BS in Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering is one of two BS programs offered by the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Where would we be without computers? Modern computers are complex systems that may consist of single machines or many interconnected computers linked by a network. Computers are playing an increasingly active role in our lives; they are the “brains” inside of telephone and communications systems, process control and manufacturing automation systems, information management systems, large household appliances, automobiles, transportation systems, and medical instrumentation—not to mention the internet. Behind all of these devices—and the explosive growth of our technological society—is computer engineering. As a computer engineer, you will learn to engineer hardware, software, and computer networks.

As a computer engineering student, you will begin by building a strong foundation in the basics—physical sciences, mathematics, and computer science—all of which are necessary for a successful understanding of engineering. After establishing a foundation, you will enhance your understanding of the theory and application of computer engineering through courses designed to help you acquire specific techniques and skills in subject areas such as logic design, computer organization, operating systems, software design, and algorithms. You will also enroll in technical electives to help you gain a broader understanding of the subfields of computer engineering, such as VLSI, networking, and software design. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore areas of Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things through a sequence of available courses.

During the senior year, you will join electrical engineering students in a year-long, department-wide capstone design project that draws upon all of the knowledge and skills that you will have learned in your previous years of study. Structured to resemble a real engineering company, the capstone project class will require you to design a product to meet customer needs and specifications. Design teams are responsible for product conception, development, testing, and construction, as well as budget management, oral presentations, and documentation.

The BS program in Computer Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org).

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Computer Engineering BS program will have:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Degree Requirements

A total of 133 units is required for graduation. In addition to satisfying all BS requirements as listed below, a minimum of 48 units of coursework must be taken at Boston University in the upper-division program. The upper-division program consists of the program requirements and program electives as listed below for the junior and senior years. BU Hub electives and writing courses (CAS WR 120 & WR 15X) cannot be counted toward this requirement.

All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Computer Engineering will ordinarily, through required coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in the areas of Quantitative Reasoning and Scientific Inquiry, as well as most of the requirements in the areas of Communication and the Intellectual Toolkit. The remaining eight BU Hub requirements will be satisfied by selecting from a wide range of electives outside the major or, in some cases, cocurricular experiences.

Required Courses (typical sequence)

Freshman

First Term (16 units)

• CAS MA 123 Calculus I (4 units)
• CAS WR 120 Writing Seminar (4 units)
• ENG EK 100 Freshman Advising Seminar (0 units)
• ENG EK 121 Introduction to Programming and Data Science (2 units)
• ENG EK 122 Programming for Engineers (2 units)
• Natural science elective (4 units)

Second Term (17 units)

• CAS MA 124 Calculus II (4 units)
• CAS PY 211 Physics I (4 units)
• CAS WR 151, WR 152, or WR 153 Writing and Research Seminar (4 units)
• ENG EK 103 Computational Linear Algebra (3 units)
• ENG EK 131 Introduction to Engineering (2 units)

Sophomore

First Term (18 units)

• CAS MA 193 Introduction to Discrete Mathematics (2 units)
• CAS MA 225 Multivariate Calculus (4 units)
• CAS PY 212 Physics II (4 units)
• ENG EK 307 Electric Circuits (4 units)
• ENG EC 327 Introduction to Software Engineering (4 units)

Second Term (18 units)

• CAS MA 226 Differential Equations (4 units)
• ENG EC 311 Introduction to Logic Design (4 units)
• ENG EC 330 Applied Algorithms for Engineering (4 units)
• ENG EK 210 Introduction to Engineering Design (2 units)
• ENG EK 301 Engineering Mechanics I (4 units)

Junior

First Term (16 units)

• ENG EC 413 Computer Organization (4 units)
• ENG EK 381 Probability, Statistics, and Data Science for Engineers (4 units)
• Computer Engineering Core elective (4 units)
• Hub elective (4 units)

Second Term (16 units)

• Computer Engineering Core elective (4 units)
• Computer Engineering elective (4 units)
• Electrical Engineering Breadth elective (4 units)
• Hub elective (4 units)

Senior

First Term (16 units)

• ENG EC 463 Senior Design Project I (4 units)
• Computer Engineering elective (4 units)
• Technical elective (4 units)
• Hub elective (4 units)

Second Term (16 units)

• ENG EC 464 Senior Design Project II (4 units)
• Technical elective (4 units)
• Technical elective (4 units)
• Hub elective (4 units)