Computer Engineering, B.S. - Electronic Systems Track
Program Transfer Guide
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Effective
Fall, 2024 - Current
Instruction Methods
In person
About the Program
The Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering offers two programs of undergraduate study: one leading to a Computer Science, B.S., and the other leading to a Computer Engineering, B.S. Both programs provide a balanced, practical, and theoretical approach to the study of software and hardware that includes the latest advances in these two areas. The department has close ties with nearby centers of research and development, such as NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Defense, the Center for Computing Sciences, Northrop Grumman, and Verizon.
Computer engineering is a field that combines training in classical electrical engineering disciplines with in-depth preparation in computer science topics. The result is a trained problem solver who understands both the hardware and software aspects of computers and who can design and implement solutions on both sides of the hardware/software interface. Computer engineers are employed across the wide range of growing industries associated with communications, control, and signal processing and microelectronic fabrication: from the “smart grid” to “software defined radios”; from intelligent vehicle systems to information security for national and commercial customers; from telecommunications to medical instrumentation; from consumer electronics to space-based systems; from microprocessors to supercomputers to MP3 players; from the design of integrated circuits to development of computer-vision capabilities. A significant portion of graduates pursue advanced study, primarily in computer engineering, electrical engineering or computer science.
The Electronic Systems track focuses on large electronic systems and networks. Students who specialize in this track emerge with experience in very large scale integrated (VLSI) design and the design of programmable logic devices, including fully programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
Career and Academic Paths
Graduates of the computer science and computer engineering programs at UMBC find employment in government, industry, and business. They are well prepared for careers in software and hardware development. Graduates have been admitted to some of the top graduate programs in the nation. Others have found jobs with such employers as the Department of Defense, IBM, NASA, Northrop Grumman, Verizon, and many local industries, including numerous exciting startup companies. The department’s M.S. and Ph.D. programs in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering provide advanced training in their respective areas. Each of these programs provides students with additional marketable skills for career opportunities in business, industry, government agencies, and academic environments. Outstanding undergraduate students are encouraged to enroll in graduate-level courses.
The department also offers a combined B.S./M.S. program for talented students.
The department also offers a combined B.S./M.S. program for talented students.
Evening Option
Evening sections of many computer science courses are offered. Many of the requirements for the computer science major can be fulfilled by attending evening courses. However, some required courses for the computer engineering major are offered only in daytime sections.
Special Opportunities
Students may elect to participate in internship or co-op programs during their undergraduate studies. For several reasons, the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering recommends that every student seriously consider at least one tour of professional practice during their undergraduate program. The experience may clarify and help determine succeeding semester course choices. Those who co-op may earn enough money to pay tuition expenses for a subsequent semester. Additionally, a co-op experience can be used to earn up to three credits of upper-level academic elective credit. Finally, both internships and co-op tours arm the new college graduate with what most employers are looking for: experience. Co-op positions that extend beyond a single semester are normally full-time, paid experiences. Internships are part-time, professional, on-the-job positions that are completed within a semester. Eligibility is based upon the completion of 30 credits, 15 of which must be from a full-time semester on a University System of Maryland campus. The student must have at least a 2.5 GPA. Interested students should contact UMBC’s Shriver Center.
Student Organizations
Student Councils
Two student-led councils of majors provide students the opportunity to meet and work with fellow computer science and computer engineering students on various projects.
Two student-led councils of majors provide students the opportunity to meet and work with fellow computer science and computer engineering students on various projects.
**This program has gateway courses that all students must complete in order to be eligible for full admission into the Computer Engineering major.
Students must meet minimum grade requirements for the courses and adhere to the course repeat policy of their specific major.
Learn more about the gateway requirement and repeat policy.
Students must meet minimum grade requirements for the courses and adhere to the course repeat policy of their specific major.
Learn more about the gateway requirement and repeat policy.