigating battery-powered car

Create Autonomous Robotics

Implement sensors and motor controllers capable of autonomously navigating a battery-powered car.

Our Graduates

Our graduates are valued for their diversity in body and voice, their ability to negotiate complexity and ambiguity, and their ability to make a positive impact on society.

The program prepares you for professional practice in industry, as well as continued study in graduate school. Graduates of our program are heavily recruited and in high demand.

Some of our graduates have gone on to serve as executives, entrepreneurs and leaders of many high-tech industries in Silicon Valley as well as around the world. Major employers include Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle and more.