Computer Engineering Information

  1. Overview
  2. Undergraduate Record
  3. Declaring the Major
  4. Degree Requirements
    1. School of Engineering and Applied Science General Requirements
    2. Introduction to Programming
    3. Core Curriculum
      1. Before Spring 2023
      2. After Spring 2023
    4. CS/ECE Electives
      1. Before Spring 2023
      2. After Spring 2023
    5. Capstone
    6. Science/Math Elective
    7. Unrestricted Electives

Overview

Faculty from the Computer Science and Electrical & Computer Engineering Departments jointly administer the CpE undergraduate degree program. The curriculum has been carefully designed to assure that students obtain an excellent background in both disciplines.

What does a Computer Engineer do? We work with hardware and software to create modern computing and embedded systems. Graduates of the Bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering Program are successful practitioners and innovators in computer engineering and other fields. Our students learn to analyze, design and implement creative solutions to problems with computer hardware, software, systems and applications. They contribute effectively as team members, communicate clearly and interact responsibly with colleagues, clients, employers and society.

Undergraduate Record

The official undergraduate record contains the official rules for completing the degree program. If there is any disagreement between these pages and the rules in the undergraduate record, the record is the final authority.

UVA CpE Undergraduate Record 2022-2023

Declaring the Major

Students declare their major in the School of Engineering and Applied Science either in their second semester if they entered the school as a first year student or upon transfer to the School. More information can be found on the SEAS page for major declaration.

Degree Requirements

All students completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering must fulfill the following requirements.

School of Engineering and Applied Science General Requirements

CpE students must complete the unified set of general requirements for all engineering majors. More information can be found on the SEAS Curricular Requirements page. These courses are often completed during the first two years in SEAS, with the exception of STS 4500 and 4600, which are taken during the fall and spring of the fourth year, respectively.

Introduction to Programming

All SEAS students (including CpE majors) must complete one Introduction to Programming course as a part of their general SEAS requirements. More information on CS 111X options.

Core Curriculum

The core of the computer engineering program provides depth in the areas of ECE fundamentals, software engineering, digital logic, embedded systems and computer systems.

Before Spring 2023

  • CS 2100 - Data Structures and Algorithms 1 (Credits: 3)
  • CS 2120 - Discrete Math and Theory 1 (Credits: 3)
  • CS 2130 - Computer Systems and Organization 1 (Credits: 4)
  • CS 3130 - Computer Systems and Organization 2 (Credits: 4)
  • CS 3140 - Software Development Essentials (Credits: 3)
  • ECE 2330 - Digital Logic and Design (Credits: 3)
  • ECE 2630 - ECE Fundamentals I (Credits: 4)
  • ECE 2660 - ECE Fundamentals II (Credits: 4)
  • ECE 3430 - Intro Embedded Computing Systems (Credits: 4)
  • ECE 3750 - ECE Fundamentals III (Credits: 4)
  • ECE 4435 - Computer Architecture & Design (Credits: 4.5)

Total: 40.5 credits.

After Spring 2023

  • CS 2100 - Data Structures and Algorithms 1 (Credits: 3)
  • CS 2120 - Discrete Math and Theory 1 (Credits: 3)
  • CS 2130 - Computer Systems and Organization 1 (Credits: 4)
  • CS 3130 - Computer Systems and Organization 2 (Credits: 4)
  • CS 3140 - Software Development Essentials (Credits: 3)
  • ECE 2300 - Applied Circuits (Credits: 3)
  • ECE 2330 - Digital Logic and Design (Credits: 3)
  • ECE 2600 - Electronics (Credits: 3)
  • ECE 2700 - Signals and Systems (Credits: 3)
  • ECE 3430 - Intro Embedded Computing Systems (Credits: 4)
  • ECE 4435 - Computer Architecture & Design (Credits: 4.5)

Total: 37.5 credits.

CS/ECE Electives

CS/ECE electives are CS or ECE courses at the 3000 level or higher. Two of the CS/ECE electives must be 4000 level or above.

Before Spring 2023

CpE majors must complete 12 credits of CS/ECE electives.

After Spring 2023

CpE majors must complete 15 credits of CS/ECE electives.

Capstone

CpE majors must take ECE 4440 to fulfill the capstone requirement.

  • ECE 4440 - Embedded System Design (Credits: 4.5)

Science/Math Elective

Chosen from: BIOL 2100, 2200; CHEM 1420; approved APMA course; MSE 2090; and PHYS 2620.

Unrestricted Electives

CpE majors must complete twelve (12) credits of unrestricted electives. APMA 1090 counts as three-credit unrestricted elective. Other unrestricted electives may be chosen from any graded course in the University except the following mathematics courses: MATH 1310, STAT 1100 and STAT 1120 or any course that substantially duplicate any others offered for the degree including PHYS 2010, 2020; CS 1010, 1020; or any introductory programming course. Students in doubt as to what is acceptable to satisfy a degree requirement should get the approval of their advisor and the dean’s office, located A122 Thornton Hall. See the SEAS page regarding electives for more information.