Program Overview

Computer Engineering Program Overview

The Computer Engineering Program (CPE) at Cal Poly aims to provide students with a well-rounded education in the theory and practice of selected topics in electrical engineering and computer science. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, problem-solving skills, the creative process, and responsible action.

Program Objectives

The program has four educational objectives that inspire alumni to excel professionally:

• Make positive contributions to society and the practice of computer engineering by applying foundational knowledge and the engineering process to solve engineering problems.
• Work in an individual or team environment in a socially responsible manner.
• Engage in lifelong learning through continued professional development or graduate studies.
• Communicate effectively and demonstrate leadership.

Program Curriculum

The program prepares graduates for professional practice in industry and continued study in graduate school. Cal Poly's "learn by doing" philosophy is emphasized by integrating design throughout the curriculum, especially in numerous design-centered laboratories. The required senior capstone experience is a group-project-based course completed over two quarters, where students demonstrate their understanding of engineering knowledge and apply it creatively to practical problems.

Areas of Specialization

Students can specialize in areas of special interest, including:

• Robotics
• Embedded systems
• Computer architecture
• Computer networks
• Computer-based controls
• Software systems
• Graphics and multimedia
• Electronics implementation and VLSI

Laboratory Experience

Laboratory courses supplement the program to develop hands-on skills in all areas of study. Students are exposed to a wide variety of computing equipment, including microprocessor development systems, workstations, personal computers, and advanced network hardware and software.

Student Groups and Activities

Active student groups of interest to computer engineering majors include the Computer Engineering Society, the IEEE Student Branch, the Association for Computing Machinery, the Society of Women Engineers, Women Involved in Software and Hardware, and many other project-oriented student clubs and activities.

Concentrations

The program offers several concentrations, including:

General Curriculum in Computer Engineering

• Prepares students for the design and application of computers and computer-based systems.
• Students learn to integrate a variety of skills, knowledge, and expertise at the intersection of hardware and software, general education, ethics, and society.

Computer Architecture

• Prepares students for success in technical careers in computer architecture, including emerging architectures.
• Students develop skills in hardware and software design.

Computer Hardware Engineering

• Prepares students for success in technical careers in designing and implementing computer hardware.
• Students develop skills in design and engineering.

Computer Systems

• Prepares students for success in technical careers in computer systems, including designing and building distributed computer systems.
• Students evaluate computer architecture designs with particular emphasis on the balance between performance, efficiency, cost, reliability, and security.

Embedded Systems

• Prepares students for success in technical careers in embedded systems, integrating hardware and systems in increasingly common embedded systems.
• Students develop skills in hardware and software integration.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

• Prepares students for success in technical careers in designing and implementing robots and autonomous systems.
• Students develop skills in design and engineering.

Security

• Prepares students for success in technical careers in cybersecurity.
• Students develop skills in hardware and software design.

Program Learning Objectives

The program has several learning objectives, including:

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
• 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.
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• 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.

Degree Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 124-128 units, including:

• 40 units of upper-division courses
• 2.0 GPA
• Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR)
• U.S. Cultural Pluralism (USCP)

Course List

The program includes a variety of courses, such as:

• CPE/CSC 1000: Computing Majors Orientation
• CSC 1001 & 1001L: Fundamentals of Computer Science and Fundamentals of Computer Science Laboratory
• CPE/CSC 1024: Introduction to Computing
• CPE/CSC 2050: System Software Mechanics
• CPE 2300: Introduction to Computer Systems
• CPE 2301: Introduction to HDL and Digital Design Laboratory
• CPE 3160: Microcontrollers and Embedded Applications
• CPE/CSC 3201: Introduction to Computer Security
• CPE 3300: Computer Architecture
• CPE 4464: Introduction to Computer Networks
• CPE/CSC 4553: Introduction to Operating Systems

General Education Requirements

The program requires 43 units of General Education, including:

• 16 units specified in Major and/or Support
• 27 units of additional General Education courses
• A grade of C- or better is required in one course in each of the following GE Areas: 1A (English Composition), 1B (Critical Thinking), 1C (Oral Communication), and 2 (Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning)