Computer engineering is an exciting field that spans topics across electrical engineering and computer science. Students learn, practice, and perform research related to the design and analysis of computer systems, including both hardware and software aspects and their integration. Careers in computer engineering are wide and varied, ranging from embedded computer systems found in consumer products or medical devices, to control systems for automobiles, aircraft and trains, to more wide-ranging applications in telecommunications, financial transactions and information systems.
Computer engineers design, produce, operate, program, and maintain computer and digital systems. They generally apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to the design of hardware, software, networks, and processes to solve technical problems. Hence research in Computer Engineering covers a broad spectrum of topics, such as computer architecture, embedded systems, integrated circuit design, Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) systems, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), design automation, hardware/software codesign, software development and systems, software engineering, digital and computer systems design, computer networks, computer and network security, testing, fault-tolerant computing, dependable computing, real-time systems, algorithms, operating systems, middleware, compilers, database management, parallel computing and distributed systems, and computer graphics and vision.
The Computer Engineering Program (CPE) at the University of Virginia offers three graduate degrees: Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and a PhD. The Master of Science degree is more research-oriented than the Master of Engineering degree. The former requires a 6-credit thesis, while the latter allows students to optionally undertake a 3-credit project.
We offer both undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs
in Computer Engineering. These programs are jointly administered
by the Department of Computer Science and the Department
of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
graduate
student information |
department website
